The Fraser River will be opened for chinook salmon fishing and retention on July 16th. This fishery normally begins in early May, but poor early chinook salmon returns in the last several years have resulted in management measures by Fisheries and Oceans Canada to ensure the recovery of these stocks.

Although retention will be allowed, please note that size slots will be implemented and changes of these restrictions will take place throughout the season. The following fishery notices by Fisheries and Oceans Canada contain specific information of these openings so please read them carefully.

• Tidal Fraser River chinook salmon opening (Area 29-11 to 17) - Please note the amendment to this notice (change of opening time on July 16th)
• Non-tidal Fraser River chinook salmon opening (Region 2)

While chinook salmon will be opened for fishing, sockeye salmon fishing is not permitted. Due to the vulnerability of the Fraser River sockeye salmon stocks, please target chinook salmon selectively. If you happen to encounter a sockeye salmon, then please release it with great care to avoid any damages to the fish.

Barfishing is a efficient technique used to target chinook salmon selectively without disturbing other species such as sockeye salmon. If you have never taken part in this fishery, this 30 minute video seminar illustrates the setup, techniques and other important information that you need to know before participating.

Because the weather in July and August is usually very hot, it is important to have a cooler filled with ice that you can use to store your fish. It is not a good idea to place your salmon in the river because the warm water temperature degrades the quality of your catches.

Please ensure that you have purchased your salmon conservation surcharge on your licence if you intend to keep salmon. In the non-tidal portion of the Fraser River, you are required to mark your adult chinook salmon on your freshwater fishing licence.

If you want to keep salmon in the tidal portion of the Fraser River and in the ocean, then you are required to have a salmon stamp on your saltwater fishing licence. When you catch a chinook salmon at any legal size in tidal waters, then you must record it on your saltwater fishing licence.

Good luck, enjoy the summer weather and have fun in this wonderful fishery that is only found in this province!

Send us a news tip! | Back to Fishy News