FISHING RULE CHANGE WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501-1091

August 24, 2004

Action: Lake Wenatchee closes to sockeye salmon fishing

Effective date/time: Aug. 31, 2004 (one hour after official sunset)

Species affected: Sockeye salmon

Location: Lake Wenatchee (Chelan Co.)

Reason for action: Creel census indicates that catch rates and fishing effort are rapidly declining as sockeye mature and migrate into the Little Wenatchee, White and Napeequa River to spawn in September. The quality of the sockeye is also declining as fish approach spawning time.

Other information: The regulations listed on page 92 of the WDFW Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet pertaining to trout and other game fish remain in effect. Total harvest for the 39-day fishery, which opened on July 24, is projected to reach 5,700 to 5,800 sockeye.