Let's take a closer look at the issue here before throwing out solutions that may have absolutely no impact at all.
The identified problem is the number of incidental catches of sockeye salmon during July and August, as well as anglers fishing in manners that are perceived as illegal at certain locations such as Keith Wilson Bridge and Lickman Road.
FYI, majority of the sockeye salmon that are currently in the Chilliwack River are Chilliwack Lake bound. Unlike the Cultus Lake stock, these fish are a lot more abundant.
The
current regulation does not include sockeye salmon in the daily quota, meaning retention of sockeye salmon is not allowed. The regulation does not suggest fishing for sockeye salmon is prohibited, therefore catching and releasing sockeye salmon would be a legal practice.
In my opinion, the rule "no fishing for sockeye salmon" should be introduced. If such a regulation exists, repeatedly catching and releasing sockeye salmon would violate the law, resulting in a fine.
Some suggested earlier seasonal or total closure of certain part of the river, this would be extreme and ineffective. The second problem, which some have reported in the last several weeks, is the fact some are employing methods that increase the chance of foul hooking a fish. Let's examine that closely, are we talking about all of the anglers who fish during July and August below the Vedder Crossing are participating in such acts, or are we talking about only a small percentage of anglers?
By implementing a closure to this section, would you be managing and serving the rest of the anglers fairly? Those who fish the way they do will still want to fish, and will most likely continue to by moving to other locations. Such a closure does not solve the problem, but simply moves the problem to somewhere else.
Someone mentioned closure due to low water level. How do you suggest it be done? Should a closure be issued when the water drops to a certain level? Should the river remains closed in September if it remains low even though coho salmon are known to make their way into the river at night?
If speeding is a regular occurance on a road, do you close the road? Very unlikely. You set up speed traps, catch violators as well as make changes to the road to reduce the number of speeders.
Part of this ongoing problem is the lack of enforcement. If ten out of one hundred anglers are breaking the law, you do not close down the river so the rest of the 90 law abiding anglers lose their access, you catch and punish those who are spoiling the party. Instead of pushing for a closure on part of a river where you fish, one should be emphasizing the significance of this problem to the authority until actions are taken.
The second solution is education. Most of the time those who are catching and releasing sockeye salmon with a method that most of us do not approve of are novice anglers. These individuals are often just starting out and are completely unaware of how their action impacts the fish. Education can be done in many ways. It can be broadcasted via brochures placed at tacklestores or licence vendors. It can be done at an individual basis if you see someone who may not know what he or she is doing. From past experience, most novice anglers wish to learn to fish better and will change their method if they are made aware of the problem. If you are concerned about the current problems, inform and pressure the local DFO offices so information is broadcasted more efficiently and effectively.
Anglers are simply a small part of the problem, which stems from lack of regulations, enforcement and education.
Lastly, it seems this time of the year many of us feel the need to start lump certain anglers into a group and stereotype them? Why are people who fish at or near Keith Wilson Bridge or Lickman Road "a bunch of beeks"? The crowding problem at these two locations is mainly stemmed from the easy access to the river. Newcomers, elderlies and kids who do not know the river or cannot walk far may enjoy fishing together as a group. Do we really need to segregate the entire angling community into smaller groups that are often ranked based on the way they fish? It is unnecessary.
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Topic: vedder report anybody know (Read 4126 times)