Rivers in Okanogan County
Chewack River
Methow River
Methow River: Long noted for its steelhead fishery, the river is now closed to all steelhead fishing. The National Marine Fisheries Service in 1997 designated steelhead runs in the upper Columbia River Basin in danger of extinction. This listing precludes any steelhead fishing opportunities. WDFW is currently developing recovery plans. Trout fishing will be closed in most of the watershed, wherever salmon and steelhead occur, with the exception of parts of the Methow, Chewuch and Twisp rivers. WDFW is working with NMFS to conduct a test fishery in 2000 and 2001 to examine the effects of a catch-and-release fishery on ESA-listed species. If a trout fishery occurs, selective gear rules will be required (single, barbless hooks and no bait). Check with the WDFW Ephrata office for more information, and check the latest regulations pamphlet for boundary restrictions. Dolly Varden/bull trout fishing is prohibited to help improve numbers of these native char. Some whitefish action will be available December 1 through March 31, but is subject to change due to ESA steelhead listing. Use of bait will be allowed again for winter whitefish, but hooks must not have larger than a 3/16-inch gap from point-to-shank (about size #14). Disabled accessibility - Level 2. DP, WCT, Blk Tpa, level area. Camping is available but steep river banks are not very accessible to wheelchair users.
Okanogan River
Okanogan River: Due to steelhead ESA listing, fisheries have been modified substantially for all fish species on this river. The steelhead fishery is closed. Please check the regulations pamphlet for complete information. Smallmouth bass are the best bet, for fish averaging 10 to 12 inches, and some exceeding 3 pounds. Walleye action has grown over the past few years, mainly from the mouth upstream to the bridge at Malott. Most shorelines are privately owned; float trips offer the best fishing opportunity.
San Poil River
Similkameen River
Similkameen River: Steelhead fishing is closed due to ESA listing, but other game fish opportunities are available. Open season has changed to June 1 through August 31 from the mouth to Enloe Dam. Please check the regulations pamphlet for size, gear, catch limit and boundary restrictions. There is a fair fishery for whitefish during the special whitefish-only season above the dam during winter (December 1 March 31), when the river is not frozen (usually December and March).
Sinlahekin Creek
Sinlahekin Creek: Access is difficult on this north-running stream, but good fishing is available for brook and rainbow trout. Selective gear rules are in effect during the short season (June 1 through August 31) from Palmer Lake to Cecile Creek bridge. There is a special winter whitefish-only fishery.
Twisp River
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