Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Steelhead Society of BC on November 21, 2017, 01:12:58 PM

Title: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: Steelhead Society of BC on November 21, 2017, 01:12:58 PM
As quite a few may be aware of the current topic and serious reality facing us; Thompson and Chilcotin River Steelhead.

Petition: https://www.thepetitionsite.com/802/833/901/save-endangered-thompson-river-steelhead/
*this petition has received over 34,000 signatures in 48 hours.

(http://i907.photobucket.com/albums/ac275/searunflyandtackle/IMG_3909_zpsmf0qoh5i.png) (http://s907.photobucket.com/user/searunflyandtackle/media/IMG_3909_zpsmf0qoh5i.png.html)

This past Fall, FLNRO released the estimated Steelhead "Spawner Abundance" for both the Thompson River and Chilcotin River. As of 2016 and 2017, the run has been classified by FLNRO as an "Extreme Conservation Concern", with only 145 Steelhead expected to return to the Thompson River watershed, and a mere 45 Steelhead expected to return to the Chilcotin River. These are the lowest returning numbers to date in 41 to 47 years respectively of data collection from both systems. (Thompson River Steelhead returns in the last 10 years have varied from 650-1200 fish)

In the Fall of 2017, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) allowed Commercial and FN gill net fisheries to commence in the Fraser River while gravely endangered Interior Steelhead migrated through the Fraser River. Thompson and Chilcotin River Steelhead migration typically peaks in the second week of October (roughly October 10th), but these fish are migrating between September and through November. Migration periods of Interior Steelhead and other salmonid species coincide with Commercial and FN gill net fisheries every Fall, and we know through data collection that about 20% of the Steelhead return is to be lost during these Fall gill net fisheries in which Steelhead fall victim to incidental by-catch. We are also not to forget that Steelhead are intercepted in the Pacific Ocean during seine fisheries in areas such as Johnstone Strait.

There are certainly many issues still facing these fish; Ocean survival, bad fishing practices during Winter/Spring months, predation, water draw from rearing and spawning tributaries, but immediate changes of problems we can control must be dealt with. We cannot go ahead with yet another year of status quo non-selectibe gill net fisheries, or non-selective fisheries that coincide with these iconic Steelhead. We are dealing with a special genetic strain of Steelhead that has not only been proven to be the strongest and most fit Wild Steelhead to swim on planet Earth, but we are dealing with this species that is only 190 fish away from extirpation.

Another Fall season of these non-selective gill and seine net fisheries is unacceptable. We need the general public to come together in a time of unity to make sure we have our voices finally heard, and that action happens immediately. This is an uphill battle, but one that can be won.

Above is just one of many petitions circulating, but this particular petition is going to have the biggest outreach as organizations such as Patagonia have picked this up.

This topic has gained incredible media attention through various organizations such as CBC, Patagonia, Williams Lake Tribune, and much more. See recent articles below:

CBC: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/extremely-close-to-being-gone-forever-b-c-fisheries-manager-says-feds-failing-interior-steelhead-1.4388170

Williams Lake Tribune: http://www.wltribune.com/news/steelhead-face-extinction-in-chilcotin-watershed/

Patagonia: https://www.facebook.com/patagoniaflyfish/photos/a.673446646041841.1073741830.672398732813299/1600255306694299/?type=3&theater

Vernon Morning Star: https://www.vernonmorningstar.com/news/b-c-steelhead-fishery-faces-extinction/

Media Release: http://www.bcfdf.com/bcfdf_news/2017-11-08%20BC%20wild%20steelhead%20crisis.pdf

*We are holding our Annual Pub Night Fundraiser on Thursday, November 23rd, 2017 at Micky's Public House in Coquitlam. At this event, you can also sign our own SSBC Hand-Signed Petition which will also be delivered to various MLA's and MP's. We also encourage those attending to ask questions to our Directors about the current topic at hand*


The Steelhead Society of BC
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: avid angler on November 21, 2017, 02:42:16 PM
Thanks for posting this. I hope everyone on here takes the time to sign it.
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: Wiseguy on November 21, 2017, 07:25:37 PM
Signed
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: Steelhead Society of BC on November 29, 2017, 05:57:54 PM
A little bump to the top for a very important topic.
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: obie1fish on December 03, 2017, 07:15:21 PM
Signed. The decision makers need a conscience to make things right.
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: bigsnag on December 03, 2017, 10:46:10 PM
Thanks for posting this. I hope everyone on here takes the time to sign it.
X2
signed
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: Steelhead Society of BC on December 05, 2017, 04:53:35 PM
Much appreciated guys!

We should also mention that we (The SSBC) also have our own "Hand-Signed" Petition available for signatures at Sea-Run Fly & Tackle. We will likely have this petition available at other locations in the coming weeks.

Cheers.
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: Rodney on December 13, 2017, 08:48:14 PM
Canadian wildlife experts initiate emergency steelhead assessment
COSEWIC warns of “imminent threat to survival of the species”

 
NEWS RELEASE
December 12, 2017
Steelhead Society of British Columbia
 
The Steelhead Society of British Columbia is applauding a recent decision by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) to take emergency action on behalf of collapsing Interior Fraser River system steelhead populations.
 
Citing concerns about Thompson River and Chilcotin River steelhead, COSEWIC has informed the Canadian government that it will be undertaking an emergency assessment of Interior Fraser steelhead very early in 2018.
 
In a December 7 letter, COSEWIC chair Dr. Rick Taylor, a University of BC zoology professor, pointed to recent “biological information indicating that there is an imminent threat to the survival of the species” as underlying the decision to undertake this emergency assessment.
 
COSEWIC is an independent advisory panel of Canadian scientists and other wildlife biology experts who advise the Canadian government about threats to Canadian wildlife.
 
Species determined to be at risk of extinction are considered for inclusion under the Canadian Species At Risk Act (SARA), which provides broad protections to threatened Canadian wildlife.  The results of the COSEWIC assessment are expected in spring 2018.
 
“I have mixed emotions about this news” said Steelhead Society {President Brian Braidwood. “On one hand I’m thankful that the scientific community recognizes the importance of Interior Fraser steelhead; on the other I’m saddened that these great fish are in danger of extinction. It’s one of those things you wish you were wrong about.”
 
Less than 200 Thompson steelhead and about 45 Chilcotin steelhead returned to spawn this fall compared to spawning populations in the thousands a quarter-century ago.
 
Formed in 1970 by a group of dedicated Steelhead anglers concerned about the state of wild steelhead stocks and the wild rivers of British Columbia, the Steelhead Society is a charitable non-profit river conservation organization. The Society has evolved to advocate for the health of all wild salmonids and wild rivers in British Columbia.
 
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Brian Braidwood, President, SSBC
604-626-7085
brian_braidwood@hotmail.com
 
Cody Sojka, Director, SSBC
778-241-2837
Cody_Sojka@hotmail.ca
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: Rodney on December 15, 2017, 01:12:23 PM
We now have an official House of Commons e-petition requesting the Minister to suspend all non-selective gill net fisheries during the Interior steelhead migration. 500 signatures from Canadian citizens are needed for this to be brought up next year, petition is open until mid April. Please sign it.

https://petitions.ourcommons.ca/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-1416
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: wildmanyeah on December 15, 2017, 02:12:23 PM
We now have an official House of Commons e-petition requesting the Minister to suspend all non-selective gill net fisheries during the Interior steelhead migration. 500 signatures from Canadian citizens are needed for this to be brought up next year, petition is open until mid April. Please sign it.

https://petitions.ourcommons.ca/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-1416

There is also this one going around

https://petitions.ourcommons.ca/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-1419

But i am not sure if a listing would mean the end of recreational fishing as well.
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: Dave on December 15, 2017, 02:43:00 PM
If indeed these fish are eventually listed under SARA that would mean the end of rec fishing when these fish are in the river. Under the true meaning of SARA, that might mean when juveniles are rearing as well.
 A SARA listing can have has huge economic implications and is one of the main reasons Cultus sockeye were not listed.
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: wildmanyeah on December 15, 2017, 03:12:22 PM
Thanks,

Just confirmed what I thought.
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: Rodney on December 15, 2017, 03:25:25 PM
Species that undergo SARA assessment could be listed as extirpated, endangered, threatened, or a special concern. Each listing impacts activities in the species' range differently.
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: Dave on December 15, 2017, 03:47:37 PM
Here's how the process works

https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/committee-status-endangered-wildlife/about-species-risk-act.html
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: wildmanyeah on December 15, 2017, 04:23:01 PM
If indeed these fish are eventually listed under SARA that would mean the end of rec fishing when these fish are in the river. Under the true meaning of SARA, that might mean when juveniles are rearing as well.
 A SARA listing can have has huge economic implications and is one of the main reasons Cultus sockeye were not listed.

"Sockeye Salmon (Cultus population)
Designated Endangered in an emergency assessment in October 2002. Status re-examined and confirmed in May 2003. "

http://www.registrelep-sararegistry.gc.ca/virtual_sara/files/species/Csar2017-Eng.pdf

IS this not a SARA listing?
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: Rodney on December 15, 2017, 04:40:15 PM
"The Cultus Lake sockeye salmon is designated as endangered by COSEWIC. In January 2005, a final decision was made by the Government of Canada to not list Cultus Lake sockeye salmon under the Species at Risk Act (SARA), due to the significant socio-economic impacts on sockeye fishers and coastal communities."

Mixed stock commercial fisheries are far more important than the survival of a species. Don't worry though, it will recover by demonizing a native species (the evil pikeminnow) to justify a continuous cull. ;D

Back to steelhead...
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: Dave on December 15, 2017, 04:56:46 PM
Now Rodney ...  ;)
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: wildmanyeah on December 15, 2017, 11:18:47 PM
Fine my understanding of how a SARA listing as endangered would effectively stop any recreational fishing too not just commercial.

I’m not expert but steelhead are effectively in the Fraser River along time.

Also I thought DFO wrote a letter this summer saying they don’t have the enforcement tools to have a selective recreational fishery.

Also to Thompson River steel head spend any time in other tributary besides the ones they spawn in?


I am not trying to spout doom and gloom here but it seems there are quite a few issues adding up here that could see a total Fraser River closure to rec salmon fishing. SRKW for chinook, SARA listings for steelhead and sockeye.
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: IronNoggin on December 16, 2017, 10:13:03 AM
... I am not trying to spout doom and gloom here but it seems there are quite a few issues adding up here that could see a total Fraser River closure to rec salmon fishing. SRKW for chinook, SARA listings for steelhead and sockeye.

Sad that is has now come to this point.
Sadder if we fight these actions based on our perceived "need" to fish the big river...
If this is what is truly required, I would hope that all fishing folks would climb on board asap!

Related Global BC video: https://globalnews.ca/video/3920563/should-bcs-steelhead-salmon-be-listed-as-endangered-a-hollywood-star-lends-his-voice-to-the-discussion

Cheers,
Nog
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: quill on December 16, 2017, 11:27:20 AM
I spoke to one of the COSEWIC marine sub committee members a couple of days ago and he passed along his frustration that his group had recommended Atlantic cod for SARA protection a decade ago and federal cabinet had yet to review.  Also note that this is the second time Cultus sockeye have been advanced for SARA.

So, your fishing is safe, as far as access goes, there's no chance either petition will be successful and very little will change.  There's a pretty good chance you'll be fishing for memories tho in the case of Thompson steelhead.

The petitions are a good way to get these issues before the House of Commons however.
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: joshhowat on December 16, 2017, 05:13:31 PM
Stop the nets sign the petition.

Finally getting somewhere.

https://petitions.ourcommons.ca/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-1416

Also sign this one, so we can get them listed on the species at risk act.

https://petitions.ourcommons.ca/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-1419
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: Knnn on December 17, 2017, 06:13:46 PM
There is also this one going around

https://petitions.ourcommons.ca/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-1419

But i am not sure if a listing would mean the end of recreational fishing as well.

Thanks, I was not aware of that one.  A listing would be a good thing, no? So that (hopefully) in the future they may still be around to be de-listed once out of danger and future generations have the opportunity to fish for and admire these fish.
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: RalphH on December 18, 2017, 08:18:07 AM
"The Cultus Lake sockeye salmon is designated as endangered by COSEWIC. In January 2005, a final decision was made by the Government of Canada to not list Cultus Lake sockeye salmon under the Species at Risk Act (SARA), due to the significant socio-economic impacts on sockeye fishers and coastal communities."

Mixed stock commercial fisheries are far more important than the survival of a species. Don't worry though, it will recover by demonizing a native species (the evil pikeminnow) to justify a continuous cull. ;D

Back to steelhead...

we need to fit electronic radio beanies on pike minnow to prove they eat helpless baby sockeye!
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: wildmanyeah on December 18, 2017, 10:18:06 AM
HAHA i don't no about pike minnow but I had a bull trout this summer in Pitt lake cough up a bunch of sockeye smolts.

The Pitt river system has a healthy amount of bull trout and sockeye so i am sure they coexist just fine!

and there was also a seal in pitt lake dident see a beanie tho!
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: Steelhead Society of BC on December 19, 2017, 11:32:08 AM
***MEDIA RELEASE - DECEMBER 18th, 2017***

 

E-petition to save Thompson steelhead an overnight success

Fisheries Minister is compelled to formally respond to steelhead e-petition


NEWS RELEASE

December 18, 2017

Steelhead Society of British Columbia

An e-petition demanding tough federal action to save collapsing steelhead populations in the upper Fraser River system is an immediate success, the Steelhead Society of British Columbia announced Monday.

The e-petition attracted 500 signatures — the minimum threshold for compelling a formal response by the Trudeau government — less than 24 hours after posting to Canada’s Parliamentary website on Friday December 15, 2017. Titled “e-1416 (Fishing Industry)” the e-petition will be online and available for signing until April 14, 2018.

“We’re asking everyone who supports conservation principles to take five minutes to please read and sign the e-petition,” SSBC President Brian Braidwood said. “This is an important step toward persuading Dominic Leblanc, the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, of the urgency for effective action to stop further decimation Thompson River and Chilcotin River steelhead.”

The e-petition was initiated by SSBC Director Poul Bech after less than 200 steelhead returned this autumn to the sprawling Thompson River, largest tributary of the Fraser, compared to runs numbering in the thousands in decades past. Less than 50 steelhead returned to the Chilcotin. It is sponsored by Port Moody-Coquitlam MP Fin Donnelly. 

The e-petition calls on the Fisheries Minister “to suspend all gill net and purse seine chum salmon fisheries in the Fraser River and approach areas including Johnstone Strait during the annual Interior Fraser River Steelhead migration in the months of September, October and November; and to work with gill net and purse seine fishers to establish alternative, sustainable, fully selective and fully monitored fisheries practices during the annual Interior Fraser River steelhead migration. “ 

Last week, the Society revealed that iconic Canadian actor William Shatner had sent a letter to Leblanc and three BC provincial cabinet ministers, calling for “immediate action” to address the collapse.

Also last week, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) announced that it has launched an emergency assessment of Interior Fraser system steelhead. COSEWIC chair Eric Taylor told Canadian Press that depending on the results of the assessment; those steelhead runs could be listed as endangered species. Taylor also held out the possibility that effect conservation measures could help the populations recover.

 
Formed in 1970 by a group of dedicated steelhead anglers concerned about the state of wild steelhead stocks and the wild rivers of British Columbia, the Steelhead Society of BC is a charitable non-profit river conservation organization. The Society has evolved to advocate for the health of all wild salmonids and wild rivers in British Columbia.

 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Brian Braidwood, President, SSBC 
604-626-7085
brian_braidwood@hotmail.com

Cody Sojka, Director, SSBC
778-241-2837
Cody_Sojka@hotmail.ca
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: Jk47 on December 19, 2017, 11:43:40 PM
Where’s the “like” button? This post needs to be at the top and anyone reading this that hasn’t signed needs to sign... thanks for all your hard work, Cody
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: Steelhawk on December 20, 2017, 12:09:15 PM
I signed mine. Just don't know if this is enough to move the fed when the provincial government which has jurisdiction on steelhead doesn't do their part to oppose the net fishery on the Fraser during steelhead migration.
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: Silex-user on December 25, 2017, 12:13:27 PM
Signed. Sad to see this fisheries going downhill so fast. Used to fished it in back in the 80's and 90's. One hardest fighting  steelies I ever caught and I have fished all over B.C and Washington state for them.



Silex user
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: Steelhawk on December 26, 2017, 01:17:21 AM
The Thompson steels are called 'heart-stoppers' by some because they can empty your spool by going upstream. Sad to see this legendary breed of steelhead heading towards extinction if those nets continue to wipe out the stock. What DFO did to those precious steelies totally expose their hypocrisy towards the recreational anglers when they kept us out of the Fraser claiming they did that to prevent any harm (without any proof) to sockeye by sporties,  when it runs in the millions compared to the very low number of Thompson steelhead. What a joke!
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: Rodney on April 11, 2018, 02:28:23 PM
E-petition closes in three days from now.

https://petitions.ourcommons.ca/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-1416
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: wildmanyeah on April 11, 2018, 03:24:59 PM
How would people feel about them doing beach seining and gill letting in tributaries of the Fraser like C/V rather than the Fraser river?
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: typhoon on April 11, 2018, 03:40:10 PM
How would people feel about them doing beach seining and gill letting in tributaries of the Fraser like C/V rather than the Fraser river?
There are native nets pretty much completely across the mouth of the Harrison most of the fall.
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: Hike_and_fish on April 11, 2018, 10:57:28 PM
There are native nets pretty much completely across the mouth of the Harrison most of the fall.

Yes sir!

What a lot of people dont know is most of those Chum that are caught on the Harrison at that time are then sold for non first nations to consume. I have seen that fishery fall off the map over the past 20 years. Soon the rec angler will be banned but it's ok. You'll be able to purchase Chum cooked in a 5 star restaurant harvested by the first nations people (that manage that fishery) that then sell it to a distributor for profit. It's all ceremonial right ?
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: Rodney on June 27, 2018, 10:51:42 PM
A response from the government was tabled earlier this month.

http://www.ourcommons.ca/Content/ePetitions/Responses/421/e-1416/421-02293_DFO_E.pdf

"The Government of Canada is committed to protecting our fish for future generations and we understand and share concerns around steelhead returns. While steelhead is a provincially-managed fishery, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is taking action to help conserve this important species.

All directed salmon fisheries that have the potential to incidentally intercept steelhead are currently required to implement measures to reduce the chances of intercepting steelhead and/or minimize the potential harm to any steelhead that are incidentally caught, and to release these fish. Those fisheries which have been assessed to historically have the largest impact on Interior Fraser steelhead have already been drastically reduced, with time and area closures in place designed to avoid the majority of the Interior Fraser steelhead migration. They are also required to implement selective measures such as brailing of catch in seine fisheries, and the use of revival boxes. While there is still some impact of various salmon fisheries on interior Fraser Steelhead due to post-release mortalities, existing management measures have greatly limited these impacts.

While chum salmon fisheries can contribute to Interior Fraser Steelhead mortality, other sources of mortality have not been adequately assessed, including impacts during the freshwater phase of the lifecycle.

In the interim, the Department has identified the conservation of Thompson and Chilcotin Steelhead Trout as a key priority for salmon fishery planning this year. The Department is reviewing the impacts of all salmon fisheries in the Fraser River and approach areas for the 2018 fishing season, and new management measures to protect Interior Fraser Steelhead for the 2018 draft South Coast Salmon Integrated Fisheries Management Plan.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans is currently developing a Recovery Potential Assessment as part of the Species at Risk Act emergency listing process. This assessment will consider the impacts of threats to Thompson and Chilcotin Steelhead populations."
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: wildmanyeah on October 02, 2018, 11:09:51 AM
The government is now asking for feed back on the listing here is what a listing would look like.


http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/species-especes/consultations/steelheadtrout-saumonarcenciel/management-scenarios-gestion/index-eng.html#4-1

Besides Coho fishing on the Fraser the other big impact from the listing would be pink salmon fishing on the Fraser as well.  The closure window would extend into peek Fraser river pink salmon migration.

As much as I would like to see a listening because i think salmon coast wide would benefit from this I think its going to be the same case as  cultus sockeye a do not list is going to happen.


The hidden benefits to this is many tributary of the Fraser would see much higher returns of salmon.
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: Hike_and_fish on October 02, 2018, 12:34:25 PM
I'm all for it in the end. However, no Chum retention on the Harrison between the hey 7 bridge and Fraser is ludicrous. I made a stop there yesterday, to chuck a few jigs, caught and released fish and saw multiple boats bonking Chum. Nobody cared and knew about these protective measures put in place for the fish listed in the protection order.

This looks like the new normal. Itll take decades for stocks to repair themselves ( if they do at all ). I am torn.the Harrison mouth is such a good spot for chrome Chum. Up river not so much.
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: Rodney on October 02, 2018, 12:45:22 PM
Re: Harrison River Chum salmon regs from Hwy 7 to Fraser. I was discussing this on the phone yesterday and the regs have not been updated. So far only the regs. and daily quotas for that section have been updated until Sept 28th, there should be a separate notice or summary of what they should be for the rest of the year. As of now, it neither says what's open or what's closed. As usual, someone should have addressed this way in advance, and the person in charge in on holiday until mid Oct. ::)
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: Hike_and_fish on October 02, 2018, 01:03:17 PM
Re: Harrison River Chum salmon regs from Hwy 7 to Fraser. I was discussing this on the phone yesterday and the regs have not been updated. So far only the regs. and daily quotas for that section have been updated until Sept 28th, there should be a separate notice or summary of what they should be for the rest of the year. As of now, it neither says what's open or what's closed. As usual, someone should have addressed this way in advance, and the person in charge in on holiday until mid Oct. ::)

Thank you that bit of information. I appreciate that. My understanding of what is detailed in the regulations are retention of Chum 2 per day for the month of Sept. That's it. I guess I'll have to go up river for now.
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: RalphH on October 02, 2018, 01:09:39 PM

The boundary markers at the Harrison and Dewdney Slough will effect some anglers fishing in the clear water plume below both those watersheds.


If there is a Pink Salmon opening in 2019 a closure start of Sept 28 to Oct 3 won't overlap with much of the Pink Salmon season. Most of the pinks that spawn in Fraser are in poor condition and a majority will be spawning. Some clean fish will be moving through to rivers like the Vedder and Harrison.

These scenarios don't list the Harrison.

I think the biggest issue is to stop commercial gill netting before the 2nd week of November.  Under current restrictions there is a 2 week window where a chum opening could have a serious impact on migrating IFS.
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: wildmanyeah on October 02, 2018, 01:39:08 PM

If there is a Pink Salmon opening in 2019 a closure start of Sept 28 to Oct 3 won't overlap with much of the Pink Salmon season. Most of the pinks that spawn in Fraser are in poor condition and a majority will be spawning. Some clean fish will be moving through to rivers like the Vedder and Harrison.


It they get listed It would, However I expect they will get a DO NOT LIST


Salmon and trout closures:

Fraser River – Mouth to   Sub Areas: 29-11 to 29-17      11-Sep TO   10-Nov
Fraser River – Mission to Hope    12-Sep TO 11-Nov
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: Sage2106 on October 02, 2018, 03:06:52 PM
Just out right stop gill netting the river period. A spot closer in the fall does nothing for the fish that do make it to spawn and try to head back out as kelts only to get caught in the spring gill net fisheries.
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: cammer on October 02, 2018, 03:12:44 PM
We all here want to have more opportunities and access while maintaining conservation for future generation , that I believe is near 100% majority consensus!  However I have said this before the SSBC IS ONE CLUB, BCFDF, BCWF, TU, BCFFF, etc are others , many of these clubs have intertwined members !, however huge issues like this one dont even come close to grabbing at the politicians because they believe we are fringed and inter fighting amongst us has led to that opinion( bait ban , hatcheries, fly only etc etc) .  What I believe is truly needed is a 100% mandatory membership for ALL BC ANGLERS, this could be achieved through a small surcharge on both salt and fresh waters licenses which in turn would make you a member for the year! Then this “club/union/ society/organization would have access to these funds to lobby /bargain and organize the sports community into a very strong voice who’s direction would be dictated through meeting and consensus in directions the majority wanted! All I have to say is look south and see the power and influence the NRA has on voting decisions and see what unification may possibly do for us
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: Hike_and_fish on October 02, 2018, 03:37:18 PM
We all here want to have more opportunities and access while maintaining conservation for future generation , that I believe is near 100% majority consensus!  However I have said this before the SSBC IS ONE CLUB, BCFDF, BCWF, TU, BCFFF, etc are others , many of these clubs have intertwined members !, however huge issues like this one dont even come close to grabbing at the politicians because they believe we are fringed and inter fighting amongst us has led to that opinion( bait ban , hatcheries, fly only etc etc) .  What I believe is truly needed is a 100% mandatory membership for ALL BC ANGLERS, this could be achieved through a small surcharge on both salt and fresh waters licenses which in turn would make you a member for the year! Then this “club/union/ society/organization would have access to these funds to lobby /bargain and organize the sports community into a very strong voice who’s direction would be dictated through meeting and consensus in directions the majority wanted! All I have to say is look south and see the power and influence the NRA has on voting decisions and see what unification may possibly do for us

You sold me on that. FN, commercial and even the NRA have leverage. Let's say there is a lobby/fisherfolk union. Where is the leverage?
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: RalphH on October 02, 2018, 03:38:54 PM
It they get listed It would, However I expect they will get a DO NOT LIST


Salmon and trout closures:

Fraser River – Mouth to   Sub Areas: 29-11 to 29-17      11-Sep TO   10-Nov
Fraser River – Mission to Hope    12-Sep TO 11-Nov

who gets listed? IFS?Wat are you referring to?

Where do we send feedback?
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: wildmanyeah on October 02, 2018, 03:42:21 PM
who gets listed? IFS?Wat are you referring to?

Where do we send feedback?

http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/species-especes/consultations/steelheadtrout-saumonarcenciel/management-scenarios-gestion/index-eng.html#4-1



http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/species-especes/consultations/steelheadtrout-saumonarcenciel/index-eng.html
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: fic on October 02, 2018, 05:18:57 PM
I submitted my feedback. For those of you who want to continue fishing the Fraser and other areas that might be affected by a total closure, it's your chance to tell them about your activities. From the content of the questions themselves, it sounds like they are trying to balance the economics vs conservation as best as they can.  Closing all fishing everywhere certainly accomplishes the conservation part.
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: Rodney on November 29, 2018, 09:58:47 PM
Bump. Deadline is on Dec 2nd
Title: Re: Save Thompson & Chilcotin River Steelhead Petition & Media
Post by: arimaBOATER on November 30, 2018, 09:33:27 PM
Been to a Spences Bridge so many times. Camped fished etc...seen rattle snakes by wooden stairway by building on east side of river. Trains going by... CN / CP
Once the Thompson R had so many steelhead. World famous.
"Breaks your heart" in the present situation as of the last 40 yrs...getting worse as time goes on.
Now the big deal is rafting & not steel-heading.