SALMON FISHING -- The spring chinook salmon fishing season on the Icicle River in Chelan County will open Saturday (May 19), the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife announced this afternoon.

The closing date, subject to change, is July 31.

Daily limit:  Daily limit two salmon, minimum size 12 inches. 

Location: Icicle River, from the closure signs located 800 feet upstream of the mouth to 500 feet downstream of the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery Barrier Dam.

Read on for details.

Reason for action: In-season run analysis has predicted that about 7,000salmon are currently enroute to the Icicle River. Although upper Columbia River spring Chinook have been listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the salmon returning to the Icicle River are a non-endemic stock returning to Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery, and are not listed under the ESA. About 1,000 salmon are needed to meet hatchery broodstock. The 2012 return ensures that the hatchery will meet its escapement needs; the remaining fish will be available for harvest. Steelhead have also finished spawning and cleared the river prior to the season.

Other Information: Night closure will be in effect. No gear restrictions are in effect. The regulation allowing two-pole angling on the Columbia River DOES NOT APPLY to the Icicle River.

• WDFW emergency regulations are posted online.
• Click here for details on Washington fishing seasons and regulations.
• Check the WDFW Fishing hotline for the latest rule information, (360) 902-2500, press 2 for recreational rules.