Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Rodney on November 20, 2012, 03:34:19 PM
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Several years ago, I started a similar thread (http://www.fishingwithrod.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=22739.0) to gather some feedbacks and ideas from you on fisheries that are available in the Lower Mainland. That particular discussion generated lots of good ideas and they have been brought up at meetings to further improve what are available to region 2 anglers. The previous thread only focuses on Lower Mainland catchable rainbow trout/urban fisheries, so I'd like to expand that discussion to all other fisheries for this year.
Now that 2012 is almost over, I'm interested in getting thoughts from those who have participated in this year's fisheries, including the Fishing in the City program (urban catchable rainbow trout fisheries), our summer and fall salmon fisheries, winter steelhead fisheries in the Fraser Valley, anadromous trout and char fisheries, saltwater fisheries, etc.
What we are looking for here are constructive feedbacks. They can be both positive and negative, but please present them in a civil manner so we can take your ideas and concerns to further discussions if possible. Have you enjoyed the quality of these fisheries? Thoughts on enforcement? Fishing reports, stocking database, have they been useful to you? What else would you like to see?
Let's hear it. :)
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The catchable rainbow trout program is good but I would love to see the daily catch reduced to 1 fish .... It seems if you don't get to the lake quick it gets fished out fast, these trout are fun to catch but should not be considered a food source.
Also would like to see the retun of cut throat stocking on the local rivers as I understand this has been greatly reduced or stopped in several rivers.
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I'd like to question the motivation of a mid November chum retention on the Squamish...end of October I was into 20 chromers in 2 hours, two weeks later, they declare an opening, and ever snagger and his dog, or wife, is below the powerlines killing rotting. spawned out chum...why???
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A few of my personal observations this year.
more angler then previous years.
more chum then previous 2 years on the Chilliwack system
I noticed less chum last 2 years in the harrison and chehalis systems
Local lake stocking programs didnt seem to produce fish for me. It seemed difficult to "catch fish". Maybe the pervious poster is correct in suggesting the limit should be reduced.
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I'd like to question the motivation of a mid November chum retention on the Squamish...end of October I was into 20 chromers in 2 hours, two weeks later, they declare an opening, and ever snagger and his dog, or wife, is below the powerlines killing rotting. spawned out chum...why???
For the Squamish River chum salmon retention opening, there are two discussions where your questions have been addressed.
http://www.fishingwithrod.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=31585.0
http://forum.flybc.ca/index.php?showtopic=40608
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There should be more DFO officers out there checking licenses....when I was fishing at Stave for coho, DFO came out and within 10 minutes, over 1/2 the people there left. Most of them did not have a fishing license!
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i also would like some river/slough cutthroat fisheries expanded. maybe even some cutthroat lakes?
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This year I invested much of my fishing effort off the beaches for coastal cutthroat. While I have sent in my annual creel report to the Ministry of FLNR biologst responsible for the portfolio (as I have done in years past) I will say that the cutthroat fishing this year was excellent. Between my buddy and I we hooked just over 100 cutthroat, and landed 60. 90% of the fish were wild and most were over 30 cm. Very pleasing to see large numbers of big wild fish. I have nothing but positive comments on the fishery and the apparent health of the urban coastal cutthroat.
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I wonder what happens to the majority of the hatchery trout that get stocked in the lakes. Do they really get fished out quickly, or do most of them just die when they couldn't find enough food to eat. If they do live a few years, you would expect to see them get quite a bit bigger and fatter over time. I also didn't have much luck with the stocked trout and I didn't many other people catch either. May be it's because I go when the weather or timing is convenient for me.
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I have had lots of fun catching these trout at rice lake, one thing i would suggest is the stockings be farther appart, it seems too close together. I also agree at lowering limits to 2
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I think the urban stocked trout fishery should be a total catch and release program. More fishing for everyone to enjoy and it would instill conservation values to the urban fisheries. I'd rather see a young kid catch a fish with his mom / dad then some of the regulars that see it as a daily meat source. Barring that the limit should be one fish.
I've been to Rice lake before and one guy goes there and catches fish after fish, once he reaches his four he starts giving them to other people fishing around him, then he keeps fishing keeping the largest fish. I mean really, leave some for the kids to fish. (RAPP time)
I'd like to see more enforcement both in the urban fisheries and along the river systems. The provincial and federal government need to fund more conservation and fisheries officers to deal with the poachers, polluters that are rampant it seems along the Vedder. Nothing ruins a nice day on the river than a guy that squeezes next to you and starts ripping his line, makes me sick.
I've enjoyed both the urban stocked trout fishery and the vedder this year, however the one thing that keeps disappointing me are all the people that don't comply with regulations, and the rampant flossing and snagging of fish on the Vedder this fall.
Perhaps a video blog from Fishing with Rod about ethical fishing techniques (ie snagging, flossing etc) to educate the masses. :)
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I'm all for lowering the limit on the urban lakes, but it means nothing without enforcement. As it is, many people take more than 4...
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On the Stave River on 287th. street I would like to see The City of Mission supply garbage containers and friendly informational signs about cleaning up your own mess by the parking lots and trail entrances to the river.
I was really shocked that my fellow fishermen would leave as much garbage as they did. I don't mean a bit of line here and there but it was like walking into a garbage dump.
I feel very sorry for the local residents that have to put up with the mess from the fishermen and at the end of the season having to clean it up, it really was appalling.
Gerry
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1. More daily enforcement of the basic stuff (license, barbless hooks, limits...) Would be nice to have more undercover COs fishing among us on the more popular flows.
2. I would like to see more FF only waters in the LML. Maybe FF only sections on the Vedder, Squamish, Harrison? I'd be willing to pay extra for that kind of experience. Imagine...you cast your fly line...a fish hits, you land it...and you just keep working the run without half a dozen beeks swarming you and casting over your fly line. A man can dream, no?
3. Roe harvest ban in chum season (breaks my heart to see all those chum does slit open and disposed of only for their eggs).
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All the comments look good so far, please keep them coming. :)
Re: Urban lake stockings/fisheries. I know many have pointed out that they get fished out rather quickly. From my experience using these lakes, I find that not to be true. While success rate may go down over time, it is not the result of overfishing. These fish do become harder to catch as time goes by because they get used to the environment, they become a bit smarter once being caught and released.
BTW, if you go down to Lafarge Lake right now, you should have no problem hauling in quite a few because they lake has had four stockings of 1000's fish this fall and usage has been quite low. ;)
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There has to be more DFO presence doing something about the people fishing extra long snagging lines, and keeping foul hooked fish.
I believe we should adopt something in the lines of leader length restriction like washington state. they have hook size limits on certain rivers aswell as leader length limits.
There was so much ridiculous snagging and just lack of respect for the fish once snagged. dragged up on rocks to flop around and just be kicked back in once un hooked.
The limit hole for the vedder was ridiculous for snaggers near the end of the season and its still happening as I was up there today. watched 3 coho get caught and kept being hooked by the tail.
All 3 were wild too.
I wish our government cared about the fish.
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This was my second season fishing and it seemed slower than last year, likely because last year there were pinks too.
-I didnt see nearly as many springs this year as I did last year.
-I tend to avoid the usual people traps where I saw a lot of unethical behavior last season. I noticed that I saw a lot more of this behavior spread around the river this year to go with what seemed like more anglers .
- I did manage to get my first coho this season but it was pathetically small, about 2 lbs I would guess. It was the only one I got this season.
- Chum run was much better than last year on the Vedder.
- I also got to try out Green Timbers this year and it was a fun way to fill gaps in trips to the flow while practicing with my fly rod.
-I would like to see more DFO out, I didnt see one yet this year. Mind you, I only got checked once last year and it was during steelhead season. I like the undercover fisherman idea. Hopefully that would cut down on the unethical techniques used and the disregard for limits.
- I like the idea of leader length restrictions too.
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Love the idea of more undercover COs.
Fines should be increased to a level that really make people think about breaking the rules (pays for more COs).
As for garbage cans at Stave. It would be a nice convenience, but what is wrong with people? Pack it in, pack it out!!!
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I think crabbing needs to looked at more too, never once have i seen the poachers at the docks get fines or anything, and i see people taking bags and bags full of crabs daily at cates,jericho seem to be the worst for late night poaching
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I thought Fish for the Future this year was a great event...My daughter enjoyed fly casting very much.
I hope it will continue next year!
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Seeing chum killed for there eggs.
Long leaders every river you go to now, even the T WTF.
People not know the limits and wtf they are catching.
No more wild steelhead out of water even if it is for a quick pic, just like Washington.
And last more bait bans in place. You don't need bait to catch fish, it has a huge bi catch of smolts. It also leads to people killing female fish just for roe.
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Seeing chum killed for there eggs.
Long leaders every river you go to now, even the T WTF.
People not know the limits and wtf they are catching.
No more wild steelhead out of water even if it is for a quick pic, just like Washington.
And last more bait bans in place. You don't need bait to catch fish, it has a huge bi catch of smolts. It also leads to people killing female fish just for roe.
I would love to see a bait ban on lots of rivers. Too many people poaching just for the roe and it happens on almost every river. If you stopped the use of bait you would stop the slitting of the bellies.
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Lots of roe poaching is for sturgeon. A bait ban won't help unless you ban sturgeon fishing.
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I would love to see a bait ban on lots of rivers. Too many people poaching just for the roe and it happens on almost every river. If you stopped the use of bait you would stop the slitting of the bellies.
This is gypsy logic at its finest.
Too many people illegally harvesting fish for roe? How would a bait ban stop this problem when these same individuals have already demonstrated a clear disregard for the regulations? ???
You think a bait ban on Cheakimus stops these same guys from tossing bait up there? Unless it is for legitimate conservation means then I can't see a need for a bait ban.
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Are you guys talking about killing a fish for roe and then disgarding the fish? I killed a clean chum for roe this year but i also took it home and made delicious fish cakes.
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Would love to see more CO's but let's be honest folks, with all the cuts recently this is not going to happen anytime soon.
I think a leader restriction SOUNDS like a good idea, but implementing it will be tough without any enforcement and the snaggers will still find a way to snag (see: flyfishing).
Stocking in the local lakes has been great and I've introduced a few new people to fishing this year because of it. I'd like to see this continue with my thanks! I'd like to see the limits go down here too, but in all likelihood this won't stop the folks who kill everything from continuing to kill everything.
Other than that I don't have much to add. Thanks for taking the feedback, Rod!
Tex
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Are you guys talking about killing a fish for roe and then disgarding the fish? I killed a clean chum for roe this year but i also took it home and made delicious fish cakes.
Yes DRP79, the folks above are talking about killing chum, taking the roe, and then leaving the carcass behind.
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Are you guys talking about killing a fish for roe and then disgarding the fish? I killed a clean chum for roe this year but i also took it home and made delicious fish cakes.
Yes. You can find plenty of fish on the riverbank with slit bellies, which is illegal.
Keeping chum does is not illegal as long as you don't waste it.
It is unlawful to
Waste the fish you catch.
If your fish is not suitable for eating or if possession is illegal because of quotas, size limits or closed seasons, return the fish quickly and gently to the water.
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Bait ban on all rivers,and more co,s
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I guess I should be a bit more specific on what feedbacks we are looking for so the entire thread doesn't turn into another discussion on the usages of bait vs. fly at our rivers.
How has your experience been when fishing in Region 2 (rivers, lakes, saltwater) in 2012? Would you say you've had plenty of opportunities? Catch success has been high? Overall a positive experience? Did you take anyone who has never tried fishing before?
I know people have asked for more enforcement, but at what point enforcement is considered adequate? 50 officers in the Lower Mainland? 100? People always need to phone in and report violations, regardless whether you think officers will show up or not. This has been stressed again and again by enforcement at our meetings because anglers are their eyes and ears. With the support of this community, enforcement can be performed more efficiently and effectively.
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Overall a pretty decent fishing season (and its not done yet!)
Had a good winter steelie season averaging 1 fish per outing. Fished lots of great water. Probably bring my spey gear out this season.
Went once for Red springs on the Vedder and did well. I thought it was a good year for red springs as it seemed there were quite a few around.
So far for Coho, its been good. For the most part my outings have been pleasant and most of the guys I was fishing around were good rods and friendly.
Production wise, not as many limit days as last year (only 4 days) mainly due to the low water conditions we experienced in Sept and early Oct. Not sure if there were more or less coho than last year since they seem to bite better during a pink year. Overall I thought the run was quite comparable or slightly less than the last couple of years. Size was smaller on average but I did catch a couple in the low teens on a north side river.
Glad to see the Chum making a comeback, especially on the Vedder. On the north side rivers, saw some improvement but not up to the numbers that I have seen in the last decade.
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No more wild steelhead out of water even if it is for a quick pic, just like Washington.
I think glory shots are very beneficial in catch and release. I think if you take that away you'd see more poaching. People want to share and want memories of their catch. Im fine with people lifting them out of the water for a couple seconds to get a nice shot.
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Way too many people fishing our local flows. I think the KW bridge should be closed to angling yr round. Leader length restriction implemented.Much more enforcement.The T closed to steelhead fishing period. I enjoyed some good fishing on a couple of local lakes that I will not name, as there is too much "reporting" on the internet forums.More respect for our precious,fragile fisheries. Less sense of entitlement from the anglers that fish our waters.Like to see more kids fishing.The list goes on and on...
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I think glory shots are very beneficial in catch and release. I think if you take that away you'd see more poaching. People want to share and want memories of their catch. Im fine with people lifting them out of the water for a couple seconds to get a nice shot.
Beneficial to who? Definitely not the fish.
A few seconds is fine but how many times have you seen the friend take 7 shots because he's a sh*t photographer and it's not his camera.
I say if the fish is wild leave it in the water.
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with regards to enforcement, I think that all rivers should have 2 to 3 officers doing checks daily during open/peak season. I also think that the DFO protocol should be to have a minimum response time for calls that have been made to the report line. they should also contact the individual that called in the report and provide an update on their finding.
Im not sure if the above is already in the protocol, but I often hear of people reporting violations and DFO doesn't show. Or they don't know the outcome of the the visit if they did show up.
just my pennies... :)
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would there be any way to have trustworthy volunteers enforcing the rules of local rivers, where they have some sort of authority to take gear away and take angler number down and hand it over to the CO's for them to issue tickets? Or is it too wide open for the volunteers to abuse their authority?
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It has been a great year, especially for coho. Chum is plentiful. Would be nice to have a ban on female chum, just like for Dungenese Crab. Possession of fresh chum roe should be banned too. This way, people cannot just kill the the female chum, take the roe and discard the fish. The rainbow stocking is great. Perhaps the fall stocking can be done earlier so more people can get out. Seniors are the people who enjoy this most, but they can't fish in cold weather like now. With the high cost of gas, rivers closer to town should be enhanced with more stocking. How about more coho stocking in Stave, Allouette, Cap, Seymour, even Coquitlam etc. This will be great for people who like space & solitude in farther rivers like the Vedder or Chehalis, as more people will go to more local flows if there are more fish there. Save money and good for the environment. Just a thought. Finally, we need more plain clothed COs on the rivers, and more enforcement efforts in the public piers where poaching and under-sized crab harvest are rampant.
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would there be any way to have trustworthy volunteers enforcing the rules of local rivers, where they have some sort of authority to take gear away and take angler number down and hand it over to the CO's for them to issue tickets? Or is it too wide open for the volunteers to abuse their authority?
Potential for abuse. High probability of confrontation. Who pays for damages if someone gets injured in a confrontation ?
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Ever since my accident that has left me with a disability I have really noticed how hard it is too access fishing, so my number 1 idea would be to have better access for the disabled and Seniors.
My second idea would be for DFO to start looking at doing an Auxilary officer program that mirrors the one the RCMP use. This way instead of pairing up 2 paid officers together for patrol they would pair each officer up with an Auxillary officer. This would double the amount of enforcement officers in the field and would solve alot of issues surrounding enforcement. This would also solve who pays for any injuries that might happen as they would be covered by WorksafeBC for any loss of wages that might occur in their real job.
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I think that the stocking program in local lakes is great. Leave the limits where they are, it is a great for kids and others that want to go out and retain some. I personally dont like hatchery catchable sized fish for eating. That being said I really think that there needs to be a few quality fisheries in the lowermainland, and they need to be managed as such, like they do in other parts of the province. One lake that comes to mind is Mike lake. Make it fly only and catch and release. Stock it with triploids. I think that catch and release will help to curb the poaching more than a reduced limit would. It may also encourage some more poeple to take up fly fishing, and give the fly guys a place locally to get into some nice fish.
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I think that popular saltwater fishing spots need more dfo in Summer. There are a lot of crab, perch and rockfish poachers.
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Did you take anyone who has never tried fishing before?
I have introduced several people who have never fished before to our rivers. They find the regulations intimidatingly complex when they have never seen most of our fish before and cannot be sure of species identification.
I support a bait ban on all rivers.
I would like to see more enhancement for cutthroat together with some retention opportunities on small streams for kids and to spread the other fishers out a bit.
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I would like to see more education for anglers. Something like CORE program or along those lines to get your angler number and then you're good for life after the course is complete. Of course it wouldn't have to be as in depth or broad a spectrum as the CORE class is,
mainly covering the obvious like species identification and ethics.
I as well introduced a friend to fishing this year and I agree he was very overwhelmed for his first day out. Without me by his side he probably would have dragged his first fish up the beach. Simple things to us like keep the fish pointing upstream to revive, is totally foreign to a new angler. I was lucky I have a father that fishes, and learned the ropes at a very young age. But for someone coming in green as the grass with no mentor... Of course they will make mistakes.
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Does a catch-and-release triploid fishery in a man-made lake make sense? ???
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Couple of suggestions that I could throw my weight behind:
Would be nice to have a ban on female chum, just like for Dungenese Crab....This way, people cannot just kill the the female chum, take the roe and discard the fish."
While it may be unfair for the angler who utilizes the roe and consumes the flesh, it would help prevent the large number of does that wind up slitted on the beach or put in the garden. Not sure the long term impact though when you emphasize a male-only harvest. Also, you think have people have problems identifying between species of fish, just wait until you expect them to distinguish between gender of the same species.
No more wild steelhead out of water even if it is for a quick pic, just like Washington.
I would expand this to say no fish out of the water that you intend to release, not just wild steelhead. Sure it's OK for a qick pic if your buddy has a camera and you hold it out of the water and put it back quickly again, however my pet peeve is the shots of wild fish posed by the angler who has to take the pic himself. If you are fishing by yourself, IMHO you have no business taking a pic of a fish that you intend to release.
While I agree with you Josh in principle, if I understand what you are saying correctly, you would propose that pictures like this:
(http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/545809_10152120644775705_753760406_n.jpg)
or this:
(http://sphotos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/299435_10152120644515705_1490545347_n.jpg)
or even this one:
(http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/75142_10152120641825705_1271911067_n.jpg)
would be prohibited. Just checking... ;D
I hope my comments are within scope, Rod :) (except of course for poking a stiick at Josh)
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Maybe when retention for multiple fish is allowed such as 4 hatchery coho, limit the number of female retention to a smaller number like 1 or 2. Just an idea. It is not as extreme as the case for dungenous crabs where you can not retain any females.
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I had a great season but found it got quite busy on the local flows. Enough for me to not fish holidays and weekends.
Witnessed alot more illegal activity than previous year but did notice more CO presence. Only thing is when they arrive the offenders see them coming. The CO would be occupied questioning an angler and the culprits would quickly pack up and leave. I like the undercover CO idea. That way they can get close enough to the violators and hit them with tickets before they runaway into the bush.
Snaggers think they are getting wiser. When they foul hook a fish, they wouldn't even try to reel the fish in but walk down the run til there was nobody close enough to see. They think they are fooling everyone but Everyone knows what they are up to. Seen a lot more people doing it this season. If they are confronted they say the fish was wrapped in the line thats why it came in like that and the hook was in the mouth.
My second idea would be for DFO to start looking at doing an Auxilary officer program the RCMP use.
I think this is a Great idea Geff. It would double the enforcement.
Im also for a leader length restriction and stiffer fines for violations.
Also I think stocked lakes should be reduced to 2 trout per day. I personally didnt fish it this fall but heard about how the lakes were raped as soon as the fish were put in.
Too much poaching in the summer at our piers. Seen way too many undersized crab wrapped in newspaper stuffed in jackets and taken away to vehicles.
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Stock Surrey (152 street in Surrey) lake and open it to fishing.
Bust the poachers and regulation violaters and make them were signs identifing them as such.(or feed them farmed atlantic salmon)
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There are a handful of lakes between Whistler and the Fraser Valley that are not stocked and I believe retention should be closed.
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Make it a rule that if you are fishing on a river, nobody should come in after you fish within 10 feet of you. Not sure how you can enforce it, but it would make certain spots more pleasant :)
I think the stocked lake trout should keep the existing quota.
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Put webcams on places like KWB etc lol
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Put webcams on places like KWB etc lol
Yes or a "View from above" series...
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Put webcams on places like KWB etc lol
This would actually be hilarious. I would watch this all day at work.
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I would like to see the FWFS make a commitment to take over the administration of the nutrient enrichment program on lower mainland rivers ;D
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I know people have asked for more enforcement, but at what point enforcement is considered adequate? 50 officers in the Lower Mainland? 100? People always need to phone in and report violations, regardless whether you think officers will show up or not. This has been stressed again and again by enforcement at our meetings because anglers are their eyes and ears. With the support of this community, enforcement can be performed more efficiently and effectively.
Fair statement, Rod. I honestly don't care about the numbers, but the effectiveness.
How about getting DFO to release some stats:
How many officers in the field
How many officer-days in the field during salmon season (Sept-Nov, Aug-Nov in a Pink year or whenever Sockeye are open)
Number of calls during that period
Percentage of calls that result in an officer dispatched
Number of licence/barb checks
Number of tickets issued
Number of tickets paid in full
How sad would we be to learn these numbers?
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I think DFO should reconsider the 'no more fishing rule' after a person retains a steelhead.
With the high price of gas, and the danger of fishing alone in winter for steelhead, perhaps DFO should remove the 'no more fishing' clause if a person retains a steelhead. I think the rule makes people tend to fish alone for steelhead. At least for me. I don't want to drag someone along the whole day or vice versa when one of us have retained a hatchery steelhead. What damage can it do to fish stock considering the prospect of hooking another fish is not that high? With the current steelhead run in Lower Mainland, it is not that a person can have multiple hook ups on steelhead in a day anyway. Why not allow the guy to continue to fish but on catch & release basis. This way, people tend to go fishing with a partner instead of going alone. If you fish alone and fall badly on those frosty sleepery rocks, with breeding wounds, broken bones or knocked unconscious, and you fish away from the popular areas where even cell phone signal is weak, without a fishing partner, no one will be able to help you. For safety sake and for conserving gas consumption by car pooling (good for the environment and fishermen's pocket), DFO should review if such rule is necessary.
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i would make more popular river classified waters and add a bigger tag price. upwards of 50/year. that will keep the crowds at bay??
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Salmon fishing was fair this season for chum, good for steelheads (that means just a few fish but still) and quite poor for coho. I saw some cohos but did not catch many. And yes I enjoyed the fishing!
On my wish list, 3 things:
- Promote the real fishing and stop the snagging: I had the opportunity to bring some friends from Europe this year to fish the local rivers. What they saw gave them a disastrous opinion on Canadians and Canada. They couldn't believe there was such a poor enforcement for so many fish in the river.
- I would really want the "Classified Water" stamps money to be allocated to the protection of these classified rivers and their wild fish.
The budget collected through these stamps is currently funding the stocking program for hatchery rainbows. And simply said, I don't get it.
I know some people coming from other countries who pay hundreds of dollars of CW stamps each year to fish these rivers. They also don't really understand why they pay for stocking programs.
- READ THE COHEN REPORT! Well, I mean... its summary (http://www.cohencommission.ca/en/FinalReport/), and spread the word on the fish farming and the necessity to reform DFO, increase enforcement, etc. And ask your politicians to make that 26 millions spending turning into something good for our children.
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I think if you're afraid of being alone out there you should probably stay home.
I personally would like to see a limit on the number of wild fish you can catch and release in a day, perhaps 2 would be a good number. Imagine: less crowded rivers, the less pounded on fish and runs, less fish mortality, less selfish-won't-stop-fishing-because-it's-dangerous-out-here-by-myself attitudes like below?
I think DFO should reconsider the 'no more fishing rule' after a person retains a steelhead.
With the high price of gas, and the danger of fishing alone in winter for steelhead, perhaps DFO should remove the 'no more fishing' clause if a person retains a steelhead. I think the rule makes people tend to fish alone for steelhead. At least for me. I don't want to drag someone along the whole day or vice versa when one of us have retained a hatchery steelhead. What damage can it do to fish stock considering the prospect of hooking another fish is not that high? With the current steelhead run in Lower Mainland, it is not that a person can have multiple hook ups on steelhead in a day anyway. Why not allow the guy to continue to fish but on catch & release basis. This way, people tend to go fishing with a partner instead of going alone. If you fish alone and fall badly on those frosty sleepery rocks, with breeding wounds, broken bones or knocked unconscious, and you fish away from the popular areas where even cell phone signal is weak, without a fishing partner, no one will be able to help you. For safety sake and for conserving gas consumption by car pooling (good for the environment and fishermen's pocket), DFO should review if such rule is necessary.
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Sim. I live in Campbell River.The worst offenders when it comes to snagging come from Europe. They be the Italians. They are not liked at all by the local fisherman.They like to poach fish also. Another bad habit is there method of releasing a fish.Drag it up on the rocky beach,pick it up with thier jaw clamp,take lots of pictures and we all know what happens to that fish when it is released.Not saying that all Italian fisherman are like this.When you try to explain the proper release method they tell you they don't understand english.So this attitude toward our fish resourse is not just confined to us Canadians.
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Witnessed alot more illegal activity than previous year but did notice more CO presence. Only thing is when they arrive the offenders see them coming. The CO would be occupied questioning an angler and the culprits would quickly pack up and leave. I like the undercover CO idea. That way they can get close enough to the violators and hit them with tickets before they runaway into the bush.
Snaggers think they are getting wiser. When they foul hook a fish, they wouldn't even try to reel the fish in but walk down the run til there was nobody close enough to see. They think they are fooling everyone but Everyone knows what they are up to. Seen a lot more people doing it this season. If they are confronted they say the fish was wrapped in the line thats why it came in like that and the hook was in the mouth.
This isn't directed at the author of the original quote, but more a response to the overall sentiment that we need more enforcement.
I know one of the local officers and we've discussed the issue at great length. Consider this a little insight from the 'inside'
-As suggested, they already do employ undercover officers on a regular basis, typically they use one officer undercover to call in the offenses and have another to issue tickets so as to not blow their cover.
-Issuing tickets is a lot harder than most people would ever guess. A good day in terms of issuing tickets on the Stave of all places was 6 busts.
-For every day spent out in the field there is a day spent out of the field either in the office doing the paperwork or at court
-Enforcement of sportfishermen is only a small part of the job. They are also involved in things like monitoring the native beach seines, inspecting commercial fish plants as well as random call out such as pulling abandoned nets out of the river.
-DFO is a federal agency. Similar to the way RCMP operates, officers are stationed around the country and can be moved around. Imagine as a non local, trying to not only learn but then enforce our local fisheries. Use the RAPP line, just because there is a poaching problem that is obvious to you, doesn't necessarily mean that it is obvious to them.
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ok I'll play. Shooting from the hip and strictly my opinion (maybe tongue in cheek even)
1. Define what angling is: ie the intent of enticing a fish to bite your offering and take the hook inside its mouth.
2. Make wearing licences in a conspicuous way clearly visible on the angler mandatory. This accomplishes two things: peer related self policing and remote policing by enforcement authorities
3. If there is to be a sport harvest of sockeye on the Fraser, make it available by special harvest permit only in addition to the regular licence with a limit of ten fish per permit. Retained fish must be clearly marked on the visible face of the permit. Make the harvest available only in designated areas on the river using specified methods, ie flossing may be ok (?) but restricted to designated areas only, ie on the Fraser river only or even further restricted. Other methods of sport fishing for harvest would be acceptable as well. Funds raised from the sale of special harvest permits would go to policing this sport harvest.
4. If the Chinook run is strong enough to support a sport harvest opportunity on the Fraser during a time when it is determined that there isn’t a strong enough return to support a sport sockeye harvest, there should be an opening allowed for the sport harvest of Chinook, using sport angling methods that are defined as sport angling and don’t intercept large numbers of unintended sockeye. ie bar fishing etc. There shall be no ‘flossing’ for Chinook.
5. Eliminate the use of bait from all wild C+R steelhead fisheries
6. Monies raised from the sale of fishing licences need to stay in BC and FWFS needs to fund more anadromous salmonid projects. ie habitat restoration in the upper Squamish
7. All IPP projects pay into a fund an amount equal to the rate they are getting that is above the current open market electrical rates established at the time their Enegy Purchase Agreement is signed. This fund shall be used for habitat restoration and enhancement projects for anadromous salmonids etc.
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- Much stiffer fines to pay for more enforcement
(maybe they should confiscate a car or two to make an example, feed the rumor mill anyway.. fishing overlimit or without a license is poaching right)
I don't understand how it can be hard to write a ticket, fishing licenses are all linked to drivers licenses. Getting payment is another story. I saw one CO at Rice Lake come and ticket some guys after he took some video of them on his iphone from the bushes... "oh so you weren't using this rod, it's just an extra.... gee sure looks like you in this video casting".
- shame works pretty good at compliance, post up pictures of offenders on website
The one steelhead limit is a very good one. I don't catch enough for it to be an issue anyway. Bait ban would be interesting as all the deep hooks/gill bleeding I've seen seems to be exclusively bait related. It would eliminate all the super bad releases I've seen because some cheap bastard thinks he absolutely has to have his hook back even though the fish is clearly hooked in the gills and already bleeding.
I don't catch that many fish, even with bait, and like "curing" the roe... so I'm kinda undecided about this one. I do see the principle though.
I saw lots of people dragging fish over rocks, letting them flop around on the side of a gravel road and just generally really badly mishandled because they were:
a) too cheap to buy a net
b) didn't want to get their hands or clothes dirty or wet... real squeamish for grown men who fished
c) or too stupid to think of a more effective way to identify/deal with a fish.
I really enjoyed fishing in the lower mainland though. Given how close the Vedder is to a major metropolis I'm thankful for how it is now.. Vancouver isn't Terrace. It also seems only certain spots were really crowded. If I fished I certain spot, I wasn't surprised it was going to get crowded. Vedder is definitely more "competitive" fishing, but it is what it is...
The stocked lake fishing is really fun and think it's a great thing. I think the limit is fine. I don't know where the others are fishing, but there is no way people are pulling out ALL the stock in a few days. At least at Rice, after the first days being stocked, they smarten up pretty quick. I "try" to remember it's for the kids so give them room when need be...pretty funny how they get elbowed out when the bite is on though from the old timers.
Generally really enjoyed my second year fishing (first year salmon on Vedder). Didn't get into as many coho as I expected though, 6 wild to one hatchery but there's always next year. Surprised at the number of chum I caught in the city bar fishing with bait though.
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I think DFO should reconsider the 'no more fishing rule' after a person retains a steelhead.
With the high price of gas, and the danger of fishing alone in winter for steelhead, perhaps DFO should remove...
Can you please elaborate?
I see no danger in fishing alone, especially not in the winter when the bears are hibernating.
What danger are you referring to?
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Ralf has some very good points there.
Really like the one with the visible licence.
I keep hearing how licence sales are going down and find it very hard to believe when the amount of fisherman allmost double on a yearly basis.
Ralfs suggestion would put an end to the non payers in a hurry.
The one thing i would like to see improved is boat launches and access to the Fraser River.
I wouldnt stop there either as we could use more out on the ocean as well.
The Fraser would have many more launches with marine parks etc. if it were in Washington or Oregon.
Is like our government doesnt want us out there using our resources.
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Really like the idea of visible licences.
Would like a fishing limit per annum imposed on Coho with a requirement to record on licence.
Same forSockeye.I appreciate the licences might get a bit ponderous but a way around this could be found.
Lastly and I can here the rancour already a reduction in the Chilliwack River limits to 2 per day.
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- Lower limits for urban lake fisheries to 2. Take a kid fishing and you each get 2, that's plenty for a meal (if you like purina trout chow...).
- Outfit COs with video cameras (gopro, vholdr, etc are cheap), it would allow multiple offenders to be caught on film for ticketing and help secure more prosecutions.
- Bait ban on any body of water than has non-retention species. It seems hypocritical to have all these single-barbless regulations, but then still be able to use bait. I wonder if there are any post release mortality stats for barbed hook vs. bait...
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Can you please elaborate?
I see no danger in fishing alone, especially not in the winter when the bears are hibernating.
What danger are you referring to?
Really, Milo? You don't think you're increasing your risk factor by fishing alone?!?
Fishing alone is always more dangerous. Whether it's breaking an ankle and having to get out alone, or slipping in the water and not having someone there to help drag you out, or any other of the multitude of scenarios that become more dangerous when you're solo.
Not sure if I'm just missing your sarcasm somehow.
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I like the idea of an annual limit of sockeye per license year.
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Really, Milo? You don't think you're increasing your risk factor by fishing alone?!?
Fishing alone is always more dangerous. Whether it's breaking an ankle and having to get out alone, or slipping in the water and not having someone there to help drag you out, or any other of the multitude of scenarios that become more dangerous when you're solo.
Not sure if I'm just missing your sarcasm somehow.
I am also not concerned about fishing alone - the risks may be greater, but still too low to worry about. Greatest risk would come from another harm from another human, but that isn't fishing related.
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I agree, as long as you are smart about not wading to deep or just perceptive enough to know what not to do, fishing alone isn't that dangerous. Use common sense and all's well.
I fish alone except for the odd time my father joins me. I just don't know anyone else to fish with or that wants to share their golden spots with me ::)
so I walk alone.
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I am also not concerned about fishing alone - the risks may be greater, but still too low to worry about. Greatest risk would come from another harm from another human, but that isn't fishing related.
Last year I fell into the river on three separate occaisions.
The year before I had a really bad fall on the Chehalis that kept me off my feet for close to 4 months. I would have not been able to make it out unassisted.
So yeah...no risks fishing alone. ::) Not to say I don't do it, but if I'm going to an isolated area I always let someone know where I'm going to be.
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I agree, as long as you are smart about not wading to deep or just perceptive enough to know what not to do, fishing alone isn't that dangerous. Use common sense and all's well.
I fish alone except for the odd time my father joins me. I just don't know anyone else to fish with or that wants to share their golden spots with me ::)
so I walk alone.
Me too! I prefer solo as well when walking the banks of the Vedd searching for steel. Nobody i know can keep up with the miles and miles i cover in a day. ;)
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You guys are being silly. I'm not saying NOT to fish alone, but Milo said he didn't understand why fishing alone could be dangerous. Fishing ITSELF is inherently a somewhat risky activity (as are most activities that are outdoor and/or water related), and doing it ALONE makes it MORE dangerous. That is fairly obvious I would have thought.
I'm not saying I don't fish alone - I fish alone often! I'm just saying it's a calculated risk and one that carries inherently MORE risk than fishing with a partner would entail.
Tex
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Last year I fell into the river on three separate occaisions.
The year before I had a really bad fall on the Chehalis that kept me off my feet for close to 4 months. I would have not been able to make it out unassisted.
So yeah...no risks fishing alone. ::) Not to say I don't do it, but if I'm going to an isolated area I always let someone know where I'm going to be.
ALWAYS let people know where you are going to be is great piece of advise. Also letting them know if you are in or out of cell range and aprox time of return. Fishing alone is very enjoyable but riskier.
if it could be imaged it could happen no matter how far fetched...
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I always let my wife know where I'm fishing!!! Very important to let people know where they can find your crippled body, before its a corpse. As for wadding around in the winter by yourself, it's risky. I last year fell in wadding too deep in the canyon. In the heart of winter, snow on the ground and all. I went at least 50 feet down river and my belt saved my my friend!
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Here's something that MIGHT be feasible:
I think Trout Lake at John Hendry Park should be stocked with rainbows again. It is the only body of water inside the City of Vancouver which has great shore access and is big enough for fishing.
C&R only since the water is so polluted any fish in there couldn't and shouldn't be retained anyhow. LOL ;D
On another note, I've always wondered why they don't stock the Brunette River with more sea-run cutties. Checked the stocking reports but there isn't any recent info on that. The streamkeepers probably won't mind a helping hand reviving the fish populations there.
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Can you please elaborate?
I see no danger in fishing alone, especially not in the winter when the bears are hibernating.
What danger are you referring to?
If you are fishing only the lower river runs, where there are lots of people fishing and with easy access, then there is no danger much, except when someone close by put a knife on you when your line crossed his line when he is fighting a fish causing him to lose the fish. ;) ;D
But if you like to bush walk, climbing up and down slippery slopes or dykes to fish where not many others are willing to go, there are some risks. Sometimes, those areas can remain shady from the sun for winter and the rocks around the river or on the dykes are very slippery in frosty condition. One wrong step, you can fall among rocks and who know what injury will result from each fall. Case in point. I told my friend I hooked a 15lber in an area I often fished alone. It requires 20 minutes walk on slippery rocks. Very few soul fish the spot due to difficulty of access. It has a decent run there which had produced quite a few fish for me through out the years. But I have fished it for 20 years. So I know what to watch for and how to negotiate my way in among those rocks. My friend who used to fish lower river decided to try solo on this spot too, as he heard of my success there and I had taken him there once before. The next time I saw him though, he had a a broken nose, which he told me was so badly hurt and bleeding heavily when he fell, that he had to rush to hospital to get stitches. Lucky that he didn't knock himself out when he fell on those rocks. This is the kind of danger some lone steelheaders will have to risk if they fish away from the popular runs and pools.
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Really, Milo? You don't think you're increasing your risk factor by fishing alone?!?
Fishing alone is always more dangerous. Whether it's breaking an ankle and having to get out alone, or slipping in the water and not having someone there to help drag you out, or any other of the multitude of scenarios that become more dangerous when you're solo.
Not sure if I'm just missing your sarcasm somehow.
Ha,ha if you know Milo, you know that even bears are affraid of him. ;D ;D
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Here is an idea:
Establish a summer run of steelhead on the Vedder.
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ALL hatchery coho should be clipped !
we should all volunteer at the local hatcheries to help clip fish !
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ALL hatchery coho should be clipped !
we should all volunteer at the local hatcheries to help clip fish !
All coho salmon raised at our hatcheries are clipped.
http://www.fishingwithrod.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=31292.0
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all the hatchery coho that make it to the hatchery after the quota is met should be transported back to the canal so the meat fishermen can get their .....meat
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all the hatchery coho that make it to the hatchery after the quota is met should be transported back to the canal so the meat fishermen can get their .....meat
:D :D too funny
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The lower mainland fisheries is truly a beautiful thing to experience as much as some of us complain about certain issues,we should be proud of what we have and do our best to take care of our rivers,lakes and oceans .In last 6 yrs i have lived in 3 other cities ,2 different countries and nothing comes close to the lower mainland . Right now im living in london and i need to book an appointment and pay 22- 200 pounds everytime i go fishing ,then when i get there im fishing on nice manicured lawns with a ghilles that tells you where the fish hold and nets your catch. So please take care of our fishery ,pick up loose line, put your cans and snack bags in the bin and dont pick up ur dog poop just to just throw the bag in the river ,lake or bush,treat fellow anglers with respect nothing hard about saying morning or hi back to someone cause you never know if one day you might need a helping hand on the river .Cheers and tight lines
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All coho salmon raised at our hatcheries are clipped.
http://www.fishingwithrod.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=31292.0
tynehead hatchery does not clip there fish !
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The Coquitlam river missed clipping the Coho a couple years ago. That run is coming back next year or the following.
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The lower mainland fisheries is truly a beautiful thing to experience as much as some of us complain about certain issues,we should be proud of what we have and do our best to take care of our rivers,lakes and oceans .In last 6 yrs i have lived in 3 other cities ,2 different countries and nothing comes close to the lower mainland . Right now im living in london and i need to book an appointment and pay 22- 200 pounds everytime i go fishing ,then when i get there im fishing on nice manicured lawns with a ghilles that tells you where the fish hold and nets your catch. So please take care of our fishery ,pick up loose line, put your cans and snack bags in the bin and dont pick up ur dog poop just to just throw the bag in the river ,lake or bush,treat fellow anglers with respect nothing hard about saying morning or hi back to someone cause you never know if one day you might need a helping hand on the river .Cheers and tight lines
Amen!
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Where are you getting your information about the tynehead hatchery from RJS? I have caught numerous clipped fish in their systems.
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What Ive seen and learned while clipping at several hatcheries:
The ones that do clip, its done by volunteers and staff. Not all fish get done depending on manpower and other factors.
What I learned this fall from a hatchery worker from out of town:
From now on they have been mandated to clip every fish.
So many coho jacks this year, indicating higher returns for next year? plus its a pink year.
I am looking forward~
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Where are you getting your information about the tynehead hatchery from RJS? I have caught numerous clipped fish in their systems.
From visiting the hatchery !
clipped fish come from inch creek hatchery !
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From visiting the hatchery !
clipped fish come from inch creek hatchery !
Most coho are raised in Inch Creek catchery simply because Tynhead doesn't have the space.
They raise a lot of chum and chinook, steelhead.
But some of these fully volunteer based hatcheries are small and don't have the space or the resources.
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Here is an idea:
Establish a summer run of steelhead on the Vedder.
Love that idea.
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The lower mainland fisheries is truly a beautiful thing to experience as much as some of us complain about certain issues,we should be proud of what we have and do our best to take care of our rivers,lakes and oceans .In last 6 yrs i have lived in 3 other cities ,2 different countries and nothing comes close to the lower mainland . Right now im living in london and i need to book an appointment and pay 22- 200 pounds everytime i go fishing ,then when i get there im fishing on nice manicured lawns with a ghilles that tells you where the fish hold and nets your catch. So please take care of our fishery ,pick up loose line, put your cans and snack bags in the bin and dont pick up ur dog poop just to just throw the bag in the river ,lake or bush,treat fellow anglers with respect nothing hard about saying morning or hi back to someone cause you never know if one day you might need a helping hand on the river .Cheers and tight lines
+1
I applaud the hard work of everyone that keeps our fisheries healthy.
Oh, and by the way...13 inch Rainbow caught at Rice Lake today. ;D
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Love that idea.
where do you 2 think the wild stock will come from?
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I also think the limit in lower mainland lakes should be 2.
ps. The fishing in the city stocking program is great.
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I also think the limit in lower mainland lakes should be 2.
ps. The fishing in the city stocking program is great.
I don't agree with that.
2 twinkie trout are not a whole lot.
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They are not food....
They are for catching if they were meant to be food there would be a price tag on them and they would already be dead and cleaned for you.
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I think that popular saltwater fishing spots need more dfo in Summer. There are a lot of crab, perch and rockfish poachers.
I agree especially with the crabs..witnessed someone doing that (retaining undersized crab) at Belcarra pier last summer..he returned the crab back into the sea after I told him that it was illegal.
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Greater enforcement for the recovering bottom fish in the Strait of Georgia. Specific to Pt Atkinson.
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100% catch and release of all fish (except non native invasive species) of all waters in region 2 (Or just BC in general.) Thats what Id like to see!
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100% catch and release of all fish (except non native invasive species) of all waters in region 2 (Or just BC in general.) Thats what Id like to see!
Do you include hatchery produced salmonids in that sentence?
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what are we supposed to eat then....? These?? ;D
(http://www.mcdonalds.com/content/dam/McDonalds/item/mcdonalds-Filet-O-Fish.png)
(http://wholenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/farmed_salmon.jpg)
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Do you include hatchery produced salmonids in that sentence?
x2
and both fresh and salt water???
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Do you include hatchery produced salmonids in that sentence?
I was going to qualify my statement with "except hatchery fish." But then I thought, we would be extremely close to where we are now. Now, I am not nearly educated enough in this field to say, do this, and everything will be better, but my inner hippie says, leave the damn fish in the water. Trick em, play with them a bit, then send them back on their way. Now, without the people filling freezers to pay for licenses, obviously many hatcheries would not exist (if not all, again, not nearly educated enough!)
But I know enforcement would be easy. Fish out of water? Take his gear and leave him with a fine!
To jimmy. Especially salt water. Leave the damn marine life alone.
I know it wont happen, but you betcha, if there was a full C&R reg for region 2, or BC, I would not be upset in the least.
Oh and Rod, those pictures are gross. Dont be gross. /has never eaten farmed Salmon, and hasnt had a Filet O "Fish" in a decade.
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It seems that official people, who are educated enough, don't agree.
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Dan, you should consider attending one of the SFAC meetings (either Lower Mainland or Fraser Valley) and becoming a member who represents a particular group (eg. SSBC). Actually this invitation goes out to anyone who falls in Dan's age group. You should come for two reasons, one is to be more familiar with how fisheries are managed in this region, two is to provide new and refreshing ideas, possibly leadership which are slowly disappearing right now. At the last meeting, we struggled to find a new chairperson. Beside Mike D. on the forum, I am the youngest one who attends these meetings. The rest are 50+. Something to consider and feel free to contact me if you want more information.
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I was going to qualify my statement with "except hatchery fish." But then I thought, we would be extremely close to where we are now. Now, I am not nearly educated enough in this field to say, do this, and everything will be better, but my inner hippie says, leave the damn fish in the water. Trick em, play with them a bit, then send them back on their way. Now, without the people filling freezers to pay for licenses, obviously many hatcheries would not exist (if not all, again, not nearly educated enough!)
But I know enforcement would be easy. Fish out of water? Take his gear and leave him with a fine!
To jimmy. Especially salt water. Leave the damn marine life alone.
I know it wont happen, but you betcha, if there was a full C&R reg for region 2, or BC, I would not be upset in the least.
Oh and Rod, those pictures are gross. Dont be gross. /has never eaten farmed Salmon, and hasnt had a Filet O "Fish" in a decade.
I don't agree with 100% catch and release.
The reason most people fish is they want to eat quality food and know where the fish comes from. The fun is a bonus.
For some of us it's an addiction (passion), call it what you will.
You would kill the fishing industry fairly quickly.
I do like to eat fish but some people don't.
If you take the right of people to feed themselves you are taking a basic human right.
Some would defend that at any cost.
Now you see why that wouldn't work.
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I don't know anyone who fishes to eat and the "fun" is a bonus.
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I fish for fun and the food is a bonus.
Kokanee dollies trout coho spring jacks pinks all entertain my plate, and my palate lol.
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There's a lot of "more conservation" suggestions and I agree whole heartedly. People who openly flaunt the law make my blood boil. I mentioned the lack of enforcement to my girlfriend and she jokingly suggested we apply a variation of the "Tipping Point" theory. Every angler flagrantly breaks the rules for one season thereby forcing the hand of the government to ramp up enforcement. So we laughed. But have heart, my buddy's dad is a retired RCMP officer and he and his bros are getting into enforcement with DFO etc. so expect to see better enforcement all around. Apparently there will also be some gun carrying in the near future.
On another note and I'm just throwing this out there. What if instead of undercover CO's the make their busts public? I know the other snaggers and poachers will walk away before more than 1 ticket is issued but those guys talk to each other, who tell more people and then more people and if this happens on an ongoing basis said section of the river will get a reputation for heavy enforcement which would deter future poaching. If this kind of thing happens enough the COs will get a reputation for being "everywhere" on every river which should reduce poaching. I call it The Batman Principle ;D
I also like the idea of having to wear your license.
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I don't know anyone who fishes to eat and the "fun" is a bonus.
The reason people started fishing in the first place is for food.
Catch and Release is a fairly new concept in the grand scheme of things.
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Dan, you should consider attending one of the SFAC meetings (either Lower Mainland or Fraser Valley) and becoming a member who represents a particular group (eg. SSBC). Actually this invitation goes out to anyone who falls in Dan's age group. You should come for two reasons, one is to be more familiar with how fisheries are managed in this region, two is to provide new and refreshing ideas, possibly leadership which are slowly disappearing right now. At the last meeting, we struggled to find a new chairperson. Beside Mike D. on the forum, I am the youngest one who attends these meetings. The rest are 50+. Something to consider and feel free to contact me if you want more information.
Do you have a link to when these meetings are?
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No I don't. The meetings are announced by email to the ones who sit on the committee, usually a month prior to the meeting dates. There are two local SFAC meetings per year, one in spring (usually March or April), one in fall (late October/early November). These are DFO meetings so they primarily deal with salmon fisheries with occasional focuses on steelhead, trout and sturgeon if a provincial biologist attends and has something on the meeting agenda. You can attend the meeting as a representative from a group (Steelhead Society, Fraser Valley Salmon Society, BCFDF, Angling Guide Association, etc...) or as an angler at large.
Here's some background information.
http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/sfab-ccps-eng.htm
For freshwater fisheries in Region 2 (trout, steelhead, kokanee, sturgeon, etc), you can communicate any concerns to me (this is why I put up the thread originally) as I am a public advisor for the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC. We hold meetings once a year to go over some of your concerns or address them by email throughout the year if necessary.
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I don't know anyone who fishes to eat and the "fun" is a bonus.
X2