Sockeye salmon fishing continues to be big news in our region. The forecast for Lake Wenatchee is now even higher than the initial expectation of 30,000 fish. Those that monitor this fishery believe that the final number of sockeye to reach Lake Wenatchee could be as high as 40,000

Anglers should be watching the Department of Fish and Wildlife web site for some potential changes in bag limits on the lake. There should be as many as 40,000 more sockeye passing over Wells Dam and into the Brewster Pool as well.

While there are still anglers targeting the sockeye in the Brewster Pool many are now focusing on the Chinook, with good results. I fished the Brewster Pool myself recently and only got one fish for four hits, but I plan to do better. Fish to 30 pounds are being taken there and I would sure like to put one in my cooler.

Anglers fishing below Wells Dam should be aware that there will be heavy flows here the week of August 20, due to maintenance at the dam. Fortunately there are plenty of options out there for anglers to take Chinook and sockeye during this period.