The current status of the Early Summer and Summer Run components of the Fraser
River sockeye return provides for recreational sockeye retention opportunities
in most Southern B.C. marine waters including the tidal and non-tidal waters of
the Fraser River.
Effective 00:01 Friday, July 23 and until further notice, the daily limit for
sport caught sockeye is four (4), minimum size 30cm in the following waters
that are open to salmon fishing:
- those waters of Johnstone Strait below Lewis Point (Subareas 12-1 to 12-4 and
Area 13);
- Strait of Georgia and the tidal waters of the Fraser River (Areas 14, 15, 17
to 19, 28 and Area 29, including the tidal waters of the Fraser River
downstream of the Mission CPR Bridge but excluding Boundary Bay);
- Juan de Fuca Strait (Area 20), and the
- West Coast of Vancouver Island: Areas 21, Areas 24 to 27,and Areas 121 and
123 to 127 (Area 23 is currently open to sockeye retention targeting Barkley
Sound sockeye)
Effective one hour before sunrise on July 23 and until further notice, the
daily limit for sockeye is 2, minimum size 30cm in the:
- Non-tidal waters of the Fraser River - from the downstream side of the CPR
Bridge at Mission upstream to Alexandra Bridge excluding the Upper Landstrom
Bar triangle-shaped closed area described in Fishery Notice #FN0241 dated April
28, 2004). Note that fishing is allowed during daylight hours only from one
hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset. Check your local newspaper for
these times.
The following waters are excluded in the July 23 sockeye retention opening:
Upper Johnstone Strait above Lewis Point and Queen Charlotte Strait) which
includes Areas 11, 111 and Subareas 12-5 to 12-48 in order to protect Nimpkish
River sockeye; Area 16 will be closed all season in order to protect returning
Sakinaw Lake sockeye in the area; Nitinat Lake (Area 22); and Subarea 29-8
(Boundary Bay).
Effective July 28 and until further notice, those portions of Queen Charlotte
Strait and upper Johnstone Strait above Lewis Point (Areas 11, 111 and Subareas
12-5 to 12-48 will open to sockeye retention as impacts on Nimpkish River
sockeye are no longer a concern.
Rockfish Protection areas that are currently in effect are closed to fishing.
The locations of these closures are listed in Fishery Notice FN0155 dated March
25, 2004. The maps and specific boundaries for these closures are located on
the DFO web site at the following address:
http://www-comm.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/pages/sfg/areas/rockfish02/rockfishmaps_e.htm