08-25-2005, 03:32 PM
OLYMPIA, WA[font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2]—[/size][/font] Salmon fishing opened in the Okanogan and lower Similkameen rivers late last week. Although it was expected to be closed, the Upper Columbia River summer chinook return was strong, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) determined that the stocks are stable and unlikely to be a threat to the local steelhead.
The exact locations for the opening are the Okanogan River from the Highway 97 Bridge downstream of the Lake Osoyoos Control Dam in Oroville, and the Similkameen River from the mouth upstream to the County Road Bridge in Oroville.
Also, the WDFW has prohibited recreational fishing for halibut in Marine Area 2 (Westport) to protect canary rockfish, which are often hurt and accidentally caught by anglers targeting bottomfish, such as halibut.
For more information or to check the latest Washington rule changes, check the WDFW Fishing Hotline at: (360) 902-2500 (press 2 for recreational rules).
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The exact locations for the opening are the Okanogan River from the Highway 97 Bridge downstream of the Lake Osoyoos Control Dam in Oroville, and the Similkameen River from the mouth upstream to the County Road Bridge in Oroville.
Also, the WDFW has prohibited recreational fishing for halibut in Marine Area 2 (Westport) to protect canary rockfish, which are often hurt and accidentally caught by anglers targeting bottomfish, such as halibut.
For more information or to check the latest Washington rule changes, check the WDFW Fishing Hotline at: (360) 902-2500 (press 2 for recreational rules).
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