Action: Opens Salmon Creek to fishing

Effective Dates: July 27, 2013 through Oct. 31, 2013

Species Affected: Smallmouth bass, Eastern brook trout, adipose-clipped rainbow trout.

Location: Salmon Creek, from the Okanogan Irrigation District diversion (4.5 miles upstream of the mouth) to Conconully Reservoir Dam.

Reason for Action: Salmon Creek has been designated as a recovery stream for steelhead listed for protection under the federal Endangered Species Act. Sufficient water has been procured for Salmon Creek to attract spawning steelhead adults. However, non-native species such as smallmouth bass and eastern brook trout, along with residual juvenile hatchery steelhead, have increased competition and predation and made recovery efforts more difficult.

Daily Limits: For smallmouth bass, eastern brook trout, and adipose-clipped rainbow trout, there is no minimum size and the daily limit for each species is 10. All other trout and salmon species must be released. Selective gear rules are in effect.

Other Information: For rainbow trout, only fish with a clipped adipose fin and a healed scar at the location of the clipped fin can be retained.

Information Contact: Bob Jateff, District 6 Fish Biologist in Twisp, (509) 997-0316; or Jeff Korth, Region 2 Fish Program Manager in Ephrata, (509) 754-4624.