Fraser River closing for all salmon species

[Sasqman]

http://www-ops2.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/xnet/content/fns/index.cfm?pg=search_results&lang=en&ID=recreational&Year=2013

[rides bike to work]

Omg this sucks I took this Thursday Friday off to fish for springs. Thanks for ruining my day. Week. Life.

I'm sick to my stomach that society has depleted the complete run of salmon on the Fraser so much that they have to close the whole fishery.

[Grumpa Joe]

You can fish Thursday but you'll have to do yard work on Friday.

[Moe.JKU]

Well there is only a select few that get to fish for sockeye....

[Jehiah]

looks like they are only closing it for sockeye - chinook fishing in designated boundaries is ok...

[Big Lew]

Go to the site "Sasqman" posted and call up 'FN0735.' I read it as a total closure in the Fraser River for all salmon species between the CPR Bridge and the Alexander Bridge until further notice beginning one hour after sunset August 15, 2013 (Thursday) It was issued at 3:21 pm August 14, 2013.

[russm]

Is this shut down for EVERYBODY, or is this the same as every other summer wink wink nudge nudge *cough cough sockeye on the sise of the highway cough cough*

[betteroffishing]

the ruyles will be for everyone , the enforcement however , time will tell but i think you know the odds allready.

[BigfishCanada]

Well you know what, I fished that river 40 years, as a kid I was alone most days. If we closed that river for 5 years imagine what we would have in 10.

Instead of sport fishing I bet if they banned nets a huge difference would be made, in fact if they said the next 10 years no net fishing for anyone, ANYONE, if caught with net, boat and vehicles instant impounding. But if a closure is needed, then make it happen for all

[Fella]

The river will be open for pinks provided there are no nasty surprises as far as numbers go. It says right in the announcement.

[Moe.JKU]

I agree if we closed it to everyone and I mean everyone. These special groups is bullshit I think. If we are that low on stocks wouldn't it benefit everyone.
Maybe this will get a leader length rule or something in the reds get the flossers out

[ducktoller]

Does this apply to the west side of mission bridge too. I was hoping to go out Sunday to lay down the bar and get some time away from the family. No intention to keep any chinook unless it looks like it won't survive the release.

[Leaseman]

Does this apply to the west side of mission bridge too. I was hoping to go out Sunday to lay down the bar and get some time away from the family. No intention to keep any chinook unless it looks like it won't survive the release.

The closure is from Mission Bridge up to Alexandra bridge until futher notice for sporties and commercial.....

First nations are open for food, social and cerimonial.......

[pescado]

The native gill net fishery doesn't seem to stop. They haven't been out the last few days but they've had a good month of fishing. From what I was seeing they were getting some fish last week. The "Miss Delta" mustn't be getting anything in her test sets. I'm really not seeing many fish below New West and was surprised when I saw what some of the Natives had when they were picking their nets last week.

[coach]

Category(s): ABORIGINAL - General Information
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Gill Net
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Seine
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Troll
RECREATIONAL - Salmon
Subject: FN0736-Salmon - Fraser River Sockeye Update - Areas 11 to 29 - August 14, 2013
As a result of the reduced Summer run abundance and increase management
adjustment factor, First Nations Food, Social and Ceremonial fisheries for
targeting Fraser sockeye are being closed in an orderly fashion to reduce the
impacts on Summer run sockeye. Fishers are requested to check for opening
times and any restrictions in their local areas. There are no planned Canadian
commercial or recreational fisheries directed on Fraser sockeye at this time.


An update from the August 13, 2013 Fraser River Panel meeting follows:


The Fraser River Panel met on August 13th to review assessment data on Fraser
River sockeye and pink salmon as well as environmental conditions in the Fraser
River watershed. Migration conditions for sockeye in the Fraser River have
continued to worsen with water temperatures reaching record highs for the date
on many days. These record high water temperatures are above levels associated
with severe stress and early mortality for migrating Fraser River sockeye in
past years. The passage of Fraser sockeye through the marine assessment areas
has continued to increase in recent days and the current estimated total run
size of 3.24 million (including the p50 forecast estimates for Late run
sockeye). This run size is between the pre-season p25 forecast of 2.66 million
and p50 forecast of 4.77 million. The full range of forecasts provided pre-
season was from 1.55 million (p10) to 15.61 million (p90). The lower total
abundance of Fraser sockeye is currently attributed to the lower return of
Summer-run sockeye to-date, which were expected to contribute almost 80% of the
total Fraser sockeye abundance this season. In contrast earlier timed stocks'
(Early Stuart and Early Summers) are returning near to or higher than the pre-
season forecast 50% probability levels.


The most recent 5 day average diversion rate of Fraser sockeye through
Johnstone Strait continues to be 62% as of August 12th. DNA analysis of
samples collected from recent test fisheries in Johnstone Strait and Juan de
Fuca Strait are approximately 75% Summer-run sockeye followed by 22% Late run
and 3% Early Summer run sockeye. The daily migration of sockeye past the
Mission hydro acoustic site has ranged from 50,000 to 75,000 over the past 7
days.


The migration of Early Stuart sockeye is now complete through most of the
migration route. A final in-season run-size estimate of 182,000 has been
adopted by the Fraser River Panel. Spawning ground assessments indicate the
fish are in good condition although water levels remain low. Details on DFO's
Fraser sockeye escapement assessments this season are available at
http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/fraser/docs/Escapement/sockeye-rouge-
eng.html.


At the meeting on August 13, 2013 the Fraser Panel approved an increase in the
run size abundance of Early Summer-run sockeye from 452,000 to 475,000 fish
with a 50% Area 20 run timing dateof July 22nd. The estimated escapement of
Early Summer-run sockeye past Mission through August 12th is 431,400 fish.


At the meeting yesterday there was no change made to run size estimate of
2,000,000 Summer-run sockeye, which is well below the median forecast level of
abundance (3.72 million) with an estimated 50% migration timing though Area 20
of August 8, which is five days later than predicted. The low return of Summer-
run sockeye thus far has severely constrained harvest opportunities that were
expected during pre-season planning. Based on pre-season information, Summer-
run sockeye (Chilko, Quesnel, Late Stuart, Stellako, Harrison, Raft, and North
Thompson) were expected to provide most of the fishing opportunities directed
at Fraser sockeye this season. The estimated escapement of Summer-run sockeye
past Mission through August 12, 2013 is 756,800 fish.


At this time it continues to be too early to provide an assessment of late run
sockeye although their abundance has been increasing in the marine approach
areas. DNA analysis from marine test fisheries indicates that Late Shuswap
sockeye continue to make up the majority of the Late run sockeye currently
migrating through the marine approach areas. The escapement of Late run sockeye
past Mission as of August 12th is estimated to be 45,700 fish.


Catches of pink salmon in marine test fisheries continue to be at higher levels
than usual for this time of year. Recent DNA samples indicate that the Fraser
pink salmon are increasing but continue to comprise a very small proportion,
about 10%, of the pink salmon catch in marine test fisheries. The largest
contributing pink stocks are from other non-Fraser South Coast Canadian stocks
and stocks destined for Washington State river systems. Fraser pinks tend to be
later timed than other southern pink stocks consistent with the stock
composition observed to date. An in-season estimate of abundance of Fraser pink
salmon will not be available until late August which is when their peak
abundance through the assessment area is expected to occur.


On August 12, 2013, the Fraser River water discharge at Hope was 3,040 cms,
which is approximately 21% lower than average for this date. The temperature of
the Fraser River at Qualark Creek on August 12th was 21.6 C, which is 3.8 C
higher than average as well as a record temperature for this date. Sustained
exposure of sockeye to Fraser River water temperatures in this range has been
shown to slow their migration and cause elevated levels of en-route and pre-
spawn mortality. Fraser River water temperatures are forecast to decline over
the next few days to 20.3 C on August 18, 2013. The Fraser Panel manages
fisheries to provide additional Fraser sockeye above the spawning escapement
targets through application of management adjustments. The management
adjustments help ensure that the escapement targets are achieved by off-setting
en-route mortality and other factors that could affect meeting spawning
escapement targets. In response to these concerns during the Fraser Panel
meeting on August 13th an increase in the management adjustment factor for
Early Summer sockeye was approved from 0.58 to 0.65. There was no change to the
management adjustment factor for Summer run sockeye from the previously
approved level of 1.76. This will be reviewed at the Panel meeting on Friday,
August 16th when additional days of water temperature and discharge will be
available.


The next in-season meeting of the Panel is scheduled to occur on Friday, August
16, 2013.




FOR MORE INFORMATION:


Jennifer Nener
604-666-9993





Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0736
Sent August 14, 2013 at 1534


Visit Fisheries and Oceans Canada on the Web at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca


Return to Main Menu Printable Version

[coach]

Category(s): RECREATIONAL - Salmon
Subject: FN0737-RECREATIONAL - Salmon - Sockeye - Region 8 - Osoyoos Lake Closure- August 19, 2013
Osoyoos Lake


Effective 00:01 hours August 19, 2013, the waters of Osoyoos Lake will be
closed to fishing for sockeye salmon. Note: All other salmon species remain
closed.


In season information suggests approximately 116,000 sockeye have passed Wells
dam on the Columbia River with approximately 50% of those fish currently in
Canadian waters.


Due to extremely warm water temperatures in the Okanagan River a thermal
barrier has been established which has resulted in roughly 50% of the fish that
have passed Wells Dam holding within the Columbia River. In previous years when
these conditions exist very high levels of en-route mortality are known to
occur.


Current run size, catch to date in fisheries in Osoyoos Lake and environmental
assessment suggest a cautious approach is required to achieving escapement
objectives as well as providing for First Nations food, social and ceremonial
harvest opportunities.


In the event the migration conditions change and abundance in Osoyoos Lake
increases consideration may be given to re-open the fishery at a later date.

This reflects a change to the BC Freshwater Salmon Supplement. The on-line
version of this guide will be updated within 24 hours of this notice, please
browse:
http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/docs/SFGfresh-GPSdouce-2013-eng.pdf.


Variation Order 2013-373.


Notes:


The aggregate daily limit for all species of Pacific Salmon (other than
kokanee) from tidal and non-tidal waters combined is four (4).


Barbless hooks are required when fishing for salmon in tidal and non-tidal
waters of British Columbia. This includes all species of fish in the Fraser
River.


Sport anglers and guides are reminded to label and submit heads from adipose
fin-clipped (hatchery-marked) chinook and coho salmon to the Salmon Head
Recovery Program. Recovery of coded-wire tags from recreational fishers
provides critical information for coast-wide stock assessment. For more
information and locations of Depots contact the Salmon Sport Head Recovery
Program at (866) 483-9994 or visit the following site: http://www.pac.dfo-
mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/points/shrp-prts-eng.html


Did you witness suspicious fishing activity or a violation? If so, please call
the Fisheries and Ocean Canada 24-hour toll free Observe, Record, Report line
at (800) 465-4336.


For the 24 hour recorded opening and closure line, call toll free at (866) 431-
FISH.


FOR MORE INFORMATION:


Contact DFO Kamloops (250) 851-4950

[coach]

Record high water temperature is the biggest factor affecting migrating salmon this year. Time for all of us to do a rain dance.

[Moe.JKU]

Tidal Portion is closed now

Fishery Notice - Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Subject: FN0738-RECREATIONAL - Salmon - Area 29 - Tidal Waters of the Fraser River - Closed times for all Salmon fishing - August 15, 2013

Effective 23:59 hours Thursday, August 15, 2013 until further notice, fishing
for any salmon species is not permitted in the tidal waters of the Fraser River
(Subareas 29-11 through 29-17).

The tidal waters of the Fraser River are those waters downstream of the CPR
bridge at Mission to the Mouth of the Fraser River and are described in further
detail on the inside cover of the 2013-2015 Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Guide or
online at:
http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/r...raser-eng.html (http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/tidal-maree/fraser-eng.html)

Current run size estimates of Fraser River Summer Run sockeye salmon combined
with record water temperatures in the Fraser River have resulted in no
allowable harvest. The Department's priorities are to ensure that there is
sufficient sockeye returning to the spawning grounds. The Department is
continuing to manage fisheries to minimize sockeye impacts and provide priority
access to First Nations' fishing for food, social and ceremonial purposes.

Recreational fishing opportunities for trout, steelhead and sturgeon and other
non-salmon species remain open in these areas.

Recreational fishing opportunities in the Fraser River for pink and chum salmon
will be announced at a later date.

Variation Order: 2013-372


This reflects a change to the BC Freshwater Salmon Supplement. The on-line
version of this guide will be updated within 24 hours of this notice, please
browse:

http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/index-eng.html

Notes:

Barbless hooks are required when fishing for salmon in tidal and non-tidal
waters of British Columbia.

Anglers are requested to release any hatchery marked sockeye. These fish are
hatchery raised sockeye and part of a recovery program designed to increase the
numbers of Cultus Lake sockeye.

The term "hatchery marked" means a fish that has a healed scar in place of the
adipose fin.

Sport anglers are encouraged to participate in the Salmon Sport Head Recovery
program by labelling and submitting heads from adipose fin-clipped chinook and
coho salmon. Recovery of coded-wire tags provides critical information for
coast-wide stock assessment. Contact the Salmon Sport Head Recovery Program
toll free at (866) 483-9994 for further information.

Rockfish Conservation Areas that are currently in effect and are closed to all
fin fishing. Descriptions of these closures, and other recreational fishing
information, can be found on the Internet at:

www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/recfish (http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/recfish)

Did you witness suspicious fishing activity or a violation? If so, please call
the Fisheries and Ocean Canada 24-hour toll free Observe, Record, Report line
at (800) 465-4336.

For the 24 hour recorded opening and closure line, call toll free at
1-(866)431-FISH (3474).


FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Contact DFO Lower Fraser at (604)666-8266.




Fisheries and Oceans Canada Operations Center - FN0738
Sent August 15, 2013 at 09:11
Visit us on the Web at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca (http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/)

[tubby]

Over the last month the natives have absolutely pillaged and raped the fraser. Each native is allowed 125ft of net, however 3 natives in a net can have 375 ft of net...lol . Every single back eddy and major funnel point from mission to Boston bar has been cleaning house on socks and springs hard. They are selling springs for 2$ a lb. guys from the Agassiz band are going house to house asking if u wanna buy fish. How many fish are getting wasted? After what has gone on this year on a rebuilding year for sockeye is disgusting. The natives WILL net this river to extinction.
What is almost as bad is a few people like Chris Gadsen and a few others who actually could bring some light to people eyes about the netting, are to concerned with a personal agenda against the people bottom bouncing. It is truly sickening that these people's egos won't let them see past personal agendas and see the real problem with the ever depleting fraser stocks of springs and socks. These people with there pull and public influence and voice could do amazing things for the sports fisherman and general public. lastly,DFO letting the natives net this hard and for this long is truly frustrating...the sad part is it won't change until these stocks are wiped out and beyond rebuilding.

[adriaticum]

The closure is from Mission Bridge up to Alexandra bridge until futher notice for sporties and commercial.....

First nations are open for food, social and cerimonial.......

Does social include "the market" purposes?
I guess when you are at a market it's social.

[adriaticum]

Over the last month the natives have absolutely pillaged and raped the fraser. Each native is allowed 125ft of net, however 3 natives in a net can have 375 ft of net...lol . Every single back eddy and major funnel point from mission to Boston bar has been cleaning house on socks and springs hard. They are selling springs for 2$ a lb. guys from the Agassiz band are going house to house asking if u wanna buy fish. How many fish are getting wasted? After what has gone on this year on a rebuilding year for sockeye is disgusting. The natives WILL net this river to extinction.
What is almost as bad is a few people like Chris Gadsen and a few others who actually could bring some light to people eyes about the netting, are to concerned with a personal agenda against the people bottom bouncing. It is truly sickening that these people's egos won't let them see past personal agendas and see the real problem with the ever depleting fraser stocks of springs and socks. These people with there pull and public influence and voice could do amazing things for the sports fisherman and general public. lastly,DFO letting the natives net this hard and for this long is truly frustrating...the sad part is it won't change until these stocks are wiped out and beyond rebuilding.

I agree with the first part but I'm not sure what you were saying about Chris and what else he could be doing.
He does tonnes for the sport fisherman.
Go to fishingwithrod.com he posts a lot there.

[tubby]

Adriaticum.... Known Chris for a very very long time and the fishingwithrod site...he could be doing a lot more...been around this game a LONG time...can understand how you don't understand.

[Sasqman]

Brutal!! Guess we will find out in 4 years what kind of damage was done, and if there was enough done by DFO. My opinion...............too little too late.

[Moe.JKU]

Should be closed to everyone. and keep it that way for a while i think. sacrifice something now, to benefit later. Looks at some of the rivers in the states. They have no special groups that are allowed to fish, and some of those rivers have come back really good.

[Rackem]

Update...http://www-ops2.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/xnet/content/fns/index.cfm?pg=view_notice&lang=en&DOC_ID=153095&ID=recreational



Category(s):
RECREATIONAL - Salmon



Subject:
FN0741-RECREATIONAL - Salmon- South Coast marine waters- Closed time for sockeye salmon fishing- Correction to FN0739






Amendment to FN0739: The previous version of this notice did not include Area 20, Area 28 and Subareas 29-1 to 29-10. The full corrected version of the notice follows. Effective 23:59 hours Thursday, August 15, 2013 until further notice, fishing for sockeye salmon is not permitted in the following waters: Areas 11 to 21, 24 to 28, 121, 123 to 127 and Subareas 29-1 to 29-10. Current run size estimates of Fraser River Summer Run sockeye salmon combined with record water temperatures in the Fraser River have resulted in no allowable harvest available. The Department's priorities are to ensure that there is sufficient sockeye returning to the spawning grounds. The Department is continuing to manage fisheries to minimize sockeye impacts and provide priority access to First Nations' fishing for food, social and ceremonial purposes. Anglers fishing for other salmon species in areas that remain open are required to take every measure possible to ensure that their fishing activities does not impact sockeye salmon. Variation Order: 2013-372. This reflects a change to the 2013-2015 British Columbia Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Guide. The on-line version of this guide will be updated within 24 hours of this notice, please browse: http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/index-eng.html Notes: Barbless hooks are required when fishing for salmon in tidal and non-tidal waters of British Columbia. Anglers are requested to release any hatchery marked sockeye. These fish are hatchery raised sockeye and part of a recovery program designed to increase the numbers of Cultus Lake sockeye. The term "hatchery marked" means a fish that has a healed scar in place of the adipose fin. Sport anglers are encouraged to participate in the Salmon Sport Head Recovery program by labelling and submitting heads from adipose fin-clipped chinook and coho salmon. Recovery of coded-wire tags provides critical information for coast-wide stock assessment. Contact the Salmon Sport Head Recovery Program toll free at (866) 483-9994 for further information. Rockfish Conservation Areas that are currently in effect and are closed to all fin fishing. Descriptions of these closures, and other recreational fishing information, can be found on the Internet at: www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/recfish Did you witness suspicious fishing activity or a violation? If so, please call the Fisheries and Ocean Canada 24-hour toll free Observe, Record, Report line at (800) 465-4336. For the 24 hour recorded opening and closure line, call toll free at 1-(866)431-FISH (3474). FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact DFO Lower Fraser at (604)666-8266 or DFO South Coast at (250) 720-4447.

[Sofa King]

Should be closed to everyone. and keep it that way for a while i think. sacrifice something now, to benefit later. Looks at some of the rivers in the states. They have no special groups that are allowed to fish, and some of those rivers have come back really good.

but the states doesn't have indian issues like Canada does.

[Moe.JKU]

but the states doesn't have indian issues like Canada does.
Thats because everyone has to follow the same set of rules. imagine that equality.

[andrewscag]

And now the tidal portion of the fraser is closed too. Crap

Why don't they just ban bottom bouncing until the sockeye are through? Thats the main problem from sport fishing for the sockeye. Makes no sense

[coach]

And now the tidal portion of the fraser is closed too. Crap

Why don't they just ban bottom bouncing until the sockeye are through? Thats the main problem from sport fishing for the sockeye. Makes no sense

Water temperatures are at record levels. They are worried about the future of this run. If FN's aren't fishing, there's not going to be any sport fishing. What's so hard to comprehend? If temps had stayed normal, there was likely going to be enough fish for a sport opening on top of the FN openings. Hopefully temps drop soon and mortality will be reduced. We've got rain and cooler weather tonight in Kelowna. Not sure what's happening over toward the Thompson and Fraser.

[Whonnock Boy]

If FN's aren't fishing, there's not going to be any sport fishing.

You are extremely naive if you think there is not going to be any aboriginal nets in the water tomorrow, next week, or even as I type this right now at 11 oclock at night regardless of what the water temperatures are, and the strength of the run is..... and it is not just a select few.

[coach]

You are extremely naive if you think there is not going to be any aboriginal nets in the water tomorrow, next week, or even as I type this right now at 11 oclock at night regardless of what the water temperatures are, and the strength of the run is..... and it is not just a select few.

Trust me, I'm not naive.. I'm sure there will be native nets in the river and I'm sure DFO will stand by and watch.. :evil: At the same time, if there's ANY chance of convincing them to stay out of the river, DFO had to stop the rest of us from sport fishing. HOPEFULLY, the FN's understand the severity of the water temp situation and will refrain from netting the river. Hopefully DFO will grow some balls and charge those that break the rules. Hopefully judges will uphold any charges. I'm not gonna hold my breath on any of it - but debating fishing methods is kind of a moot point when water temps are at record highs.

[andrewscag]

Whats hard to comprehend is why fishing methods that target species not threatened aren't allowed. I agree with not further stressing the sockeye, but I can't say that I have ever pulled one in with a spoon in the tidal Fraser. Glad to see the rain and clouds anyway.

[coach]

Whats hard to comprehend is why fishing methods that target species not threatened aren't allowed. I agree with not further stressing the sockeye, but I can't say that I have ever pulled one in with a spoon in the tidal Fraser. Glad to see the rain and clouds anyway.

Because the FN's don't care about what methods we are using. Regardless of methods, if we are in the river targeting salmon, they will be netting. There's a lot of politics here. The only chance they will stop fishing is if we aren't allowed to fish either. The priority for DFO is to ensure there are enough fish reaching the spawning grounds, then FN fisheries, then sport and commercial. It sucks - but it's the way it is. Water temps have made it necessary for DFO to play the "not enough fish will reach the spawning grounds card". It's a bold step to shut the FN's down completely.

Perhaps chinooks are more hardy than sockeye, but temps this high will kill them too and that is another legitimate reason why we aren't allowed to target them at the present time.

[adriaticum]

Because the FN's don't care about what methods we are using. Regardless of methods, if we are in the river targeting salmon, they will be netting. There's a lot of politics here. The only chance they will stop fishing is if we aren't allowed to fish either. The priority for DFO is to ensure there are enough fish reaching the spawning grounds, then FN fisheries, then sport and commercial. It sucks - but it's the way it is. Water temps have made it necessary for DFO to play the "not enough fish will reach the spawning grounds card". It's a bold step to shut the FN's down completely.

Perhaps chinooks are more hardy than sockeye, but temps this high will kill them too and that is another legitimate reason why we aren't allowed to target them at the present time.


No, FN fishery is not shut down. They are able to fish.

[coach]

No, FN fishery is not shut down. They are able to fish.

Category(s): ABORIGINAL - General Information
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Gill Net
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Seine
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Troll
RECREATIONAL - Salmon
Subject: FN0736-Salmon - Fraser River Sockeye Update - Areas 11 to 29 - August 14, 2013
As a result of the reduced Summer run abundance and increase management
adjustment factor, First Nations Food, Social and Ceremonial fisheries for
targeting Fraser sockeye are being closed in an orderly fashion to reduce the
impacts on Summer run sockeye. Fishers are requested to check for opening
times and any restrictions in their local areas. There are no planned Canadian
commercial or recreational fisheries directed on Fraser sockeye at this time.




An update from the August 13, 2013 Fraser River Panel meeting follows:

[adriaticum]

There are new updates and I think DFO changed their tune.

http://www-ops2.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/xnet/content/fns/index.cfm?pg=view_notice&lang=en&DOC_ID=153083&ID=recreational

Not sure what "providing priority access" to FN exactly means

[coach]

That update applies to tidal portion and states "no allowable harvest". I believe that "providing priority access" means FN fisheries will be the first to open once conservation goals are met. At the present time nobody should be legally fishing as there is great concern with these temps that fish will not reach the spawning grounds.

[Moe.JKU]

Whats hard to comprehend is why fishing methods that target species not threatened aren't allowed. I agree with not further stressing the sockeye, but I can't say that I have ever pulled one in with a spoon in the tidal Fraser. Glad to see the rain and clouds anyway.
Well DFO asked everyone kindly to use methods that were more selective, instead of flossing. They made an announcement a little while ago, if you didn't here, it wasn't the law, but it was pushed and emphasized pretty hard. And some people did switch to bar fishing like they were told. However there were some that just consistently flossed with 15ft leaders.
With them getting flossed adds stress to the fish and makes it hard to recover. On top of that the water temps were really warm which also adds stress, and it makes it even harder for them to survive.
They tried to have selective angling out there, but people didn't listen so the went with punishing everyone.Which in my opinion isnt to bad maybe anglers can self monitor all the beaks out there now.

[Leaseman]

That update applies to tidal portion and states "no allowable harvest". I believe that "providing priority access" means FN fisheries will be the first to open once conservation goals are met. At the present time nobody should be legally fishing as there is great concern with these temps that fish will not reach the spawning grounds.

There has been closures like this before.....

Those times when i was out dino fishing, I couldn't run the boat in a straight line due to the sheer number of nets and drifters.......:icon_frow

[Big Lew]

You're correct, I know of an individual that mentioned he caught and released 20+ sockeye several days ago, but he wasn't aware of DFO's request at the time. As soon as he became aware, he targeted springs only.

[adriaticum]

That update applies to tidal portion and states "no allowable harvest". I believe that "providing priority access" means FN fisheries will be the first to open once conservation goals are met. At the present time nobody should be legally fishing as there is great concern with these temps that fish will not reach the spawning grounds.

That makes sense.

[adriaticum]

You're correct, I know of an individual that mentioned he caught and released 20+ sockeye several days ago, but he wasn't aware of DFO's request at the time. As soon as he became aware, he targeted springs only.

This update applies from last night I believe, so anyone fishing a few days ago is theoretically ok.

[tubby]

Natives drift netting hatzic flats and above spring bar first thing this am...

[andrewscag]

Natives drift netting hatzic flats and above spring bar first thing this am...

did you call rapp?

[coach]

Natives drift netting hatzic flats and above spring bar first thing this am...

Photograph or video it and report it. Send it to the media if you don't see any action on the issue.

[ruger#1]

Well DFO asked everyone kindly to use methods that were more selective, instead of flossing. They made an announcement a little while ago, if you didn't here, it wasn't the law, but it was pushed and emphasized pretty hard. And some people did switch to bar fishing like they were told. However there were some that just consistently flossed with 15ft leaders.
With them getting flossed adds stress to the fish and makes it hard to recover. On top of that the water temps were really warm which also adds stress, and it makes it even harder for them to survive.
They tried to have selective angling out there, but people didn't listen so the went with punishing everyone.Which in my opinion isn't to bad maybe anglers can self monitor all the beaks out there now.
Isn't the water temps on the Okanogan river and Osoyoos lake high. Lots of fish going up that river. Lots of rivers that flow into the Fraser are glacier fed. EG, Stave glacier.

[Moe.JKU]

Isn't the water temps on the Okanogan river and Osoyoos lake high. Lots of fish going up that river. Lots of rivers that flow into the Fraser are glacier fed. EG, Stave glacier.
I am not sure i would imagine they are warm. But i havn't been up there to see. And yes lots of sockeye go up that way, they usually have a fairly decent fishery up there.
I know the fraser is glacier fed most of the time. However the temp charts don't lie. and it has been really high temps for the fraser this year. There are a lot of factors in why the fish are returning in such low numbers. Virus, warm water, FN netting, Commercial fishing, sport fishing, and with all the types of people fishing, there are the ones that know the rules an follow them ethically, and then there are the ones that know the rules, and see how much they can get away with unethically, and there are those that just don't know the regulations.
Its hard to narrow it down to the exact cause, everyone has their idea, and its been a lot of the blame game. Instead of putting resources into finding out what the problem actually is.

[Moe.JKU]

Photograph or video it and report it. Send it to the media if you don't see any action on the issue.
And yes thats the best thing to do. Likely DFO is busy with other things and its hard for them to get their in time. But if their is media pressure then the politicians get involved as well. otherwise it goes under the radar and no one cares.

[ruger#1]

And yes thats the best thing to do. Likely DFO is busy with other things and its hard for them to get their in time. But if their is media pressure then the politicians get involved as well. otherwise it goes under the radar and no one cares.
The Dfo are not the only ones that will deal with it. The RCMP will also deal with it.

[ruger#1]

They should really have an opening for seals on the Fraser and Harrison river. I have seen seals at the north end of Harrison lake. And they are not there to sun themselves.

[Rackem]

I know those seals at Harrison lake they keep stealing my fish off my line!! One even tried to get into my boat for a fish. I hit it with a paddle.

[tubby]

Dfo was called....and didnt show up. Both parties waited a few hours after....
And media wont do a thing....we tried that tactic years ago but news agencies wont touch it...
Maybe things have changed will be out tomo....and they WILL be netting tonight in the canyon garu teed

[Sasquatch]

Gonna be interesting to see how this is enforced. I was picking up a new crab trap today and saw plenty of fishermen gearing up for pinks. I'm betting there will be a ton of people who just don't know the river is closed.

[coach]

Dfo was called....and didnt show up. Both parties waited a few hours after....
And media wont do a thing....we tried that tactic years ago but news agencies wont touch it...
Maybe things have changed will be out tomo....and they WILL be netting tonight in the canyon garu teed

Send me the video or pics. I'll see what I can do about getting the media on it. Seanrichardsongolf@gmail.com.

[pescado]

I'm not working this weekend but if I was I'm sure I'd be dodging Native nets from New West down to the bend below Steveston. It's just the way it is. Not sure they know what a closure is. If there are fish there to catch they will. Wonder if we would be any different.

[russm]

There was nets at the mission bridge 2 weeks ago, it's the same thing every year and isn't about to change.....

[adriaticum]

I heard it from the horses mouth that some FN fishers are staying put for now.

[tubby]

Horses mouth? Yale,Spuzzum, Cheam,sts'alies (chehalis) or seabird? Is your horses mouth any member of those bands?

[adriaticum]

A friend of mine wanted to borrow my smoker and was supposed to get a few sockeye from her best friend's husband , the native, and she said she couldn't because they weren't fishing because of the ban.
I think it's something in Maple Ridge or Mission.
Maybe Chehalis? I don't really know.

[Whonnock Boy]

A friend of mine wanted to borrow my smoker and was supposed to get a few sockeye from her best friend's husband , the native, and she said she couldn't because they weren't fishing because of the ban.
I think it's something in Maple Ridge or Mission.
Maybe Chehalis? I don't really know.

Did you tell your friend to go pound sand, and inform him that you do not support the native fishery, and anyone who does?

[adriaticum]

Did you tell your friend to go pound sand, and inform him that you do not support the native fishery, and anyone who does?

Yes, this is not a paid transaction, just a giveaway.
But, believe me I have made a few enemies with this issue.

[tubby]

Wow......adriaticum....that's really first hand info from the horses mouth....cool story bro....your info is top notch..please continue posting horses mouth facts on this thread. Lol

[adriaticum]

Wow......adriaticum....that's really first hand info from the horses mouth....cool story bro....your info is top notch..please continue posting horses mouth facts on this thread. Lol

The information is good for me.
If you don't like it, get your own horse.

[tubby]

Please keep providing that first hand information to this thread. How many days are you on the fraser each week?
my horse is guides and myself who are out ACTUALLY on the river daily.....but please keep posting your info to misinform the general public even worse about what going on.

[coach]

So who's gonna share a video or pics of the natives defying the closure?

[adriaticum]

Please keep providing that first hand information to this thread. How many days are you on the fraser each week?
my horse is guides and myself who are out ACTUALLY on the river daily.....but please keep posting your info to misinform the general public even worse about what going on.

I am on or near the Fraser every day, fishing or not. (lower Fraser).
None of the guides I know of (pretty much all of the major ones) have reported anyone defying the ban.
If you have witnessed anyone defying the ban get pictures or video or it didn't happen.
Surely everyone packs a cell phone these days.

Alas, I was out in the salt with a buddy and there weren't many boats fishing. We got a few springs, one keeper.
It was interesting to see that those videos of commercial guys dumping chum and sockeye back into the water made it to the media and they reacted.
Looks like that forced the DFO to take action.
Picture is worth a thousand words and a video is worth a thousand pictures!

[YAMMY-CA]

The closure is from Mission Bridge up to Alexandra bridge until futher notice for sporties and commercial.....

First nations are open for food, social and cerimonial....... and whatever else they want to do or designate as a reason.ONE CANADA for ALL CANADIANS

[xfactor]

Isn't the water temps on the Okanogan river and Osoyoos lake high. Lots of fish going up that river. Lots of rivers that flow into the Fraser are glacier fed. EG, Stave glacier.


We were in osoyoos a week ago. Water temp was 80.4. Seemed like it climbed pretty much daileynfor the week we were there.
Going back up next week, will see the difference in water temp, because the air temp has stayed mid 30's Celsius.

[tubby]

Adriaticum the illegal netting does not happen in the lower river...with your VAST experience and daily first hand info you should know that the troubled areas are grassy to sawmill creek. Of course your guides that you KNOW dont see anything as they are sturgeon fishing the lower.2 native boats were seized for illegal netting on the wknd in agassis. But i guess without pics that must not have happened...lol.DFO was also involved in a major issue yesterday as the natives in lillioet did a protest fishery on sockeye in defiance of the ban on FN fishing.

[ruger#1]

Adriaticum the illegal netting does not happen in the lower river...with your VAST experience and daily first hand info you should know that the troubled areas are grassy to sawmill creek. Of course your guides that you KNOW dont see anything as they are sturgeon fishing the lower.2 native boats were seized for illegal netting on the wknd in agassis. But i guess without pics that must not have happened...lol.DFO was also involved in a major issue yesterday as the natives in lillioet did a protest fishery on sockeye in defiance of the ban on FN fishing.

Was John Cummins with them? Dfo has been very busy.

[tubby]

50 nets, 8 vehicles seized 28 ppl under investigation....guess those illegal nets dont happen.this is in the last week alone

[GoatGuy]

you folks should be writing your MP and giving him/her a piece of your mind. the longer anglers are quiet on the mismanagement of these fisheries the worse things will get.

[ruger#1]

50 nets, 8 vehicles seized 28 ppl under investigation....guess those illegal nets dont happen.this is in the last week alone
Go up above the nets and throw a bail of hay in the water. Its magic,They disappear.

[tubby]

Trying to spread the word amongst anglers who just don't know. Just a shame that people spread misinformation....and make people even more clueless as our fisheries are going towards extinction due to greed and overnetting. As for the hay bales....we used to do that on the cowwy..works great.

I would love to know when some of the sports/drift fisherman/ chilliwack river action committee meetings are? Does anyone know? Some new voices need to be heard and changes made before its too late.

[Big Lew]

My Grandfather was a gillnet fisherman beginning when he was a youth before the boats were motorized and had motor driven net drums. As an adult, he was Secretary of the Pacific Salmon Commission for awhile, and even then the fishermen, both commercial and recreational, as well as environmentalists of the day were sounding alarm bells about the lack of Federal foresight and knowledgeable planning. Imagine if Federal Fisheries had listened and began aggressively protecting this valuable renewable resource 100 years ago....

[tubby]

When is the next sportfishery advisory meeting taking place..?

[GoatGuy]

My Grandfather was a gillnet fisherman beginning when he was a youth before the boats were motorized and had motor driven net drums. As an adult, he was Secretary of the Pacific Salmon Commission for awhile, and even then the fishermen, both commercial and recreational, as well as environmentalists of the day were sounding alarm bells about the lack of Federal foresight and knowledgeable planning. Imagine if Federal Fisheries had listened and began aggressively protecting this valuable renewable resource 100 years ago....

The critical message is: don't wait for government to do it, cause it won't. If you want to drive change you have to do it yourself.

[adriaticum]

I like the $100,000 fine. That could hurt.

[tubby]

Adriaticum....any of your friends/ guides who are on the river everyday seen non existent nets? We called DFO n
at noon today at minto channel just up from island 22 to report a net....the bank was littered with sox, a few pinks and springs....left 3 messages on the line...and still haven't heard back.

[adriaticum]

Adriaticum....any of your friends/ guides who are on the river everyday seen non existent nets? We called DFO n
at noon today at minto channel just up from island 22 to report a net....the bank was littered with sox, a few pinks and springs....left 3 messages on the line...and still haven't heard back.

No I haven't heard anything, but like you said most sheit happens on the upper lower Fraser.
I don't really venture past Chilliwack often.
Down here it's pretty quiet.
I am going to dinner tomorrow with some friends that acquired sockeye somehow from the grapevine.
You can bet I will find out where from.
Good on you for pounding the pavement.

[papaken]

I saw fresh wild sockeye fillets in Save-On at about $16.00/lb. If there is such a worry about stocks why are the ocean commercials and sport fishers not out of the water as well. I guess Pattisons fleet has enough political clout to exempt them from any conservation measures. I am not sure but would hazard a guess that the off shore commercial fishery and the damn searats (seals) take more fish than everyone else combined. You want to save the stocks cull the seals and pull the commercials out if there is a conservation concern.

[adriaticum]

I saw fresh wild sockeye fillets in Save-On at about $16.00/lb. If there is such a worry about stocks why are the ocean commercials and sport fishers not out of the water as well. I guess Pattisons fleet has enough political clout to exempt them from any conservation measures. I am not sure but would hazard a guess that the off shore commercial fishery and the damn searats (seals) take more fish than everyone else combined. You want to save the stocks cull the seals and pull the commercials out if there is a conservation concern.
Yes but we don't really know where those fish are coming from. My guess Alaska.

[pescado]

Been on the lower Fraser since Wed. and surprisingly quiet. Looked like one was set up off Steveston but by the time I was up to him he was moving again so no confirmation. The Miss Delta had 83 Socks & a few Pinks in her test set tonight for the Salmon commission off of Tilbury.