Remember 2014 when the Icicle River in Leavenworth opened to coho fishing? Well, they are back! I wanted everyone that is interested to check the WDFW web site news releases for the announcement that should be out very soon. These fish are part of an effort by the Yakima Tribe to re-introduce coho to some of our tributaries. There aren’t enough of them returning to the Methow River to justify opening a season, along with concerns for encountering steelhead in the river. I expect to see the announcement to allow anglers to take two fish a day. Barbless hooks will either be required or voluntary, I have to see the official release to know for sure. No bait will be allowed. The no bait thing isn’t a big deal as most of these fish will readily hit a jig. I watched anglers on the Icicle the last time it was open, and it was really fun watching the coho pounce on these jigs. The best fishing was down stream from the hatchery, above the drift boat put in. Please be sure to read the official announcement news release to get the proper information about the season and regulations.
Coho were swarming below the hatchery on the Icicle River in 2014, and they are back in good enough numbers for a fishery this year.