Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => Fishing-related Issues & News => Topic started by: chris gadsden on September 18, 2012, 08:52:57 PM
-
No decision yet on an opening for this year yet. A friend of mine who I talked to last week bwhile on a hunting fishing trip is having a meeting with the minister next week in Victoria and I hope to have a video interview with him a few days after, will keep you posted.
I know this topic usually creates a lot of discussion re "should be closed, should open, fly only and bait ban", go at it. ;D ;D
-
The combined test sets have already recorded 8 Steelhead in their nets, this is the number they usually use as good enough for an opening I believe. Add to that the 4 or 5 that I have personally heard of being killed by flossers >:( and you have what looks like a decent return.
-
The combined test sets have already recorded 8 Steelhead in their nets, this is the number they usually use as good enough for an opening I believe. Add to that the 4 or 5 that I have personally heard of being killed by flossers >:( and you have what looks like a decent return.
bahahaha that's awful... but pretty close to the truth.
-
I think it should be open yearly again because a river without friends is a river ignored. I know that the majority of the guys that head up there act like they own the place and enforce the sh** out of every person up there. Im hoping it opens so i can head up there a couple times to fish its famous waters and if im lucky to do battle with one of its fabled steelhead (on the fly of course)
-
I know that the majority of the guys that head up there act like they own the place and enforce the sh** out of every person up there.
Ya ::) My father {passed on now} and I ran into one of "those guys" some years back. He starts talking to us like we're outcasts or something, I told him that I'd been fishing the Thompson River with my father ever since I was around 10 years old and that my dad had been fishing it since he was young too. He kept on so I told him if he continues his "BS Nonsense" that I'd give him a free ride to Alberta, by way of the end of my boot. >:( :o My father got a kick outta that :D :D har har
Funny thing was, we were the only guys at the entire run {before he showed up} and were fishing completely within the regulations {both spey fishing at the time} but I guess he wanted to fish there so bad{you could tell he thought the run was his}and was trying to get us to pull the plug by using his blah blah blah on my dad and I.
Needless to say it didn't happen, and as it should be I ended up landing a nice fish right in front of him about 10 minutes later. After the release I turned and said "all yours preacherman" and we both left with s--t eatin grins on our faces while he looked stunned. ;D ;D
There truly are some "legends in their own mind" up there, that's for sure, and most are nothing but idiots with an attitude that compare fancy fishing gear with one another. ::)
If it opens I'll probably go for a fish, and if it doesn't, I won't lose any sleep over it.
-
Where did you get 8 fish in the test fishery nets from? As far as I can see, the DFO web site is only reporting 3 steelhead in the chum nets, zero in the chinook nets..
-
Leave it open through october. If no fish show up close it for the rest of the season.
-
Hope to have some further news on this in a week.
-
Hope to have some further news on this in a week.
I was going to do a video today with Steve in Spences Bridge who had a meeting with the minister at the UMBC last week in Victoria but I had to come home as I got a deer yesterday on the first day of the hunt at Merritt so had to get it into the cool although it -4 there in the morning.
Sorry I could not get an update for you.
-
To: Distribution
From September 1 to date, 5 steelhead have been caught in the Albion test fisheries, all of which have been caught in the chum test fishery. None have been caught in the chinook test fishery (Figure 1).
Presently, the test fishing data suggest that there is a 15% chance of exceeding the abundance reference point of 1250 Thompson and Chilcotin steelhead. This reference abundance is identified in the 2012 Integrated Fisheries Management Plan for the management of Fraser River commercial chum fisheries. For the Thompson watershed alone, there is presently a 20% chance of exceeding the abundance reference point of 850, the reference point used to open or close the catch-and-release sport fishery.
At this point, the estimated abundance is lower than expected given the recent stock productivity patterns and trends. The estimate suggests that productivity is not improving as has been recently observed in some other BC steelhead stocks. The abundance estimate suggests that the 2012/13 return might be among the lowest ever observed. In the Thompson, the lowest spawner abundance observed to date is 500, observed in the spring of 2011. In the Chilcotin, the lowest spawner abundance observed to date is 140, observed in the spring of 2010 (Figures 2 & 3).
Sport fisheries on Interior Fraser steelhead were closed on October 1 and may open later in the month if the abundance forecast exceeds conservation limits.
Further updates will be provided as the season progresses.
Robert Bison
Fisheries Stock Assessment Biologist
Fish & Wildlife Branch
-
http://www.fishingwithrod.com/fishy_news/2012-10-05-thompson-chilcotin-steelhead-update.html
-
is it just me or is this total junk science???? All of these charts and graphs to make it seem scientific when in all reality if they gill net a couple more that will drive the projected numbers up and we will have an opening?? I know they do this every year but is striking me as particularly stupid this year ::)
-
You work for DFO Hue? ;D
-
You work for DFO Hue? ;D
Nice! :D
-
More junk science is the fact that the nets don't catch the 6-9 pounders well and from what I have seen in recent years, many more of the Thompson steelhead are of the small varietry.
Also why not include the Steelhead from the Sockeye gillnets, surely these are Thompson fish as well.
I believe we are up to 8 Steelhead from the Albion Chum and Chinook nets, at least thats what the witch doctor is reporting anyhow ::).
That is the number that they have used to open in the past.
Just pay me to fish up there everyday of October and November and I'll let ya know how many are around ;D
-
Hmm that's a good idea pay me to fish the T every day is September and October and count fish. Dream job IMO
-
Hmm that's a good idea pay me to fish the T every day is September and October and count fish. Dream job IMO
To late, when Rob quits we will let you know that the dream job is open, untill then "Dream On"
-
2 more have been caught this week, both in the Chinook test fishery, keep your fingers crossed.
-
http://www.kamloopsnews.ca/article/20121009/KAMLOOPS0302/121009878/-1/kamloops03/time-to-end-steelhead-sport-season (http://www.kamloopsnews.ca/article/20121009/KAMLOOPS0302/121009878/-1/kamloops03/time-to-end-steelhead-sport-season)
-
Im hoping it stays closed. To pin cushion what litte remains in the name of "sport" is not very sporting at all. >:(
-
Without an opening there will be no fishing, without any fishing there will be no care for the river and its fish, without the care for the fish, more and more harm will come to them. Closing the river has no major positive effect on the stocks. Catch and release mortality is the smallest concern to these fish, the other factors out weigh mortality 100:1. The new generation of anglers coming up want and will want to have a chance to catch a fish of such status. They are the most aggressive and hardest fighting fish. They are physically superior to all other steelhead, and to loose the drive to want to save them because DFO & MOE said "no" is baffling and pathetic.
-
Without an opening there will be no fishing, without any fishing there will be no care for the river and its fish, without the care for the fish, more and more harm will come to them. Closing the river has no major positive effect on the stocks. Catch and release mortality is the smallest concern to these fish, the other factors out weigh mortality 100:1. The new generation of anglers coming up want and will want to have a chance to catch a fish of such status. They are the most aggressive and hardest fighting fish. They are physically superior to all other steelhead, and to loose the drive to want to save them because DFO & MOE said "no" is baffling and pathetic.
Yes!!!
-
Without an opening there will be no fishing, without any fishing there will be no care for the river and its fish, without the care for the fish, more and more harm will come to them. Closing the river has no major positive effect on the stocks. Catch and release mortality is the smallest concern to these fish, the other factors out weigh mortality 100:1. The new generation of anglers coming up want and will want to have a chance to catch a fish of such status. They are the most aggressive and hardest fighting fish. They are physically superior to all other steelhead, and to loose the drive to want to save them because DFO & MOE said "no" is baffling and pathetic.
X2. And possilby fly fisihing only in certain areas.
-
I agree with the idea that keeping interest alive to fish for them has done far more good than bad in recent years. The many stocks of fish that call the Thompson and tribs home hold a very dear place in many anglers hearts.
Of all the people I know that fish this river, very few head up there looking for numbers, it's much more about experiencing the high desert terrain, the grandiose nature of the surroundings and the quiet stretches of river very easily found in this vast watershed.
Heres to hoping someday we can tackle some of the major issues that affect interior salmon and steelhead.
-
Without an opening there will be no fishing, without any fishing there will be no care for the river and its fish, without the care for the fish, more and more harm will come to them. Closing the river has no major positive effect on the stocks. Catch and release mortality is the smallest concern to these fish, the other factors out weigh mortality 100:1. The new generation of anglers coming up want and will want to have a chance to catch a fish of such status. They are the most aggressive and hardest fighting fish. They are physically superior to all other steelhead, and to loose the drive to want to save them because DFO & MOE said "no" is baffling and pathetic.
Not enough returning fish to warrant an opening! These last few remaining fish should be allowed to spawn unmolested in thier home stream.You "sport" anglers are not doing the fish any favour by pin cushing them on thier final journey. These openings of late. reek of D.F.O and M.O.E bowing to angler pressure to fish and the town of Spences bridge to benefit for economical reasons. Keep it closed and the Steelhead society to keep up its good work in habitat restoration on the T.We dont need to fish for them to save them.The new generation of "anglers" are the hordes one sees lining the Fraser and Vedder flossing away.
-
Not enough returning fish to warrant an opening! These last few remaining fish should be allowed to spawn unmolested in thier home stream.You "sport" anglers are not doing the fish any favour by pin cushing them on thier final journey. These openings of late. reek of D.F.O and M.O.E bowing to angler pressure to fish and the town of Spences bridge to benefit for economical reasons. Keep it closed and the Steelhead society to keep up its good work in habitat restoration on the T.We dont need to fish for them to save them.The new generation of "anglers" are the hordes one sees lining the Fraser and Vedder flossing away.
I would have to agree with you - yes, the Steelhead Society has and is doing some amazing habitat restoration work on the Thompson, and I commend them for their efforts without any question whatsoever.
But I don't think it is fair to generalize the new generation of anglers as flossers, as I would consider myself the 'new' generation, and I fish ethically and respectfully.
Having more eyes on the river can't be a bad thing, but instead of allowing these 'shotgun' openings, i think it should be open till closed so that the fish don't get hit so hard all at once; sure they will get hit hard as people will plan in advance to come up, but its better than the fish seeing nothing and then all of a sudden they get pummelled on opening day.
The truth is, more species than i am comfortable with are experiencing a downward trend across the board. This is due to several factors all beyond our control. Closing the sport fishery is not going to bring the Thompson back to the way it once was, period.
-
There will be no one to join the board or directors or become a member of the steelhead society soon, if that is the mentality. The commercial chum opening on the south end of the island this fall didn't do the fish any good, neither did the extraction of water from all major spawning tributaries for watering fields, or the off shore interception, or the fraser river bottom bouncers, or the native nets, or etc... do you see my point. There is an estimate, that at one time, more than 35% of the fish returning from the ocean to the river didn't even make it there. Now the fact that the fish aren't even leaving the river as smolts is adding even greater stress on the stock. But your claiming to me that a barbless hook is raping and pillaging. I think your visions are a little crooked. It should not close, and be open october 1st, and if not enough fish show up then close it. These shot gun openings are brutal management. Last years return was actually better than the previous 3 years. FYI. The reason we go up there is for the fish, but its also for the comradery, the scenery, the river, the laughs, jokes, camp fires, beers at the log cabin, and fish tales from years past. Its not about who catches the most, or the biggest, its the fact that we all want to be up there, just to be there, to be able to say one day, we went, we fished, we had a great time. You can't fill your freezer with photos, that's what salmon are for, and if you think that's the mentality we all go up there for is to beat the hell out of the whole run because we're allowed to, you're wrong. And this whole gear vs fly, with bait being terrible for the fish, its a big scam to try and individualize the angler group that is allowed on the river. When really, you want as many people on the river as possible in order to have equally as many people caring about it. There were days when there were 30 guys stationed at lytton sun up to sun down. Its a shame that the fish aren't seen as a major revenue for the town on spences bridge, and that there is a specific angler group that puts them above all others.
-
. The reason we go up there is for the fish, but its also for the comradery, the scenery, the river, the laughs, jokes, camp fires, beers at the log cabin, and fish tales from years past. Its not about who catches the most, or the biggest, its the fact that we all want to be up there, just to be there, to be able to say one day, we went, we fished, we had a great time.
I agree,its all of that.Unfortunatly,theres not enough fish returning.That to me is the what is the most important. :'(
-
I agree,its all of that.Unfortunatly,theres not enough fish returning.That to me is the what is the most important. :'(
Hopefully Dennis you are writing some letters to the government agencies and are involved in some group like the Steelhead Society to address the problems that concern you.
I am sure they would welcome your support as it is hard at times to find committed volunteers that will give freely oftheir time to what they believe in.
I know that personally after being involved the last 30 plus years and still am with several environment and fishing groups.
-
I've been fishing for over 25 years, and if I hadn't fished the T for the first time a few years ago I wouldn't have gotten involved with the SSBC back in 2008.
As such, I have to agree with Dimitri that closing the river - though well intentioned - is not the solution. The river and it's fish need friends. They need eyes on the water. I believe that management should keep the Thompson open from Oct. 1st onwards until they decide that they need to close it... shotgun starts don't make any sense to me, and they can't be helpful for the fish.
And FYI - this is simply MY view, not necessarily that of the SSBC.
-
Well done working for and with them. We need more people like you to get involved with fishing and environmental groups as we can make a difference by at least trying rather than sitting on the sidelines.
Of course many people are busy with their jobs and with family which of course is very important. Howver donations to the groups like your are always welcome and every dollar is put to good use.
-
I've been fishing for over 25 years, and if I hadn't fished the T for the first time a few years ago I wouldn't have gotten involved with the SSBC back in 2008.
As such, I have to agree with Dimitri that closing the river - though well intentioned - is not the solution. The river and it's fish need friends. They need eyes on the water. I believe that management should keep the Thompson open from Oct. 1st onwards until they decide that they need to close it... shotgun starts don't make any sense to me, and they can't be helpful for the fish.
And FYI - this is simply MY view, not necessarily that of the SSBC.
I'd have to agree, and I think the fish are stronger earlier in the year and better able to put up with any stress from C&R, though it is very minor. Leave it open, and close it to protect them if they are not there in numbers, instead of opening it when they're all Joey Tomatoes and spilling eggs and milt.
I'm sure they would also get a better idea of the return numbers from anglers and surveys than you can by extrapolating a population of 500-1200 fish based on the 0-10 fish intercepted in net fisheries.
-
I'd have to agree, and I think the fish are stronger earlier in the year and better able to put up with any stress from C&R, though it is very minor. Leave it open, and close it to protect them if they are not there in numbers, instead of opening it when they're all Joey Tomatoes and spilling eggs and milt.
I'm sure they would also get a better idea of the return numbers from anglers and surveys than you can by extrapolating a population of 500-1200 fish based on the 0-10 fish intercepted in net fisheries.
They do a creel survey each year, not sure if a report is made public.
-
They do a creel survey each year, not sure if a report is made public.
Only if it's open though?
-
Actually the water temps are higher earlier in year which results in higher mortality.
The river used to be open til closed but one year they tried to close it because of low returns and were met with stiff political opposition. Doubt anything has changed in this regard.
Creel surveys are about as useless as hail counts. Everybody now has a strong reason for non reporting.
-
Only if it's open though?
Person out there now observing.
-
Actually the water temps are higher earlier in year which results in higher mortality.
The river used to be open til closed but one year they tried to close it because of low returns and were met with stiff political opposition. Doubt anything has changed in this regard.
Creel surveys are about as useless as hail counts. Everybody now has a strong reason for non reporting.
Maybe in some cases but on this river system I feel it is effective.
-
lets not forget that the Kingfisher rod and gun club has donated tens of thousands of dollars and many hours of work to preserve these fish................
and if some of these loud young keyboard jockeys would actually get out and do something , other than whine on the net, perhaps we would be better off.
-
lets not forget that the Kingfisher rod and gun club has donated tens of thousands of dollars and many hours of work to preserve these fish................
and if some of these loud young keyboard jockeys would actually get out and do something , other than whine on the net, perhaps we would be better off.
I'm with you on that. They just need to get a feel for putting their voice forward. Doesn't come easy for some people. :) I've always been OK with it. ::) Also have to renew my SSBC membership. :-\ And memberships for other organizations.
-
Has anybody heard any recent news? I myself have not heard anything as of yet.
-
Still closed. Albion numbers are not great at this point; similar to two years ago. My guess would be that the ministry will open the river after DFO has made a commitment regarding in-river chum fisheries. If there was a pool going I'd say open on Nov. 01.
;D
-
oct 28 th ;) ;)
-
DFO just announced potential Fraser commercial and aboriginal openings for the week of 22nd. >:(
28th is a Sunday Jim. ???
-
I'm with you on that. They just need to get a feel for putting their voice forward. Doesn't come easy for some people. :) I've always been OK with it. ::) Also have to renew my SSBC membership. :-\ And memberships for other organizations.
oct 28 th ;) ;)
dead right Jim.
-
Any word when Mr. Bison is going to make the next announcement??
-
http://www.fishingwithrod.com/fishy_news/2012-10-19-thompson-chilcotin-steelhead-update.html
-
Thanks for the info Rodney. There you have it. That bit of news paints a bleak picture. :'(
-
Four fish have been taken in the test fishery since the last update. Keep your fingers crossed boys and girls. 8)
-
Four fish have been taken in the test fishery since the last update. Keep your fingers crossed boys and girls. 8)
hopefully it will be a monday!
-
three more today! total now is 18.......
-
three more today! total now is 18.......
Keeping my fingers crossed
-
Today's the day Rod tells us what we want to hear
-
That would be nice! Perfect weather up here right now for throwing some flies. Stopped in Walhachin yesterday and seen lots of Whitefish cleaning up the bottom and some big springs spawning, one must have been 50lbs. Visible bigger flashes in the faster water, Coho... maybe some Steelies. Lets keep our fingers crossed boys.
-
Has anyone heard any news today?
-
other than three more fish in the nets yesterday?
-
quill wins the pool. ;D
-
quill wins the pool. ;D
November.3rd? I have not heard anything about a date yet
-
so many of the true conservation minded folks will be up there when it opens , using true conservation minded methods to catch these fish , because they are endangered.......is that not what everyone says ?
get ready for the 5 minute grip and grin shots.......
-
so many of the true conservation minded folks will be up there when it opens , using true conservation minded methods to catch these fish , because they are endangered.......is that not what everyone says ?
get ready for the 5 minute grip and grin shots.......
Don't forget all the wooly gloves holding those beautiful iron heads
-
Nov 1st open
-
Is there a link somewhere or us to confirm ? Can't seem to find it on line?
-
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/fish/regulations/changes/1113/region3.html
-
Don't forget it's a classified water and you need the appropriate tags to fish it as well as a steelhead tag!
-
Since so many of you sound very concerned about the state of Thompson River steelhead, I guess we'll be seeing a bunch of you at this event?
(http://gallery.flybc.ca/albums/ralfish/ssbc_poster.jpg)
-
Since so many of you sound very concerned about the state of Thompson River steelhead, I guess we'll be seeing a bunch of you at this event?
(http://gallery.flybc.ca/albums/ralfish/ssbc_poster.jpg)
I'll probably be there. I'm trying to get some friends together as well whether they're anglers or not.
-
Great idea JC... I had some non-angling friends come out last time and they actually really enjoyed it.
-
If anyone has any kind of prize donation they think could be added to the event please contact me at Sea-Run fly and Tackle 604-931-5044 or searuntackle@telus.net
Thank you very much. Brian Braidwood
-
It's really disappointing and disturbing to see the posted pictures of young steelheaders holding bone dry Thomson steelhead in their grip and grin poses. We all know that holding a fish out of water for as little as 30 secs. significantly reduces its chances of surviving catch and release. That's the reason Washington state regs. require anglers to keep fish in the water in a catch-and-release fishery. It's bad enough that some BC anglers have accepted Bison's spurious rationale for opening the Thomson to sport fishing - fewer than a thousand fish out of a historic run of 20,000 - they should at least do everything in their power to ensure that the steelhead they release will survive to spawn.
-
It's really disappointing and disturbing to see the posted pictures of young steelheaders holding bone dry Thomson steelhead in their grip and grin poses. We all know that holding a fish out of water for as little as 30 secs. significantly reduces its chances of surviving catch and release. That's the reason Washington state regs. require anglers to keep fish in the water in a catch-and-release fishery. It's bad enough that some BC anglers have accepted Bison's spurious rationale for opening the Thomson to sport fishing - fewer than a thousand fish out of a historic run of 20,000 - they should at least do everything in their power to ensure that the steelhead they release will survive to spawn.
Good point!