Icicle River to open for hatchery spring Chinook

LEAVENWORTH — Icicle River will open for hatchery spring Chinook fishing on May 31, starting one hour before official sunrise according to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

Anglers may fish from the closure signs located 800 feet upstream of the mouth of the river to 500 feet downstream of the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery Barrier Dam. Fishing is also allowed from the shoreline markers where Cyo Road intersects the Icicle River at the Sleeping Lady Resort to the Icicle Peshastin Irrigation Footbridge, approximately 750 feet upstream from the Snow Lakes trailhead parking area.

The daily limit is one hatchery Chinook, with a minimum size of 12 inches. WDFW said the limit is in response to the below average return of spring Chinook to the Icicle River, which is approximately 1,700 fish. The Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery needs 1,000 adult spring Chinook for broodstock, or breeding purposes. Fish in excess of this hatchery’s requirement are available for harvest and shared equally between recreational and tribal anglers.

Fishing could close at any time if the non-treaty harvest share is met or if additional broodstock are needed, said WDFW. Fishery managers recommend anglers sign up for email notifications about fishing rule changes and checking for emergency rules on the WDFW website before fishing. The 2025–2026 Washington Sport Fishing Rules pamphlet has current regulations.

Fishers must have a current Washington fishing license, appropriate to the fishery. Anglers are required to retain hatchery Chinook and release all other salmon. Two-pole fishing and motorized vehicles are not allowed on the Icicle, and fishing closes at night. For a list of mobile, web, print or customer service options for the latest rule information, visit wdfw.wa.gov.