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[Rodney]

Lets get some terminology correct first in this discussion before continuing.

Juvenile salmonids that are still in the river prior to migration are parr. Smoltification is a transition that takes place in the estuary as fish migrate through it. When completed, they are known as smolt.

The reason behind a hatchery rainbow trout retention opening in July and August is to eliminate juvenile hatchery marked steelhead that are released but do not migrate into the ocean because their release size is too small. Reducing the number of hatchery steelhead from becoming resident trout is a management decision to keep these fish from interfering with other river inhabitants. They can become potential predator of future juvenile salmonids and other resident fish, etc.

That all sounds good if this is done correctly. As Rod has pointed out, excessive killing of both hatchery marked and wild trout have been happening on the Chilliwack River in July and August. If we are to continue this fishery, then there needs to be a better outreach program so participants are well informed before taking part. To make sure participants are more informative, you need to know who they are. In July and August, these are kids coming with parents to the Chilliwack River recreational corridor for the summer holiday, these are teens who come to Cultus Lake with their peers to party, these are city folks who are out for the weekend to enjoy the great outdoor experience. These are people who are probably picking up their fishing gear from Canadian Tire and Walmart, or cannot differentiate between a salmon and a trout, nevermind the differences between a hatchery and a wild fish.

Personally I have no immediate solution for something like this. If this isn't the priority of enforcement in July and August or if ministry staff don't think this is an issue or if there is no money to keep people informed, it'll continue the way it is. I usually add a little write-up on our homepage and the Lower Mainland fishing report so hopefully some actually see the information before they go out for the first time.

[silver ghost]

The reason behind a hatchery rainbow trout retention opening in July and August is to eliminate juvenile hatchery marked steelhead that are released but do not migrate into the ocean because their release size is too small.

Thank you for clearing this up, that makes total sense now.

In July and August, these are kids coming with parents to the Chilliwack River recreational corridor for the summer holiday, these are teens who come to Cultus Lake with their peers to party, these are city folks who are out for the weekend to enjoy the great outdoor experience. These are people who are probably picking up their fishing gear from Canadian Tire and Walmart, or cannot differentiate between a salmon and a trout, nevermind the differences between a hatchery and a wild fish.

Personally I have no immediate solution for something like this. If this isn't the priority of enforcement in July and August or if ministry staff don't think this is an issue or if there is no money to keep people informed, it'll continue the way it is. I usually add a little write-up on our homepage and the Lower Mainland fishing report so hopefully some actually see the information before they go out for the first time.

Ahh, yes. Frustrating but true. Another suggestion would be to post signs at the popular camping sites showing people the difference between the species which you can keep and the species which you can not, as well as the difference btwn hatchery and wild fish, along with RAPP line and the possible fines/penalties they face. Similar to the Cultus Lake sockeye posters which still remain in certain locations.

[firebird]

Thanks Rod. It's call very clear now. Given that the enforcement officers have other priorities at that time of year, some good, well-placed educational signs and a few "ambassadors" to patrol the more popular camping locations might help. The money for these would have to come from a environmental funding program of some sort. Food for thought 

[Rodney]

I've always believed that an educational handout for different fisheries in the Fraser Valley is needed if we are encouraging people who have never fished before in Metro Vancouver to take part in fishing. There should be a one-page handout for the Chilliwack fall fishery, trout fishery, Fraser salmon fishery, etc. The handout can list the general regulations that they should know as well as specific regulations for that fishery, fish ID pics, contact number for RAPP, etc. They can be distributed from campsites, resorts, stores where rods are sold. This would be a good task for a local organization like the Fraser Valley Salmon Society, BC Federation of Drift Fishers, or the Steelhead Society of BC to invest in.

[buck]

 Rod, all wild stealhead are air spawned and held for a 2 day recovery period before being released back into the Chilliwack River.

[lovetofish]

Rod, all wild stealhead are air spawned and held for a 2 day recovery period before being released back into the Chilliwack River.

Thanks Buck

What percentage of the females survive air spawning? An earlier poster suggested survival was low.