Tidal Fraser River (downstream from CPR bridge in Mission) opens to pink salmon fishing on August 18th, 2025. Complete opening details can be found in the fishery notice below:
https://www-ops2.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fns-sap/index-eng.cfm?pg=view_notice&DOC_ID=328805&ID=allAs always, this thread is set up to provide background information for beginners who would like to get into this fishery. You are also encouraged to provide updates throughout the season, not necessarily the exact fishing spots where you are successfully catching them, but river condition, catch count, tide timing can all be very helpful to other anglers. Please do not ask others where they are fishing, you can do so by email or private messaging. If they wish to publicly disclose their fishing spot, they will voluntarily post it.
This discussion is not only limited to the tidal portion of the Fraser River, but the entire Lower Fraser River up to Hope where this fishery is available.
Background InformationIf you have never tried the Fraser River pink salmon fishery and are unfamiliar with it, I have put together an article on how to catch them with spinning gear. You can read it at:
http://www.fishingwithrod.com/articles/estuary_fishing/fishing_for_tidal_fraser_pink_salmon.htmlHere are also some videos for additional help:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtYuhfx2QrQhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kvo1-1sliwghttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBHPQrSOh-Ihttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cN1LGC8w-Ahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAIqI5rFZv8Season, Timing and LocationsYou can catch pink salmon in the Fraser River during odd years in as early as mid August, but the fishery typically starts in the last week of August. The first two weeks of September can be excellent. By the third week of September, it tapers off but you can still encounter the odd fish until the end of September.
The last three hours of incoming tide is usually best at most spots, but some locations can produce fish at any given tide. Sometimes fish will also enter the Fraser River when the tide is low. It is best to visit a spot several times at different tides to determine when it is most productive.
You can catch pink salmon at any spot along the Fraser River. They will enter both North and South Arms of the Tidal Fraser River in Richmond and Vancouver, converge into one arm in New Westminster. River/Dyke Roads along the shorelines of Richmond and Delta are popular spots. The south shoreline along Langley and Mission can be popular. Going further upstream, the popular gravel bars between Chilliwack and Hope will all produce.
Important Fish Identification InformationWhen the pink salmon fishery is taking place in the Lower Fraser River, several other salmon species will also be making their way through the river. Other Pacific salmon species are closed for retention so you must release them with care by keeping them in the water at all time and using a catch and release net. Wild steelhead, trout and char are also required to be released. It is your responsibility to identify these fish correctly. If you are unsure what species you have at the end of your line, please let it go without handling it too much. Here are some photographs for reference.
Pink Salmon
Coho Salmon
Sockeye Salmon
Bull Trout
RegulationsBeside your saltwater fishing licence, you must purchase a salmon stamp if you wish to keep your pink salmon. Make sure you are using a single barbless hook. Opening times and daily limit can be found in the fishery notice:
https://www-ops2.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fns-sap/index-eng.cfm?pg=view_notice&DOC_ID=328805&ID=allAdvise and help new anglers who may not be familiar with the regulations. If it is apparent that they are aware of the regulations but choose to ignore them, you can report the violations by phoning 604-607-4186 or 1-800-465-4336.
Good luck and have fun in the next six weeks!
Author
Topic: 2025 Lower Fraser River Pink Salmon Fishery Information & Updates (Read 4718 times)