Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: chris gadsden on July 11, 2008, 11:28:14 AM

Title: Salmon Run Looks Better On The Fraser River
Post by: chris gadsden on July 11, 2008, 11:28:14 AM
WEB EXTRA: Salmon coming in on target
Published: July 11, 2008 9:00 AM
Updated: July 11, 2008 9:16 AM Returning sockeye salmon are starting to arrive in the Fraser River and there are early signs the run may not be a complete disaster.

Biologists still expect a very low return of only 2.9 million sockeye compared to good years of well over 10 million because this is the low year in the four-year cycle.

But they also feared a possible repeat of last year when just a third of the predicted number of fish actually showed up.

So far that bleak scenario isn't materializing.

"It's tracking about the way we expected," said Mike Lapointe, chief biologist for the Pacific Salmon Commission.

Salmon seem to be arriving somewhat early and in good health, he added.

Colder ocean temperatures over the past year or so off the coast have provided more food for salmon and a generally easier ride on the high seas.

"They aren't pushed as far north, they have a shorter distance to swim to get here and they seem to be a bit larger – about a six-pound average size," Lapointe said.

He said very limited commercial fishing might still be possible but decisions won't be made for a few weeks.

"Everybody's got to be cautious because of what happened last year."

United Fishermen and Allied Workers Union rep John Krgovich said boats owners and shore workers are also watching to see what happens.

"The mood is hopeful, but expectations are low," he said, noting fishery managers will need to be "ultra-conservative" to ensure enough returning salmon make it upriver to spawn.

Even if boats remain tied up through the summer sockeye run, he said, there should be a chum salmon fishery in the fall.

Some recreational fishing is also now underway for chinook salmon.

Title: Re: Salmon Run Looks Better On The Fraser River
Post by: eddy on July 11, 2008, 11:58:08 AM
That's great news. :) :) :)
Let's hope this will mean an opening for the single-barbless-hook-set as well. ;)
Title: Re: Salmon Run Looks Better On The Fraser River
Post by: Fish Assassin on July 11, 2008, 01:10:16 PM
Good to hear some good news for a change.
Title: Re: Salmon Run Looks Better On The Fraser River
Post by: marmot on July 11, 2008, 01:33:16 PM
No kidding.....lets hope the numbers keep up!  Thanks Chris.
Title: Re: Salmon Run Looks Better On The Fraser River
Post by: fyrslyer on July 11, 2008, 01:39:21 PM
That's great news. :) :) :)
Let's hope this will mean an opening for the single-barbless-hook-set as well. ;)


that would be nice, i doubt it though, only fishing will be for the natives, or even if they are not allowed they will do it anyway
Title: Re: Salmon Run Looks Better On The Fraser River
Post by: chris gadsden on July 11, 2008, 08:16:20 PM



that would be nice, i doubt it though, only fishing will be for the natives, or even if they are not allowed they will do it anyway

[/quote]We are fishing chinooks in the Fraser now. ;D ;D
Title: Re: Salmon Run Looks Better On The Fraser River
Post by: ~IvAn~ on July 11, 2008, 08:21:41 PM



that would be nice, i doubt it though, only fishing will be for the natives, or even if they are not allowed they will do it anyway


If Salmon means so much to the first nations, how come they are not more protective of it? ie conservation, sanctioning band members disobey orders etc...
Title: Re: Salmon Run Looks Better On The Fraser River
Post by: Geff_t on July 11, 2008, 08:42:54 PM
Read an article today in our local paper that the alco hatchery on the alouette have already captured 2 sockeye at the hatchery and transported them to the lake. Looks to be a good start.
Title: Re: Salmon Run Looks Better On The Fraser River
Post by: maniac1001 on July 11, 2008, 11:45:02 PM
That is great news! Good to hear a positive report
Title: Re: Salmon Run Looks Better On The Fraser River
Post by: Sea-Run Fly & Tackle on July 13, 2008, 03:08:23 PM
Good news yes that numbers are not as bleak for sockeye it could be worse but i must say not so good news at the bottom of chris post with regards to chum openings in the fraser good to see that dfo still wants  to intercept more thompson bound steelhead, what was the count this year about  900-950, 100 away from the magical extintion number.  can't wait to see some pictures like i saw from last year of a dead steelhead laying among chum salmon.  pictures from only one boat!!!!!!  people need to start writing letters asking dfo to delay the chum openings until novemebr a time when MOST of the thompson steelhead have migrated through.   
Title: Re: Salmon Run Looks Better On The Fraser River
Post by: Nicole on July 13, 2008, 06:38:38 PM
I think what we should do is plan an interference protest, if DFO wants to give an opening, we need to announce that we will be standing on masse in the way of this...

It's the only way to save the Thompson steelhead at this point.

DFO has let us down too many times, and we cannot allow this genetic to become exinct.

Cheers,
Nicole