Salmon FAQ
Many questions we can answer quickly right here. Even though your question may not match exactly find one that is close as it may have the information you need. If you need further information or have a different question please do not hesitate to ask.
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Q. What License do I need?
A. You will need a Freshwater License, Salmon Enhancement Stamp, and Salmon Catch card. If you know for sure you will only go fishing a few days then a one to five day license will work. If you are not sure we recommend a full year as just two (two day) permits is more then an annual license. If you are fishing on Lake Chelan a standard Freshwater license is all that is required. You can buy your license on-line before your trip by clicking on the WDFW link. Make sure you allow enough time to have the license mailed to you if you purchase it on-line. You can also buy a license at any of the listed dealers. We can not allow anyone to fish without a license, and the earliest they are available in our area is 6am.
Q. What is the daily limit for Chinook/King Salmon?
A. For 2010 each angler can catch up to 6 Chinook/King Salmon. Three of the six can be Adults (+24”), but only one of the adults can be wild or not fin clipped. The remaining three can be “Jacks” (-24”). If you need more details please check the WDFW link, open the 2010-2011 regulations pamphlet, and go to page 78-79.
Q. What is the daily limit for Sockeye Salmon?
A. As of now the Sockeye season date and catch limits have not been set. This will be determined after the fish start to return over the dams. Check our Fishing Report or the WDFW link.
Q. Do I have to keep every fish I catch?
A. No this is your fishing trip, and if you want to release the fish you can. We have many anglers who release all the fish they catch, and others who will just keep one for dinner. We will not release fish that we believe will not be able to survive after release. We will also do everything we can to revive the fish as well as we can before release.
Q. What time does the fishing trip start?
A. It really depends on what time of the year you are fishing because of sunrise and sunset. We like to be fishing before it gets light out if possible. It is normally light 30 minutes before the actual sunrise time. Salmon can be caught all day long, but the mornings and evenings are consistently the best times. This is your trip and generally we can be flexible as long as it fits the remaining schedule for that day. Check the Sunrise/Sunset link when planning your trip for sunrise/sunset times.
Q. What is the best time to book a trip?
A. Every day during the season is a great time to go, but there is some season timing information we like to share with clients. The first question we ask is “What do you want to do, catch a lot of fish, or catch only good eating fish?” These Salmon are near the end of their return trip to spawn. During July and August the fish are fresh to the local water and their meat is in excellent shape. The best eating fish are the July-August Kings and Sockeye. Then September arrives and the numbers of fish being caught just goes through the roof. The fish are starting to darken and show spawning characteristics. The meat will start to lighten up from the bright red to pinkish in color. Our experience is that many will still be great BBQ fish, but some will be great smoking fish. The September fish fight just as hard as the July fish.