Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => Fishing-related Issues & News => Topic started by: Dave on March 20, 2013, 02:36:23 PM
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Many anglers I speak to think there are fewer hatchery fish in this system this season. Possibly the reason why hatchery steelhead returns to the C-V this season have been lower than hoped is ... 3 years ago, due to federal budget restraints and zero dollars coming from the Province, the juvenile parr released from the Chilliwack River hatchery were considerably smaller than the mandated 80 gram release size. In general, the larger the juvenile fish are on release, ie. 80-100 grams, the better the survival rates to adult returns. Sadly, 2 years ago (adult returns next year ), the parr released were even smaller, in fact were the smallest steelhead juveniles released from this facility to date.
Even worse for many anglers, me included, is the fact that between 70 and 80 wild steelhead were sacrificed for this questionable management.
The bottom line is don't expect much better steelheading next year on the C-V for hatchery fish, and if in future the progeny from up to 80 wild steelhead from a pretty much unknown population is not properly managed for maximum benefit to anglers, perhaps question the logic of this hatchery program.
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...between 70 and 80 wild steelhead were sacrificed...
I wouldn't say "sacrificed" as they aren't killed for their eggs and milt, however yes they could have spawned in the wild. Those are ~140-160 more wild fish that may have been able to return this year.
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It's not just the Vedder though Dave. The Stamp is having the worst year on record I believe. The hatchery fish component is non-existent. On the actual stamp I still haven't caught a hatchery fish. Of the 25-30 fish I've beached, all have been wild, and the other 30-40 that I didn't get right to hand appeared to be wild as well (many were within 5 feet of the shore when they were lost).
Overall though, the whole system is suffering. I wouldn't say the wild returns are anywhere near what they should be. They actually stopped taking brood on the Stamp because there is so much concern over how the wild fish are doing, and they no longer want to remove wild spawners from the population. I have also fished a large number of other rivers on the island this year, and all of them, including remote north island flows are suffering it seems. The only one doing well is the Cowy.
An interesting fact that another angler pointed out to me,... and I have found to be true as well this year, is that the fish are above average size for the most part. I have caught VERY FEW fish in the typical 6-7 pound range (for the stamp), and it seems to be the same everywhere (out on the island any ways). Most fish being caught by me and my buddies seem to mainly be 9-12 pounds. In my mind, those 6-7 pnd fish would be the first time returning fish, and anything bigger would be older fish returning for the 2,3,4 time. Would be interesting to see, but it seems like something may have happened to the 1st year age class of fish this year.
Here's hoping for a good late push of all the fish that haven't showed up all season...
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Many anglers I speak to think there are fewer hatchery fish in this system this season. Possibly the reason why hatchery steelhead returns to the C-V this season have been lower than hoped is ... 3 years ago, due to federal budget restraints and zero dollars coming from the Province, the juvenile parr released from the Chilliwack River hatchery were considerably smaller than the mandated 80 gram release size. In general, the larger the juvenile fish are on release, ie. 80-100 grams, the better the survival rates to adult returns. Sadly, 2 years ago (adult returns next year ), the parr released were even smaller, in fact were the smallest steelhead juveniles released from this facility to date.
Even worse for many anglers, me included, is the fact that between 70 and 80 wild steelhead were sacrificed for this questionable management.
The bottom line is don't expect much better steelheading next year on the C-V for hatchery fish, and if in future the progeny from up to 80 wild steelhead from a pretty much unknown population is not properly managed for maximum benefit to anglers, perhaps question the logic of this hatchery program.
Perhaps it is time to get the Chilliwack River Hatchery some volunteer help to cut down on the need for funding to maintain the steelhead program. There are enough retirees in Chilliwack who may be able to volunteer. That way, the government funding can be used solely for fish feed and not wages. Or make the river a class water so people pay a stamp to fish it. That will cut down the crowd and the stamp money be used to boost up production. Don't mind to pay extra if they improve the fishing 5 to 10 times better. ;D
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It's not just the Vedder though Dave. The Stamp is having the worst year on record I believe.
Very true Dan. I have been sitting on this post for a while now as I know this is not just happening to the C-V.
Any idea of the size of juveniles released into the Stamp?
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Perhaps it is time to get the Chilliwack River Hatchery some volunteer help to cut down on the need for funding to maintain the steelhead program. There are enough retirees in Chilliwack who may be able to volunteer. That way, the government funding can be used solely for fish feed and not wages. Or make the river a class water so people pay a stamp to fish it. That will cut down the crowd and the stamp money be used to boost up production. Don't mind to pay extra if they improve the fishing 5 to 10 times better. ;D
I don't think it's as simple as throwing more feed at them. I believe there are difficulties getting enough water of a suitable temperature to allow the fish to grow at a good rate. Perhaps Dave can elucidate. I think it's something to do with chinook juveniles getting first dibs on a warmer well source.
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You seem to be doing a lot of speculating Dave. For a person who likes his facts ,how can you say there are more wild than hatchery fish . I think you need a better study , than just a few anglers opinions.
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Look at Freds Derby this year. I would hazard a guess that there weren't any fewer entries as far as anglers go yet the number of weighins were way down from last year.
A total of 414 weighed in last year compared to 280 this year.
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414 fish last year, compared to 414 this year. But you forgot to mention there was twice as many anglers fishing this year.
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At least there's still Steelies in other systems...more people fishing the Chedder right now the better
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At least there's still Steelies in other systems...more people fishing the Chedder right now the better
and now those other systems will get a bump in angling pressure...
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2t88BA-J3pw/TaxF4M14fiI/AAAAAAAAAec/rEMTq9XyTSg/s1600/mCU8jmcCknhaneztKwDmYdCyo1_500.jpg)
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I don't think it's as simple as throwing more feed at them. I believe there are difficulties getting enough water of a suitable temperature to allow the fish to grow at a good rate. Perhaps Dave can elucidate. I think it's something to do with chinook juveniles getting first dibs on a warmer well source.
Totally right firebird. The steelhead raised in DFO hatcheries are on the bottom of the pecking order when it comes to $$ spent on production. To get steelhead up to size requires pumping warmer well water which is limited and expensive to do. Warmer water means faster metabolism meaning more food needed, to a cash strapped DFO system.
I guess it comes down to the importance of each species on the Chilliwack, to the local economy and the angling community. If it is decided chinooks deserve this warmer water at the expense of steelhead I say stop the steelhead hatchery program and leave what's left of this wild population to live or die on it's own.
Perhaps a solution is to transfer management of steelhead to DFO ... my guess is the Province would jump at that :D
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You seem to be doing a lot of speculating Dave. For a person who likes his facts ,how can you say there are more wild than hatchery fish .
Didn't say that. I have no idea how many hatchery returned and have no idea how many wild fish we will see in our April and May counts. I do know that myself and a handful of others will be the only ones looking though ...
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The swim counts were important, this is the one I can see most doable by volunteers. Not counting what you have is pretty much saying who gives a damn. Some things can't have a price put on them, wild steelhead swimming in rivers is one of them.
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I did a quick query into recent stockings to compare last year to this year.
The 2009 brood year (last years returns) had the following numbers:
26,926 @88g
25,843 @91.7g
25,111 @76.1g
22,610 @82.7g
18,799 @69.1g
For a total of 119,289 @ an average of 82.3g
The 2010 brood year (this years returns) had the following numbers:
104,538 @ 71.3g
As you can see, not only were the fish on average 11g (13%) smaller, there were also close to 15,000 (12%) less released.
I don't buy that this is the only reason for this years dissapointing returns as the catch rate for wild fish also appears to be down significantly. Although it doesn't suprise me after the extrememly small coho that returned this past fall. To me it seems like the ocean survival has once more started to become an issue.
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Firebird: As a cost saving measure well water is not turned on until the 1st of December which saves the hatchery about $6000. In past years the well was always turned on the 1st of November. Juveniles during that time would gain approximately 10-12 grams of additional growth compared to being on ambient river temperatures. It is unfortunate the province doesn't step up to the plate and inject some $ for the rearing of steelhead.
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Firebird: As a cost saving measure well water is not turned on until the 1st of December which saves the hatchery about $6000. In past years the well was always turned on the 1st of November. Juveniles during that time would gain approximately 10-12 grams of additional growth compared to being on ambient river temperatures. It is unfortunate the province doesn't step up to the plate and inject some $ for the rearing of steelhead.
Moe or Dfo doesnt give a dam about wild steelhead, just look at the Thompson debacle. On the other hand,the Cowichan steelhead hatchery program ended due to lack of funding. Despite a howl of protest.And its doing for very well this yr for returning wild fish.The Stamp on the other hand seems to be in trouble again. Have not heard much about the Gold as that river is not talked about much.
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Moe or Dfo doesnt give a dam about wild steelhead, just look at the Thompson debacle.
What do you think either group could do to make things better?
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The Stamp on the other hand seems to be in trouble again. Have not heard much about the Gold as that river is not talked about much.
I'll just say every river out here, whether it be north island, west coast, or east coast, is having an off year. Gold was not fishing good at all this year. Most of the small rivers I fish have been having a terrible year (almost alarming really), and even some of the "easy picking" rivers haven't been so at all. The cowy seems to be the one exception for fish numbers for some reason.
As for the DFO and MOE comment, I don't even know where to begin. We need to stop blaming those agencies and start looking at the higher powers here. There is only so much you can do when all your funding is cut (from the gov) and you get down to 1 "anadromous fish biologist" on the island. Same with DFO. Both those agencies do what they can, but at the end of the day they are swamped. You should be grateful for the amount of stream rehab work they have been able to do. What your sentence should say is "The Canadian government doesn't give a dam about wild steelhead," or for that matter, anything else that has to do with our environment.
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Moe or Dfo doesnt give a dam about wild steelhead, just look at the Thompson debacle.
As for the DFO and MOE comment, I don't even know where to begin. We need to stop blaming those agencies and start looking at the higher powers here. There is only so much you can do when all your funding is cut (from the gov) and you get down to 1 "anadromous fish biologist" on the island. Same with DFO. Both those agencies do what they can, but at the end of the day they are swamped. You should be grateful for the amount of stream rehab work they have been able to do. What your sentence should say is "The Canadian government doesn't give a dam about wild steelhead," or for that matter, anything else that has to do with our environment.
Finally we get past the blame game. Do you really believe DFO or MOE don't care?
The government has one pot of tax payers money and with more and more of it being swallowed up by the Health system and the education system for that matter, the rest of the ministries get cut. The best bang for the buck and all just to get reelected.
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If it is decided chinooks deserve this warmer water at the expense of steelhead I say stop the steelhead hatchery program and leave what's left of this wild population to live or die on it's own.
That can be a disaster to the wild steelhead with more poaching for a fish in winter there and wild fish will go down the drain much faster.
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Good to see we are finally having a discussion on this topic ;)
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What do you think either group could do to make things better?
Curtail the Fraser river commercial fall chum fishery. End these ridiculous shot gun openings. Put money into habitat restoration. That would be a start on the Thompson / Release more smolts at a larger size. Start a lottery system to reduce pressure.Close fishing below the Bailey Bridge.More enforcement,which would help the Vedder steelhead fishery / On the Stamp they need start releasing the smolts in the lower river so they will imprint there and spread the fish out,how it used to be. Now you have a gong show at the Falls pool and down to the bucket where all the winter runs stage / Cowie is doing fine this yr (what a wonderful river to fish out of a driftboat) so its status quo there for now ,although due to logging in the upper watershed has resulted in large volumes of water after a heavy rain./ The Gold has banned bait and closed the Circus pool, not sure what more can be done there as it is a all wild steelhead river. I think ocean survival is a problem on it.
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With the 60 million the federal government is giving to salmon farmers for "regulatory certainty", the fish farmers will be able to show you it's better to buy one of there fish. Why put money in a hatchery that only helps the few people who fish, and all the dangers that come with it. When one and all can just go to the store and buy a fish.
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"Curtail the Fraser river commercial fall chum fishery" - The one opening a year is the problem ?
'End these ridiculous shot gun openings"- this is only an angler problem
' Put money into habitat restoration"- if you were involved you would know that MANY groups put money into habitat restoration.
'Release more smolts at a larger size" - no money to do this and timing is important,risidulazation is a bigger problem.
"Start a lottery system to reduce pressure"- this is not a solution , this is just crazy talk
The Gold has banned bait" - and this worked really good on the squamish too , saved all 50 steelhead....lol
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"Curtail the Fraser river commercial fall chum fishery" - The one opening a year is the problem ?
'End these ridiculous shot gun openings"- this is only an angler problem
' Put money into habitat restoration"- if you were involved you would know that MANY groups put money into habitat restoration.
'Release more smolts at a larger size" - no money to do this and timing is important,risidulazation is a bigger problem.
"Start a lottery system to reduce pressure"- this is not a solution , this is just crazy talk
The Gold has banned bait" - and this worked really good on the squamish too , saved all 50 steelhead....lol
And what do you suggest?
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It is a well-known fact that underfunded projects yield less than stellar results.
The Vedder hatchery and habitat restoration projects are no exception. From hatchery programs to erosion contention, there is lots that can be done to improve the river for fishing, but unfortunately there is never enough money.
Therefore, I suggest designating the Vedder as classified water, and propose a $10-15 dollar stamp ($20-30$ for non residents) for the privilege to fish it, with ALL the money going exclusively towards the needs of the river and its diverse fisheries.
With the number of anglers who fish the Vedder year round, that would end up being quite a lot of money.
Who among us who fish this river wouldn't agree to pay the extra money knowing that it is being put to good use? For the price of a couple of beers in a pub, we could make a big difference!
I would like to know what steps are needed to make this happen.
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Milo - you looking at this being all year round or just during the steely fishery ?
I would pay it but im sure all the people not buying licenses now wouldnt bother.
HOOK - loves watching the people sprinting for their cars in fall when the CO shows up, its even better watching them all get nailed by his/her partner :)
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Hire a lobbyist to go to Ottawa to grease the wheels for the sport and sport commercial industry. This should come from all sports fisherman, guides, fishing resorts, tackle stores, boat builders etc.How do you think corporations get to regulate what doesn't belong to them. Find ways to inform your neighbor,anybody who is in your sphere of influence, talk to anybody and everybody.Find a cheap way to mount a media campaign. Maybe then those who we elected to represent us will listen to common sense. But you know what they say "Money talks and common sense walks".
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Milo - you looking at this being all year round or just during the steely fishery ?
Year round. Pay a classified waters stamp when you buy your license if you want to fish the Vedder at all.
Put all the proceeds into Vedder river projects.
Simple.
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Many good suggestions for the Vedder has been put forth. Perhaps a Vedder River Wellness Society should be formed and registered. Membership be opened to supporters of the Vedder River and an annual fee collected. The society will organize activities to raise funds to support its activities and these funds should be used to promote the fisheries in the Vedder.
The society as it grows will become a voice for the Vedder and perhaps our office bearers may have enough strength to influence the powers that be to take notice of the plight of the fisheries on the Vedder.
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Plenty of ideas being offered in the discussion forum, but almost none will be delivered to those who can make a difference once again. You don't need to form another advocacy group to make these suggestions a reality, existing groups are already available to take on those tasks.
Join the Fraser Valley Salmon Society, the BC Federation of Drift Fishers, Steelhead Society of BC, BC Federation of Fly Fishers, whichever one fits your vision. Engage in conversations with directors of your group, attend annual general meetings, make suggestions and step up to transform ideas to actions. Your group has representations at the local sport fishing advisory committee, which is the only communication channel with Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Two meetings (spring and fall) are held each year for every local SFAC, where resource managers, hatchery managers, enforcement officers engage in discussions about important local issues.
Until you attempt in one of these discussions, please don't suggest that those who work in this field don't give a damn about our fishery resources.
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I think the constant thrashing on MOE and DFO is plain stupid, usually coming from someone that has little knowledge of what they actually do , and the red tape they go through.
there is many of us that are involved and have tried to and will continue to try to make a difference.
I know the BCCF funding is just about empty and there will be no more steelhead programs (habitat and reaserch) in region 2........ :'(
would I spend more money for a licence ? NO because its an easy cash cow for other more important things like health care and welfare.......
like I said before the things that will take away our steelhead is GREED by everyone.
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At least there's still Steelies in other systems...more people fishing the Chedder right now the better
Now what system might you be talking about Chehalis_Steel? ::)
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My one question to the hatchery programs would be why they take wild steelhead for broodstock. They are basically removing wild fish from the pool and in this way reducing the number of wild fish eggs in the river. Why don't they just take the hatchery fish.
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My one question to the hatchery programs would be why they take wild steelhead for broodstock. They are basically removing wild fish from the pool and in this way reducing the number of wild fish eggs in the river. Why don't they just take the hatchery fish.
To try to minimize genetic impacts on the naturally spawning population. US hatcheries do as you say (a segregated hatchery program), and have had significant issues with genetic impacts and loss of fitness in steelhead populations.
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To try to minimize genetic impacts on the naturally spawning population. US hatcheries do as you say (a segregated hatchery program), and have had significant issues with genetic impacts and loss of fitness in steelhead populations.
A lot of reserach have already been done on this topic in the US on it's negetive consequences. I don't think using hatchery fish as broodstock is a viable option for Vedder.
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A lot of reserach have already been done on this topic in the US on it's negetive consequences. I don't think using hatchery fish as broodstock is a viable option for Vedder.
Yes, that's what I was saying. Sticking to using wild brood stock will hopefully avoid the genetic impacts observed in American steelhead programs.
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It is a well-known fact that underfunded projects yield less than stellar results.
The Vedder hatchery and habitat restoration projects are no exception. From hatchery programs to erosion contention, there is lots that can be done to improve the river for fishing, but unfortunately there is never enough money.
Therefore, I suggest designating the Vedder as classified water, and propose a $10-15 dollar stamp ($20-30$ for non residents) for the privilege to fish it, with ALL the money going exclusively towards the needs of the river and its diverse fisheries.
With the number of anglers who fish the Vedder year round, that would end up being quite a lot of money.
Who among us who fish this river wouldn't agree to pay the extra money knowing that it is being put to good use? For the price of a couple of beers in a pub, we could make a big difference!
I would like to know what steps are needed to make this happen.
Stellar idea!! Year round classified waters with all monies collected going directly back into this system. Simple, effective, and would probably help alleviate some of the pressure
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Yes, that's what I was saying. Sticking to using wild brood stock will hopefully avoid the genetic impacts observed in American steelhead programs.
Thanks
I can appreciate the "loss of fitness" aspect but I don't see the "genetic impact" on naturally spawning populations you are talking about. Can you explain?
If you are taking hatchery fish that have returned home for eggs what impact does it have on wild naturally spawning fish.
Also hatchery produced fish are shielded very much in their cozy pens.
Why don't hatcheries build open pen systems directly in the river and keep the fish in the flow of the river. All you need is 4 stakes in the river and pour concrete to hold them in place. Something at the head to shield the net from being destroyed by the flowing debris during high water and this will put your fish right on the treadmill to increase their fitness ;).
Perhaps if this is done in the side channels the danger of drift wood destroying the pens. I'm sure it costs money.
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It is a well-known fact that underfunded projects yield less than stellar results.
The Vedder hatchery and habitat restoration projects are no exception. From hatchery programs to erosion contention, there is lots that can be done to improve the river for fishing, but unfortunately there is never enough money.
Therefore, I suggest designating the Vedder as classified water, and propose a $10-15 dollar stamp ($20-30$ for non residents) for the privilege to fish it, with ALL the money going exclusively towards the needs of the river and its diverse fisheries.
With the number of anglers who fish the Vedder year round, that would end up being quite a lot of money.
I would like to know what steps are needed to make this happen.
Right on. This is what I proposed in an earlier post. Why not? We need to have this money exclusively spent on enhancing the fishing on Vedder and not spent on administrative expenses of the government. If we need warmer water for the steelhead, some engineering firms should be able to design something to heat the water and the stamp fund can be used to support this. It can also afford to stock more smolt than our current number of around 100K fish if there are money to feed the smolt. Add to this some local volunteering work, this can substain a good fishery on the Vedder without extra money from the government. And of course, we can cut down fishing pressure on the Vedder with a stamp requirement. Why didn't some fishing organizations push for this idea?
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I would like all these good things as well but fishing should be for the masses ....I pay enough tax and this would be just a form of a tax.
The hatchery should be allowed to raise funds thru other channels than just Government funding
I would happily donate time and or money directly to the Hatchery and I don't trust all funds would go where they should if it was collected by the Government.
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I would like all these good things as well but fishing should be for the masses ....I pay enough tax and this would be just a form of a tax.
The hatchery should be allowed to raise funds thru other channels than just Government funding
I would happily donate time and or money directly to the Hatchery and I don't trust all funds would go where they should if it was collected by the Government.
It's called user pay, and it is exactly the opposite of a tax.
A tax is where the masses pay for a service in order to enhance society regardless of whether they use it. As an example, I have no kids yet pay significant school taxes. I don't complain about it because I believe in an educated society.
Individuals don't get to decide what is best for society because they almost always act in their own
best interests, rather than the interest of the masses.
Fishing is not for the masses. It is for a small percentage of residents but has a very significant impact on the economy. By this measure retail shops in Chilliwack should pay a higher percentage of the requirements, since they see the greatest benefit of the additional traffic.
Not trusting the government is an entirely different issue.
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Thanks
I can appreciate the "loss of fitness" aspect but I don't see the "genetic impact" on naturally spawning populations you are talking about. Can you explain?
If you are taking hatchery fish that have returned home for eggs what impact does it have on wild naturally spawning fish.
Also hatchery produced fish are shielded very much in their cozy pens.
Why don't hatcheries build open pen systems directly in the river and keep the fish in the flow of the river. All you need is 4 stakes in the river and pour concrete to hold them in place. Something at the head to shield the net from being destroyed by the flowing debris during high water and this will put your fish right on the treadmill to increase their fitness ;).
Perhaps if this is done in the side channels the danger of drift wood destroying the pens. I'm sure it costs money.
Sure thing. First off, the term "fitness" in the context of genetics isn't referring to the actual physiology of the fish (i.e. swimming performance etc), but to the reproductive fitness of the population. When you produce hatchery fish that return to the spawning grounds as adults, some percentage of these fish will avoid harvest and will spawn naturally with wild fish. There is considerable scientific research that indicates that first generation hatchery fish have lower reproductive fitness than wild fish. There are several fish culture strategies that can be employed to minimize the potential impacts. At Chilliwack hatchery for example, only wild fish are used for brood stock (as mentioned above). This ensures that the smolts released from the hatchery are of the highest quality and are as genetically similar to the wild-spawned production as possible, which will then minimize genetic effects of subsequent interbreeding between hatchery and wild fish.
When hatchery fish are used for brood stock, there are potential domestication and genetic drift effects that could occur. The hatchery environment applies a different set of selective pressures than the wild environment does, so segregation of hatchery fish from wild brood stock can lead to accelerated genetic drift.
Some papers that may be of interest below.
http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0012261;jsessionid=BED9ADCD25F6D0037D5E772D024DB951.ambra01
http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/abs/10.1139/f91-311#.UVEfeGhV25s
http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/abs/10.1139/f03-092#.UVEfqmhV25s
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The chilliwack system is the most heavily system in BC, making it a classified system would DESTROY other near by systems which experience less pressure I think.
Thanks
I can appreciate the "loss of fitness" aspect but I don't see the "genetic impact" on naturally spawning populations you are talking about. Can you explain?
If you are taking hatchery fish that have returned home for eggs what impact does it have on wild naturally spawning fish.
Also hatchery produced fish are shielded very much in their cozy pens.
Why don't hatcheries build open pen systems directly in the river and keep the fish in the flow of the river. All you need is 4 stakes in the river and pour concrete to hold them in place. Something at the head to shield the net from being destroyed by the flowing debris during high water and this will put your fish right on the treadmill to increase their fitness ;).
Perhaps if this is done in the side channels the danger of drift wood destroying the pens. I'm sure it costs money.
A pen in the river would never be allowed as any excess food will be washed downstream as well as any infection or virus that the fish could possibly get that then could potentially wipe out wild fish. Much like the fish farms in the salt, not good for our waters...
Right on. This is what I proposed in an earlier post. Why not? We need to have this money exclusively spent on enhancing the fishing on Vedder and not spent on administrative expenses of the government. If we need warmer water for the steelhead, some engineering firms should be able to design something to heat the water and the stamp fund can be used to support this. It can also afford to stock more smolt than our current number of around 100K fish if there are money to feed the smolt. Add to this some local volunteering work, this can substain a good fishery on the Vedder without extra money from the government. And of course, we can cut down fishing pressure on the Vedder with a stamp requirement. Why didn't some fishing organizations push for this idea?
The river can not just be pumped full of fish as they will then impact the wild fish of the river. The hatchery fish are there to be killed, not to spawn with wild fish or in the wild on their own.
What do you guys see wrong with the chilliwack system anyways? It has the largest return of steelhead in BC so sees the most pressure. I think people here are saying there's problems because they are having problems catching fish all of a sudden. Everyone is quick to point at the system as the problem, when actually it's the angler that is more of the problem. This year has had a lower return than previous years for sure, but anglers haven't changed their game to get fish. They just fish the same water like they would with a huge return (last year) and just expect the fish to be there. With the growing number of anglers fishing the chilliwack system each year there is more and more better anglers on the water, so if you're not upping your game you're going to get fewer and fewer fish. The only problem really wrong with the system is the clay banks, yes some stabilization would be amazing and keep the water clear but omg the crowds at the slaughter holes would be TERRIBLE in salmon season during low water. Im positive the hatchery would never say no to more money to buy some new equipment maybe maintain the structures or vehicles but the hatchery doesnt really have a say on the number of fish they can produce (that I am aware of anyways, please someone correct me if I am wrong) I'm sure there is a cap on the number of fish they are allowed to produce which is set out by a regional biologist. Also if all the brood fish are small fish then that means less eggs for production and results in less fish returning.
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The chilliwack system is the most heavily system in BC, making it a classified system would DESTROY other near by systems which experience less pressure I think.
A pen in the river would never be allowed as any excess food will be washed downstream as well as any infection or virus that the fish could possibly get that then could potentially wipe out wild fish. Much like the fish farms in the salt, not good for our waters...
Makes sense.
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The chilliwack system is the most heavily system in BC, making it a classified system would DESTROY other near by systems which experience less pressure I think.
A pen in the river would never be allowed as any excess food will be washed downstream as well as any infection or virus that the fish could possibly get that then could potentially wipe out wild fish. Much like the fish farms in the salt, not good for our waters...
The river can not just be pumped full of fish as they will then impact the wild fish of the river. The hatchery fish are there to be killed, not to spawn with wild fish or in the wild on their own.
What do you guys see wrong with the chilliwack system anyways? It has the largest return of steelhead in BC so sees the most pressure. I think people here are saying there's problems because they are having problems catching fish all of a sudden. Everyone is quick to point at the system as the problem, when actually it's the angler that is more of the problem. This year has had a lower return than previous years for sure, but anglers haven't changed their game to get fish. They just fish the same water like they would with a huge return (last year) and just expect the fish to be there. With the growing number of anglers fishing the chilliwack system each year there is more and more better anglers on the water, so if you're not upping your game you're going to get fewer and fewer fish. The only problem really wrong with the system is the clay banks, yes some stabilization would be amazing and keep the water clear but omg the crowds at the slaughter holes would be TERRIBLE in salmon season during low water. Im positive the hatchery would never say no to more money to buy some new equipment maybe maintain the structures or vehicles but the hatchery doesnt really have a say on the number of fish they can produce (that I am aware of anyways, please someone correct me if I am wrong) I'm sure there is a cap on the number of fish they are allowed to produce which is set out by a regional biologist. Also if all the brood fish are small fish then that means less eggs for production and results in less fish returning.
Largest in the lower mainland yes, in BC no.....