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[chris gadsden]

Will it happen? https://www.theprogress.com/news/fishing-groups-demand-test-fishery-on-the-fraser-river-for-chinook/?fbclid=IwAR29ZCjCRUwiWQgm0ZDShkJlKTEFpoF1wTDs7t-5q4jQVMWgReeo8-6szas

[Hike_and_fish]

Yup.

I'm surprised a request for retention of Sturgeon gill net hasn't been requested yet

[DanL]

Will it happen? https://www.theprogress.com/news/fishing-groups-demand-test-fishery-on-the-fraser-river-for-chinook/?fbclid=IwAR29ZCjCRUwiWQgm0ZDShkJlKTEFpoF1wTDs7t-5q4jQVMWgReeo8-6szas

From the article:

The letter proposing a “bar fishing test fishery” was signed by reps of Fraser River Sport Fishing Alliance, B.C. Federation of Drift Fishers, Fraser Valley Salmon Society, Public Fishery Alliance, Fraser Valley Guides Association, Vancouver Sport Fishing Guides Association.

The bar-fishing method they’re advocating for targeting chinook, also called spring salmon, uses different gear than bottom-bouncing or flossing to target sockeye salmon, and predates the Fraser sockeye fishery. Bar fishers fish from shore using a shorter leader of three feet maximum and heavier weights. They use a single, barbless hook from a fixed fishing rod, and a lure known as a spin-n-glow.

So they're requesting an opening where only the technique of bar fishing is permitted? I am curious as to how this would even work. There is no definition of bar fishing nor bottom bouncing in the regs. Would they not have to make new definitions a part those in-season updates, and is that even possible?

I recall when sockeye was open the updates would have wording trying to discourage flossing, but really didnt have any teeth. If they were able to allow/prohibit specific methods, wouldn't they have done so back then.

[dcajaxs]

Also probably why non selective netting is still permitted.  Its too bad that the wording or type of fishing can't be changed in the regs to help non target species.  I think were getting to the point where  we are to politically correct to do the right thing for the fish not whats in the best interest of human beings.

[RalphH]

there is really no way to do it beyond a leader length regulation.

The proposed period also includes the timing of interior coho returns and more significantly (early) Interior Steelhead. The later were formerly caught frequently by the same methods to take chinook.

Currently the Fraser is also closed to trout fishing to protect IFS.

[DanL]

there is really no way to do it beyond a leader length regulation.

If we're talking theoretically, what about combining with a minimum weight. What's the largest weight used for flossing? Double it for bar fishing.

ie. "at least one weight greater than 100 grams (or whatever) must be attached to the line. All weights must be attached within 100 cm of the hook"

[RalphH]

If we're talking theoretically, what about combining with a minimum weight. What's the largest weight used for flossing? Double it for bar fishing.

ie. "at least one weight greater than 100 grams (or whatever) must be attached to the line. All weights must be attached within 100 cm of the hook"

for bar fishing from Chilliwack and upstream weights of 12 to 20oz are common.

[Rodney]

there is really no way to do it beyond a leader length regulation.

The proposed period also includes the timing of interior coho returns and more significantly (early) Interior Steelhead. The later were formerly caught frequently by the same methods to take chinook.

Currently the Fraser is also closed to trout fishing to protect IFS.

Yep.

[wildmanyeah]

Your off the water because first nations have demanded it. Period full stop

Might as well write off the Fraser and just focus on saving the Chilliwack fall season.

What I’ve heard is stolo, sumas, Harrison and one other First Nation have and are making plans to net it but have yet to come to terms.

Also hate to break it to you but closing the Fraser to recs was a ministerial decision and put into the IFMP. Therefor it can only be undone by the dfo minister. In other words not a
Chance of hell of happening and a gear regulation change is just as hopeless.   

[RalphH]

True WMY though the Minister's direction derives from law. It is not something DFO makes up because the FNs say so.

[CohoJake]

The proposed period also includes the timing of interior coho returns and more significantly (early) Interior Steelhead. The later were formerly caught frequently by the same methods to take chinook.

Speaking of interior Steelhead and Coho, hopefully they benefit from the lessened fishing pressure from all sectors.  But I notice the FN openings require "mandatory sockeye release" - do they also require mandatory release of coho and steelhead?

[mikeyman]

Ya like that's happening. By catch released from a gill net and monitoring. Complete lies.

[RalphH]

AFAIK all the Fraser Band groups are on board with  reducing the impact on IFS and IFC to the extent possible . Where they did and have taken sturgeon historically they have not been taking a sturgeon food catch for a few decades.

Of course those fish are caught as by-catch during net openings. Mortality is high for those particularly in set nets.

[chris gadsden]

https://www.theprogress.com/news/dfo-will-not-be-authorizing-a-test-fishery-for-fraser-river-chinook-salmon/?fbclid=IwAR1336Zj2VayMJRQ_LaB1aF5cV3ygXnpgiflB7J8c2JPefQ4oiFpRK64AkM

[chris gadsden]

The response from FOC re the request for a bar fishing only on the Fraser River.
August 28, 2020
Dear Rod:
Re: Recreational Fishery in Lower Fraser River
Thank you for your letter on August 23rd seeking a Chinook directed recreational
demonstration fishery in the Lower Fraser River.
I understand that a request for this type of demonstration fishery was raised with Fraser
and Interior staff earlier this year, however a number of concerns remain with this
proposal, including serious in-season conservation concerns for Fraser River Sockeye and
an expectation that First Nations FSC obligations for Chinook and Sockeye harvest will
not be met. As a result, we are not in a position to provide for a Chinook directed
recreational fishery in the Fraser main stem at this time. The Department’s current
thoughts on your proposal are outlined below:
 We understand you are looking to promote this a test fishery using the “Bar
fishing” method but at this time the Department does not have the regulatory tools
to restrict the method of fishing to limit impacts on Sockeye stocks of
concern. Specifically, we do not currently have the ability to limit leader length
and other gear.
 As you note in your letter most of the Fraser Summer 5-2 stocks of concern will
be through the river by early September. However, as outlined in the 2020 Fraser
Chinook management actions consultations this spring, the Department also has
concerns for Harrison Fall 4-1 Chinook which are not expected to meet spawning
requirements. This stock has only met its escapement goal once since 2012 and is
not expected to do so in 2020 based on the pre-season abundance forecast. Failure
to meet this escapement goal has implications on Canada’s obligations under the
Pacific Salmon treaty (PST). In the September time frame, there is a steady
decline in the amount of Summer 4-1 fish in the lower Fraser system, whereas the
Harrison Fall 4-1 fish steadily build in abundance and eventually dominate the
Chinook population in river.
 We also need to consider Fraser that Sockeye returns are shaping up to be the
lowest on record with the in-season run size for the Late Run component
currently at 6100 fish total. The Department needs to consider all potential
impacts on these fish very seriously, including release mortalities.
2
 After conservation and consistent with salmon allocation priorities and the
constitutional right to fish for Food, Social and Ceremonial (FSC) purposes, the
Department is providing First Nations with FSC harvest opportunities for
Chinook. However, First Nation FSC fisheries directed on the more abundant
Summer 4-1 Chinook have also been severely restricted by other Fraser Chinook
stocks of concern as well as the need to minimize Sockeye impacts. As a result,
we do not expect that FSC needs will be met in the Fraser River so recreational
and commercial fisheries are not being planned consistent with allocation
priorities.
 The proposed fishery also overlaps in time and area with the Interior Fraser Coho
window closure period, and would be expected to result in some impacts on this
stock of concern.
Departmental staff will work with the SFAB process to support further discussion of this
type of proposal this fall to allow for a thorough review and consultation before the 2021
season. Please feel free to contact Dean Allan if you would like to discuss this matter
further.
Yours sincerely,
Dean Allan
A/ Area Director, Fraser and Interior Area
Pacific Region
cc:
Greg Hornby, Resource Manager
Jeff Grout, Salmon Resource Manager
Rebecca Reid, Regional Director General
Sarah Murdoch, A/Regional Director General
Terri Bonnet, Area Director, Fraser and Interior