Upper Yakima Open For Chinook
The first fishing in about 40 years for spring chinook salmon in the upper Yakima River in south central Washington’s Kittitas County will open this weekend.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is allowing fishing for eight days over four consecutive weekends so that anglers can benefit from the highest Yakima chinook run since records have been kept. WDFW is treating the limited season as a test fishery to gain information to prepare for an even greater run of fish expected next year.
Chinook salmon fishing in the upper Yakima River will be allowed this Saturday and Sunday, June 17-18, June 24-25 and July 1-2 during daylight hours only.
The open fishing area includes over 49 miles of the upper Yakima River, from WDFW’s Teanaway Junction public access/ boat ramp (river mile 177.7) downstream to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management’s Roza Access Area/boat ramp at the head of the Roza Dam pool (river mile 128.4).
The daily catch limit is one salmon (adult or jack) retained or released. No catch-and-release salmon fishing is permitted; salmon fishing ends for the day after catching one salmon, whether the angler chooses to retain or release the fish.
Several other regulations are in effect and anglers should check with the WDFW for additional information.
Free fishing clinics
The Idaho Department of Fish and Game has scheduled fishing clinics Saturday to coincide with the free fishing day.
Clinics are scheduled at Ponderosa Springs Golf Course in Coeur d’Alene from 7-11 a.m. and Anderson Ranch Pond, five miles south of St. Maries on Highway 3 from 9 a.m. to noon. Other clinics from 9 a.m. - noon are the IDFG Mullan Fish Hatchery, Round Lake State Park south of Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry Lions Club Pond and the IDFG Clark Fork Hatchery.
IDFG personnel will be on hand to answer questions and help beginning anglers learn about terminal tackle, casting and fishing techniques, and fish identification.
Rainbow trout are being stocked in each location for the clinics and should provide for good fishing. Limited equipment will be available for use. However, anyone with tackle of their own is encouraged to bring it.
Mountain biking - women only
A weekend of mountain bike riding and instruction -for women only - is planned in North Idaho July 8-9 during the annual Skurtzendirt.
The group will camp at the Buttonhook Bay Group campsite in Farragut State Park. The Saturday schedule includes morning bike-handling skills clinics followed by mechanics sessions, massages and group rides.
On Sunday, bikers will set out on a poker ride, with options for a ride up Bernard Peak and sea kayaking tours on Lake Pend Oreille.
The $60 fee covers camping, meals, T-shirt, goodies and other costs.
Spokane folk-rock artist Tiana Gregg will perform at the evening campfire. Dinner will be catered by Capers Bistro.
Deadline to register is July 1. Info: (208) 263-4987 or online at www.skurtzendirt.org. Registration forms are in most bike shops.