There is no doubt that the First Nations lived off of the salmon, and all of the other sea life in the area. What is in doubt is if they were able to maintain sole control over the area. If other bands were able to enter the areas and harvest as well then they can not have a claim to the area. That was a key in the Tsilhqot'in case. The Bands along the Fraser, not so much. There is documented proof that the Haida frequently make raids and camps down here. Would a local Band win, maybe, but then every other band would have to willingly abide by that decision. It would never happen. Take into account that these early fish are the ones bound for Quesnel, Prince George, and beyond and all the First Nations up there have a claim this will never go to court. Better to stick with the status quo and let everyone have hand in destroying the pie. Kind of like a firing squad, not every gun is loaded so you can sleep at night believing the it was the other guy who fired the killing shot.
No one should be fishing these early Chinook.