FISHING -- Effective immediately, sockeye fishing is open and for retention and total salmon limits have been increased on the Okanogan and Similkameen rivers now that enough fish have moved up the Columbia to assure adequate spawning, the Washington Fish and Wildlife Department has announced.

Here are details:

• Daily Limit: Daily limit of six (6) salmon, of which two (2) may be adult hatchery chinook and three (3) may be sockeye. Release coho and wild adult chinook.

Okanogan River:

1. From the mouth to Highway 97 Bridge immediately upstream of the mouth.
   Effective date:  Immediately to Oct.15, 2016
2. From the Highway 97 Bridge immediately upstream of the mouth to the first Highway 97 bridge downstream of Zosel Dam.
   Effective date: Immediately to Sept.15, 2016

Similkameen River: From the mouth to 400 feet below Enloe Dam.

Effective date:  Immediately to Sept.15, 2016

Other information: Release all floy (spaghetti) tagged fish.   All other permanent rules apply. Previously announced salmon limits and sockeye fisheries above Priest Rapids Dam remain open. Anglers must use barbless hooks when fishing for salmon and must have a current Washington fishing license, as well as a Columbia River Salmon and Steelhead Endorsement (CRSSE).

Reason for action: The sockeye run has exceeded the pre-season forecast of 102,000 fish returning to the river mouth (currently upgraded to 340,000). Sufficient escapement of fish to meet spawning needs in the Okanogan River has occurred.

Fishing guides say most of the fish heading up through the Columbia's Brewster pool are heading right into the Okanogan. The usual thermal barrier at the mouth of the river has not developed this year because of higher river flows and nseasonably cool weather.

Catch them on the go.