Braggin’ Rights Photo submitted by Amanda Davis Amanda Davis shows off her spring chinook salmon, caught on the Icicle Creek near the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery. (Send your Braggin' Rights photo and information to editor@leavenworthecho.com.)

INSIDE INFORMATION ON THE OUTDOORS 7/27/10

Photos by Chelsea Gorrow Salmon are making their way up the Wenatchee River. Last week near the Tumwater Canyon Dam, salmon were counted and assessed by the PUD, Yakama Nation and Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery employees. A big Chinook, pictured here, was one those counted. Friday, July 23 I made another trip to Banks Lake recently. This time I was looking for smallmouth bass. I have been going to Banks for years, but I hadn't done a Fishing TV show on the smallmouth fishing there. Joining me on this excursion was Joe Arballo and his wife Roberta. Joe has taken me along on several jaunts to Banks Lake, and has really taught me a lot about bass fishing over the years. Apparently he has also taught his wife quite a bit about bass fishing, too, because she caught the first fish and the biggest of the day. We started out north of Steamboat Rock and fished a couple of the canyons there. We were into fish the whole time. Roberta was using the smoke pearl blue Senko and never changed all day. She didn't need to. She caught fish on it everywhere we went. Joe and I experimented and caught fish on a variety of lures, from Hula Grubs to crank baits. We ended up fishing the shore that is just south of Barker Flats, and that's where Roberta caught her big boy. It was a ton of fun, and I want to remind everyone to pound down the liquids in the hot weather. Tuesday, July 27, 2010 More...

Ecology proposes rule change expediting Columbia Basin water storage projects

The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) is seeking public comment and hosting five public hearings on a proposed rule change to expedite the processing of water right applications for water storage projects in the Columbia River basin. The Hillis Rule, named for a 1997 Washington State Supreme Court decision establishing Ecology's authority to set priorities in the processing of water rights applications, has not been updated since its adoption in 1998. Tuesday, July 20, 2010 More...

"Wine for the Animals" Humane Society fundraiser set for Aug. 7

It's almost time for the Wenatchee Valley Humane Society's exclusive event, Wine for the Animals, featuring fine Washington wines, delicious food and more in an intimate garden setting. This fun and memorable event will be held at the home of Jess and Elaine Montoya at 2883 Chaussee Victoria Court in East Wenatchee on Aug. 7 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 20, 2010 More...

INSIDE INFORMATION ON THE OUTDOORS 7/20/2010

Monday, July 19 One of the biggest surprises anglers have seen in many years is the strength of the returns of sockeye salmon to the Columbia River. Locally, we were excited to get a sockeye season on Lake Wenatchee for the first time in four years. We were astonished when we got another one the following year. This is unprecedented to my recollection. This year we are seeing an all-time record return of sockeye up the Columbia River. The biggest since 1947. That year, 335,000 were recorded over Bonneville Dam. When I last checked the counts, there were already 380,000 over Bonneville Dam, and they were still coming at over 1,000 per day. The largest number to ever cross Bonneville was recorded this year, with 30, 690 fish counted in one day! This return is a surprise to everyone, including fish managers, who are pointing to excellent ocean conditions, increased spill at McNary and John Day Dams, excellent juvenile survival and other factors to account for the record numbers. Bottom line, it looks like we will have another sockeye season on Lake Wenatchee. The third year in a row. Wow. Tuesday, July 20, 2010 More...

Wildfire news is online

Members of the media and public are invited to check online for daily news about wildfire incidents on public and private lands protected by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The department's website, www.dnr.wa.gov, posts updates online each day, generally at noon. The updates are posted more frequently on days with high fire activity or rapidly changing weather. Wednesday, July 14, 2010 More...

INSIDE INFORMATION ON THE OUTDOORS 7/14/10

Monday, July 12 Good reports of salmon fishing are coming from most of the fishing areas now, with the Brewster Pool being the exception. There are a few fish being caught here, but just the leading edge of the run has made it this far upstream. Wanapum Dam and Wenatchee are the two best areas, as usual in the early season. I am very impressed with the numbers and the size of the fish being taken so early this season. Also impressive is the number of sockeye moving up the Columbia this year. Tens of thousands have passed over the dams in a single day, and who knows, we may have another sockeye fishery at Lake Wenatchee this year. Three years in a row would really be something. I am trying to get a few walleye and bass fishing shows produced for my Fishing TV Show before I turn my attention to the salmon fishing. Walleye and bass are very popular pursuits in our region and I want to share some tips with anglers on the show. Salmon fishing will only get better as more fish move up stream. Also, the Trout Unlimited Kids Fishing Day at Blackbird Island has been moved. It will be in August. Wednesday, July 14, 2010 More...