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[chris gadsden]

Backgrounder: 2014
Fishing Together on the Fraser Tips from the Fraser River Fisheries Peacemakers
A high run of sockeye salmon is expected on the Fraser River this summer. According to the early Fisheries and Oceans Canada forecasts, there is a 3 in 4 chance that the 2014 sockeye run will be above average and may exceed the record 30 million sockeye that returned in 2010. Fishing opportunities are expected for First Nations, commercial and recreational fisheries. The prospect of landing a sockeye salmon for the first time is likely to draw many more recreational anglers – including those new to the sport – to the banks of Fraser this year.
Aside from great fishing opportunities, this is a chance for new anglers to learn about fishing, and salmon fishing in particular, from the rich local knowledge of experienced anglers and from First Nations fishers who have a longstanding relationship to Fraser River salmon.
The Fraser River Fisheries Peacemakers are a group formed in 2009, a cooperative effort by First Nations and recreational angler groups to build positive, harmonious relationships among all those who come to the Fraser River to fish. They are here to help people learn about fishing and share the river in a respectful way.
Here are some fishing tips and links to online resources to help people encourage a fun and safe fishing season along the Fraser. Enjoy the season!
Fishing Tips
(1) Learn Your Fishing Basics
BC has some of the best fishing opportunities in the world, and fishing is an activity that the whole family can enjoy! Whether you are a beginner or an experienced sport fisher, there are always some fishing basics to keep in mind.
a. Beginner Tips
From information on fish species to the proper gear and fishing methods to
keep in mind, the “Fishing with Rod” website has lots of helpful information: http://www.fishingwithrod.com/articles/introduction/index.html
b. Become familiar with fishing rules and regulations
Even during times of abundance, fishing regulations in rivers, lakes and saltwater are applicable in BC. These regulations are designed to ensure the sustainability of our fish stocks for future generations and the quality of the sport fishing industry.
Fraser River Fisheries Peacemakers: Fishing Together on the Fraser: Tips 2
The regulations can include quotas, size limits, area restrictions, protected species, and allowable fishing methods and gear.
There are two government agencies that manage fish stocks in BC:
 Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is a federal agency responsible for managing the saltwater fishery in BC. DFO manages Pacific salmon species, which live in both saltwater and freshwater at different life stages.
 The BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations manages most freshwater fisheries.
BC has Aboriginal, commercial and recreational fisheries. The priority of the Aboriginal Food, Social and Ceremonial fishery is recognized under Canadian law, second only to conservation objectives, and is followed by commercial and recreational angling fisheries. Notices are published on openings and requirements specific to these fisheries.
There are different requirements for angling in tidal and non-tidal waters. The Fraser River is considered tidal water from its mouth up to the Abbotsford-Mission CPR bridge. See details from Fisheries and Oceans Canada: http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/tidal-maree/fraser-eng.html
Check out the regulations that apply to the region where you intend to fish.
Here are a few links to get started:
i. Freshwater fishing regulations synopsis (other than for Pacific salmon) from BC Forests, Lands and Natural Resources Operations: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/fish/regulations/#Synopsis
ii. Freshwater fishing areas (notes salmon fishery openings and gear) from Fisheries and Oceans Canada: http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/fwmap-carte-eng.asp
iii. Tidal waters fishing areas (notes fishery openings and gear) from Fisheries and Oceans Canada: http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/map-carte-eng.asp
iv. Other helpful links found on the “Fishing with Rod” website: http://www.fishingwithrod.com/articles/introduction/fishing_regulations.html
c. Buy your fishing licence
If you are 16 years of age or older, you must have a valid basic licence to sport fish for any species of fish in non-tidal waters in BC. You must purchase appropriate supplementary licences and stamps.