Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife FISHING RULE CHANGE
WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE
600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091

September 16, 2003

Chinook fishery opens September 6 through 30, 2003 on Okanogan and Similkameen rivers

Action: The Okanogan and Similkameen rivers will open to the harvest of chinook salmon. Daily limit is six salmon, with no more than two adults. Salmon other than chinook and all game fish must be released unharmed. Night closure and non-buoyant lure restriction in place.

Effective date: September 6 through September 30, 2003

Location: The Okanogan River upstream of the Highwy 97 bridge at Brewster to a quarter mile below the railroad trestle near Zosel Dam, and the Similkameen River from the confluence with the Okanogan River upstream to the city bridge at Oroville.

Reason for action: The recent summer chinook run past Wells Dam has exceeded 42,000 fish. Natural production escapement objectives are 3,500 fish. This leaves chinook escapement approximately 11 times greater than natural production needs for the tributaries upstream of Wells Dam.

Information contact: Kirk Truscott, (509) 664-1227 or Joe Foster, (509) 754-4624.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Check the WDFW "Fishing in Washington" rules pamphlet for details on fishing seasons and regulations. Fishing rules are subject to change. Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information at (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules. For the Shellfish Rule Change hotline call (360)796-3215 or toll free 1-866-880-5431.

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