Good news for anglers is the opening of the spring salmon season on the Icicle River, Over 2,000 spring salmon have passed over Rock Island Dam and the majority of them are headed for the Icicle River. The hatchery needs just 1,000 fish to sustain the run, so there will be plenty of fish available to sport anglers.

The Icicle is one of the most scenic salmon fisheries anywhere. Every time I float the Icicle with friends it reminds me how beautiful it is here in Leavenworth. As it gets light enough in the morning there is wildlife all around us as we float or sit at anchor in one of the holes. Then the snow capped peaks become visible and it really is breathtaking. Of course having a big spring salmon take your herring gets your heart beating, too.

The Yakima River has also opened to spring salmon fishing. There are two sections of the river available to sport anglers, and there are 5,000 springers expected to return to the Yakima this year. I suggest that anglers go the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife web site and check the "rule changes" section for the exact boundary details.