Looks like the record sockeye run on the Columbia will allow for opening of Sockeye fishing this weekend.
https://fortress.wa.gov/dfw/erules/efishrules/erule.jsp?id=1215
We received the following note from Rollie Schmitten, local sockey expert this evening:
For the many fishing enthusiasts, attached is the opening announcement for the sockeye season at Lake Wenatchee. This is a very good run, better than the forecast, and should allow 2-3 weeks of fishing. Please note the differences in the fishing regulations from that on the Columbia River, particularly that in the Brewster Pool, e.g. no two rod authorization, 3 fish rather than a 6 fish bag limit currently on the Columbia, no bait or scent, and you need the Columbia river endorsement stamp. (Admin: note 3 fish is up from 2 in prior years)
There have been several messages of concern about the salmon counting process at Tumwater Dam. Different from previous years, the Department of Fish and Wildlife “only” count the spring chinook and starting this year, the Chelan County PUD counts the sockeye. I met with the PUD today to discuss their system. They use a video process similar to that used for counting fish at Rock Island and Rocky Reach Dams. They run the system 24/7 with a back up system should the primary system fail. I was impressed and think that this is an improvement over not staffing the Tumwater dam around the clock like the DFWL did up to last year; and recently only ran 2 shifts and shut down the ladder for the night. Opening the ladder and starting the count the next day.
Good fishing,
Rollie Schmitten
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