On October 22, 2018 and April 29, 2019, the Gitxsan First Nation issued a press release and letter to FLNRORD and the Department of Fisheries and
Important Notice for anglers in the Skeena River watershed -2019/2020 season
On October 22, 2018 and April 29, 2019, the Gitxsan First Nation issued a press release and letter to FLNRORD and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada indicating that the Skeena watershed is closed to recreational fishing for the upcoming 2019 season.
The B.C. government shares the Gitxsan First Nation's interest regarding salmon conservation in the Skeena River watershed.
Recreational fishing licences for salmon in B.C. are authorized by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). The ministry regulates the freshwater fishery, including steelhead, trout and char.
Until further notice, angling licences sold by the Province for freshwater species remain valid. Any changes or updates will be posted here
Fishery management decisions are made on the best available science, with conservation and sustainability being the top priority, followed by First Nations' food, social and ceremonial needs, then recreational opportunities.
Based on the best available science at this point in the season, steelhead, trout and char in the Skeena watershed can support recreational fishing as per management measures in the Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis.
Staff from the Province of B.C. are working with the Gitxsan to better understand their concerns and see what can be done together. For reference, a map of Gitxsan traditional territory can be found
here.
Please respect First Nations rights and perspectives and seek permission before crossing Indian Reserve lands.