I have been driving up to the Tumwater Dam near Leavenworth almost daily, to check on the sockeye numbers that have passed through here. A lot of folks want to know if Lake Wenatchee will open to sockeye fishing this year. When I stopped by my last Friday, they had a sign set up with the most current count. The board showed 22,581, and it was noted that they were several days behind on the video counting numbers. There must be 23,500 entering the lake for escapement, and it sure looks like that number has been passed and thousands more sockeye are on the way. There is a lot of speculation about what day the fishery will open, and the big money is on later on this week. Maybe as early as Thursday. I have my sockeye gear already organized as I have fished at Brewster a couple of times. When I opened my sockeye box I found leaders tied from last season. These leaders were tied with three red hooks, about an inch apart, and barbless of course. I have a good supply of size 0 dodgers, too, so I am ready to go. Just waiting for the official announcement.
Not only does Lake Wenatchee offer terrific fishing for sockeye it is a very scenic place to fish.