The coho salmon fisheries, which opened Oct. 5, continue on the Wenatchee, Methow and Icicle rivers through a scheduled closure of Oct. 31.

This is because of a predicted strong return of coho to the upper Columbia River system.

The Icicle River had a small coho fishery in 2009, but the Wenatchee and the Methow rivers have not opened for coho fishing in at least 30 years, according to Fish and Wildlife.

Up to 20,000 adult coho are expected to return this year above Rock Island Dam, more than enough for spawning escapement and hatchery broodstock needs.

Coho salmon nearly disappeared from the upper Columbia River in the early 1930s, but they've really made a comeback in the past decade.

Steelhead fishing is currently open on the Wenatchee, Methow and Icicle rivers with a daily limit of two hatchery fish per day. Anglers fishing the Wenatchee River may also retain up to three adult chinook salmon per day, including one wild chinook.

Areas opening to coho fishing include: The Wenatchee River, from the mouth of the Wenatchee River to the mouth of the Icicle River. Anglers should be aware that the upper boundary of the coho fishery on the Wenatchee River is downstream from the boundary for the chinook and steelhead fisheries; The Icicle River, from the mouth to 500 feet downstream of the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery Barrier Dam; The Methow River, from the mouth to the confluence with the Chewuch River in Winthrop. Fishing from a floating device is prohibited from the second powerline crossing to the first Highway 153 Bridge.

On all those rivers, anglers can catch up to three coho salmon, with or without an intact adipose fin, in addition to the catch limits for other species. Coho must measure at least 12 inches to be retained.

Selective gear rules and a night closure will be in effect to help protect wild steelhead, some of which are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act.

Bylaw, all fisheries in these areas must close immediately if the allowable incidental impact to wild steelhead is reached, according to Fish and Wildlife.

Anglers also will be required to release any coho fitted with a floy tag and those with one or more round quarter-inch holes punched in their tail fin. Motorized vessels are not allowed on the Wenatchee or Icicle rivers under Chelan County ordinances.

To participate in these fisheries, anglers must possess a valid fishing license and a Columbia River Salmon/Steelhead Endorsement. Revenue from the endorsement supports salmon or steelhead seasons on many rivers in the Columbia River system, including enforcing fishery regulations and monitoring the upper Columbia River steelhead fisheries. The endorsement has generated more than $1million annually for Fish and Wildlife to maintain and increase fishing opportunities throughout the Columbia River Basin.

Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Recreational Anglers Board need members

Fish and Wildlife is seeking nominations for two vacant positions on the Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Recreational Anglers Board, a citizen advisory group responsible for reviewing plans to improve sport fishing opportunities for salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River Basin.

Individuals may nominate themselves or others to the board, which is composed of nine people affiliated with recreational fishing organizations in the region.

The board currently has one vacant position in northcentral Washington, which is Region 2, and another in southwest Washington, Region 5.

The board's primary role is to advise Fish and Wildlife on implementation of the Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Pilot Endorsement Program, approved by state lawmakers during the 2009 legislative session.

Board members will also serve as an important communication link with the fishing public. People seeking appointment to the board should have a solid background in Columbia River fishery management, along with the ability to communicate effectively with anglers and anglers' organizations.

The board meets at least three times per year to review and evaluate program implementation, program expenditures and provide recommendations consistent with the intent of the pilot endorsement program. WDFW will provide financial assistance with meeting-related travel costs.

Board members will serve two-year terms and can be reappointed. Current Board member shave all agreed to reappointment; however, nominees are still needed for the two existing vacant positions.

Nominations must be mailed no later than Oct. 31 to: Jeff Korth, Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement Program, 1550 Alder St. NW, Ephrata, WA 98823. More information is available by contacting Jeff at (509) 754-4624 ext. 224.

Nominations must include the following information: The name of the advisory group the nominee is applying for; the nominee's name, physical and email address and telephone number; the nominee's affiliations; the region the nominee is seeking a position for; the name, address and telephone number of any organization submitting a nomination; experience, including the amount and type of experience, and any species or areas of interest, and references.