Fisheries for coho salmon on the Methow, Wenatchee, and Icicle rivers in Eastern Washington were opened today through Oct. 31.
The Icicle had a small coho fishery in 2009, but the Methow and Wenatchee haven’t opened for silvers in 30 years, according to Jeff Korth, fish manager in the region for the state Department of Fish and Wildlife.
He’s predicting a strong return of coho for all three rivers. Some 20,000 are expected to return above Rock Island Dam, more than enough for adequate spawning and broodstock, he said.
“Coho salmon nearly disappeared from the upper Columbia River in the early 1930s, but they’ve really made a comeback in the past decade,” he said.
He credited re-introduction by the Yakama Nation.
“This gives anglers fishing for hatchery steelhead and chinook slamon more opportunities to take home some fish,” Korth said.
Hatchery steelhead fishing is already open, with a two-fish limit.
The Wenatchee is open from the mouth to the mouth of the Icicle.
The Icicle is open from the mouth to 500 feet downstream of the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery Barrier Dam.
The Methow is open from the mouth to the confluence with the Chewuch River in Winthrop.
Lures or flies must have a single, barbless hook. No night fishing is allowed.
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