There is something about sockeye fishing that makes anglers feverish. As soon as the season for summer run Chinook is announced, the next question I get is if sockeye fishing will be open, too—often in the same breath. Right after that it’s if Lake Wenatchee will open. The question about Lake Wenatchee sockeye fishing will persist until it either opens or is determined that there weren’t enough fish over Tumwater Dam to have a fishery. This year is no different. Rumors have been flying. First people were looking at last year’s E-Reg announcement. Then it was to be open on the first of August. There still hasn’t been an official news release, but I expect official word by August 2nd. Remember we need 23,500 over Tumwater Dam for escapement and then need a good buffer to have a fishery. As of last week, over 27,000 sockeye had passed over Tumwater, and our local biologist is recommending that we have a season to open by the middle of the week. So, keep your eyes peeled for the official news release from the WDFW and start tying sockeye rigs! Get ready for the crush at the State Park boat launch, too.
This view of Glacier Peak at sunrise makes the Lake Wenatchee sockeye fishery one of the most scenic in the state.