trendsetter
Active Member
Yeah, the test seiners have been doing very well for sox and pinks in Area 12/13 these past few days too. I think there will be an opening soon.
Fraser River Sockeye 2013
- Thread starter devers
- Start date
Yeah, the test seiners have been doing very well for sox and pinks in Area 12/13 these past few days too. I think there will be an opening soon.
trendsetter
Active Member
The PSC is meeting right now. There should be an update later today. I doubt it will announce an opening. If there is going to be one it would likely be announced next week if the test fishing picks up.
UkeeDreamin
Well-Known Member
Early Stuarts and Early Summers have both exceeded the p50 forecast returns (thus far), but ... there's been a distinct lack of Summer runs in the test fisheries. Everyone's hoping they're late but I wouldn't hold my breath hoping for a rec opening unless things change dramatically in the next week. Fingers crossed!!
Ukee
Ukee
trendsetter
Active Member
They just posted their meeting minutes, no openings for now.
http://www.psc.org/NewsRel/2013/Announcement09.pdf
http://www.psc.org/NewsRel/2013/Announcement09.pdf
devers
Member
Looks encouraging - here is the latest notice
Fishery Notice
Category(s): ABORIGINAL - General Information
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Gill Net
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Seine
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Troll
RECREATIONAL - Salmon
Subject: FN0701-Salmon - Fraser River Sockeye Update - Areas 11 to 29 - August 02, 2013
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First Nations Food, Social and Ceremonial fisheries are underway in most areas.
Fishers are requested to check for opening times and any restrictions in their
local areas. There are no planned Canadian commercial or recreational fisheries
directed on Fraser sockeye at this time.
An update from the July 29, 2013 Fraser River Panel meeting follows:
The Fraser River Panel met Friday, August 2, 2013 to review assessment data on
Fraser River sockeye salmon and environmental conditions in the Fraser River
watershed. Marine test fishing catches in Johnstone Strait and Juan de Fuca
Strait have continued to be flat while a steady flow of sockeye has continued
into the Fraser River past Mission. The diversion rate of Fraser sockeye
through Johnstone Strait has increased to 65% over the last 5 days. DNA
analysis of samples collected from recent test fisheries in Johnstone Strait
and Juan de Fuca Strait indicate that Summer-run sockeye are now the dominant
Fraser sockeye management group currently migrating through the marine
assessment areas. The migration of sockeye past the Mission hydro acoustic site
has increased over the past week with about 60,000 sockeye estimated to move by
each day.
The marine migration of Early Stuart sockeye is complete and a final in-season
run-size estimate of 182,000 was adopted by the Fraser River Panel. DFO
initiated visual surveys of Early Stuart spawning grounds on July 23, 2013 and
observations to date indicate the fish are in good condition although water
levels are low. Details on DFO's Fraser sockeye escapement enumeration plans
this season are available at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-
gp/fraser/docs/Escapement/sockeye-rouge-eng.html.
Assessments of Early Summer-run sockeye run size are currently exceeding the
p50 or mid-point forecast of 253,000 sockeye, with Pitt River sockeye appearing
to be much larger than forecast. At the meeting on July 29, 2013 the Fraser
Panel approved an increase in the Early Summer run size to 400,000 with a
revised run timing from the pre-season predicted date of July 23 to July 21,
2013. No further decisions on run size and management adjustment were made. The
estimated escapement of Early Summer-run sockeye past Mission through August
1st is 331,500 fish.
Although it is still early in the marine migration of Summer-run sockeye based
on the observed abundance to date the return will need to about 7 days later
than the pre-season predicted timing in order to achieve the p50 run size of
3,718,000. Based on pre-season information, summer-run sockeye (Chilko,
Quesnel, Late Stuart, Stellako, Harrison, Raft, and North Thompson) are
expected to provide most of the fishing opportunities directed at Fraser
sockeye this season. The peak migration of Summer-run sockeye (Chilko) was
forecast to be earlier than average by approximately 5 days. In-season
assessments of Summer-run sockeye abundance will not be available until after
their expected peak migration period through Juan de Fuca Strait in early to
mid-August. The estimated escapement of Summer-run sockeye past Mission through
August 1st is 249,800 fish.
Catches of pink salmon in marine test fisheries continue to be at much higher
levels than usual for this early in the season. DNA samples for this season
indicate that the Fraser comprises approximately 11% of Area 20 Pink salmon
with other South Coast Canadian stocks making up 59% and the remainder of U.S.
origin.
On August 1, 2013, the Fraser River water discharge at Hope was 3,390 cms,
which is approximately 25% lower than average for this date. The temperature of
the Fraser River at Qualark Creek on August 1, 2013 was 19.1 C, which is 1.4 C
higher than average for this date. Sustained exposure of sockeye to Fraser
River water temperatures in this range may slow their migration and cause
elevated levels of pre-spawning mortality. Fraser River water temperatures are
forecast to increase slightly over the next few days. The Fraser Panel manages
fisheries to provide additional Fraser sockeye above the spawning escapement
targets through application of management adjustments. The management
adjustments help ensure that the escapement targets are achieved by off-setting
en-route mortality and other factors that could affect meeting spawning
escapement targets. At the Panel meeting on Friday no changes were made to
Early Summer run size or management adjustment.
The next in-season meeting of the Panel is scheduled to occur on Tuesday,
August 6, 2013.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Les Jantz 250-851-4892
Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0701
Sent August 2, 2013 at 1511
Fishery Notice
Category(s): ABORIGINAL - General Information
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Gill Net
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Seine
COMMERCIAL - Salmon: Troll
RECREATIONAL - Salmon
Subject: FN0701-Salmon - Fraser River Sockeye Update - Areas 11 to 29 - August 02, 2013
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First Nations Food, Social and Ceremonial fisheries are underway in most areas.
Fishers are requested to check for opening times and any restrictions in their
local areas. There are no planned Canadian commercial or recreational fisheries
directed on Fraser sockeye at this time.
An update from the July 29, 2013 Fraser River Panel meeting follows:
The Fraser River Panel met Friday, August 2, 2013 to review assessment data on
Fraser River sockeye salmon and environmental conditions in the Fraser River
watershed. Marine test fishing catches in Johnstone Strait and Juan de Fuca
Strait have continued to be flat while a steady flow of sockeye has continued
into the Fraser River past Mission. The diversion rate of Fraser sockeye
through Johnstone Strait has increased to 65% over the last 5 days. DNA
analysis of samples collected from recent test fisheries in Johnstone Strait
and Juan de Fuca Strait indicate that Summer-run sockeye are now the dominant
Fraser sockeye management group currently migrating through the marine
assessment areas. The migration of sockeye past the Mission hydro acoustic site
has increased over the past week with about 60,000 sockeye estimated to move by
each day.
The marine migration of Early Stuart sockeye is complete and a final in-season
run-size estimate of 182,000 was adopted by the Fraser River Panel. DFO
initiated visual surveys of Early Stuart spawning grounds on July 23, 2013 and
observations to date indicate the fish are in good condition although water
levels are low. Details on DFO's Fraser sockeye escapement enumeration plans
this season are available at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-
gp/fraser/docs/Escapement/sockeye-rouge-eng.html.
Assessments of Early Summer-run sockeye run size are currently exceeding the
p50 or mid-point forecast of 253,000 sockeye, with Pitt River sockeye appearing
to be much larger than forecast. At the meeting on July 29, 2013 the Fraser
Panel approved an increase in the Early Summer run size to 400,000 with a
revised run timing from the pre-season predicted date of July 23 to July 21,
2013. No further decisions on run size and management adjustment were made. The
estimated escapement of Early Summer-run sockeye past Mission through August
1st is 331,500 fish.
Although it is still early in the marine migration of Summer-run sockeye based
on the observed abundance to date the return will need to about 7 days later
than the pre-season predicted timing in order to achieve the p50 run size of
3,718,000. Based on pre-season information, summer-run sockeye (Chilko,
Quesnel, Late Stuart, Stellako, Harrison, Raft, and North Thompson) are
expected to provide most of the fishing opportunities directed at Fraser
sockeye this season. The peak migration of Summer-run sockeye (Chilko) was
forecast to be earlier than average by approximately 5 days. In-season
assessments of Summer-run sockeye abundance will not be available until after
their expected peak migration period through Juan de Fuca Strait in early to
mid-August. The estimated escapement of Summer-run sockeye past Mission through
August 1st is 249,800 fish.
Catches of pink salmon in marine test fisheries continue to be at much higher
levels than usual for this early in the season. DNA samples for this season
indicate that the Fraser comprises approximately 11% of Area 20 Pink salmon
with other South Coast Canadian stocks making up 59% and the remainder of U.S.
origin.
On August 1, 2013, the Fraser River water discharge at Hope was 3,390 cms,
which is approximately 25% lower than average for this date. The temperature of
the Fraser River at Qualark Creek on August 1, 2013 was 19.1 C, which is 1.4 C
higher than average for this date. Sustained exposure of sockeye to Fraser
River water temperatures in this range may slow their migration and cause
elevated levels of pre-spawning mortality. Fraser River water temperatures are
forecast to increase slightly over the next few days. The Fraser Panel manages
fisheries to provide additional Fraser sockeye above the spawning escapement
targets through application of management adjustments. The management
adjustments help ensure that the escapement targets are achieved by off-setting
en-route mortality and other factors that could affect meeting spawning
escapement targets. At the Panel meeting on Friday no changes were made to
Early Summer run size or management adjustment.
The next in-season meeting of the Panel is scheduled to occur on Tuesday,
August 6, 2013.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Les Jantz 250-851-4892
Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0701
Sent August 2, 2013 at 1511
Dogbreath
Well-Known Member
devers
Member
I apologize for not being in touch lately but very busy and now preparing for Meditterean cruise at end on August.
However, get your gear ready and once opening is announced we will set up for a trip.
Don
the fog ducker
Well-Known Member
trying ta figure out where these carcasses came from
was out Sturgy fishin outta the Port Man Ramp yesterday ( Lower Fraser ),
when I was launching the boat , i noticed 30 Sockeye carcasses on the beach ,
all nice size, and the fillets neatly removed , prob 2 -3 days old.... no openings as far as I know ??
thoughts ??
fd
was out Sturgy fishin outta the Port Man Ramp yesterday ( Lower Fraser ),
when I was launching the boat , i noticed 30 Sockeye carcasses on the beach ,
all nice size, and the fillets neatly removed , prob 2 -3 days old.... no openings as far as I know ??
thoughts ??
fd
trendsetter
Active Member
Probably poachers. Most of the native fisherman I have seen take the fish whole / gutted and pack them into large totes. Natives are the only ones allowed to fish in the river for sockeye right now.
the fog ducker
Well-Known Member
seems so risky ?? such a public ramp , agree , doesnt seem like a Native's Style...
BUT , i have a hard time believing that it was from rod and reel , seen zero jumpers , if they were from rod n reel , gonna guess theyd have ta go WAY up river ,ta some bars , are there even any exposed yet ???
all the fish being of abowts the same size , i'd guess gill net ??
really pisses me off though... not sure what id do if i caught them in action...
ANGER>>>>>>>>>>>
fd
BUT , i have a hard time believing that it was from rod and reel , seen zero jumpers , if they were from rod n reel , gonna guess theyd have ta go WAY up river ,ta some bars , are there even any exposed yet ???
all the fish being of abowts the same size , i'd guess gill net ??
really pisses me off though... not sure what id do if i caught them in action...
ANGER>>>>>>>>>>>
fd
Sr SQ
Well-Known Member
Agreed that was no rod and reel catch...........not really a FN mo but nothing they do surprises me.
UkeeDreamin
Well-Known Member
Not great news from yesterday's Fraser Sockeye meeting:
"Marine test fishing catches in Johnstone Strait and Juan de Fuca
Strait have increased over the most recent time period although they continue
to be well below levels expected based on the pre-season forecast return and
timing information."
"Current assessment information suggests that the abundance of Summer-run
sockeye is either lower than forecast or the migration timing is much later
than forecast. At this time the return of Summer-run sockeye would need to be 9
days later than predicted in order to achieve the mid-point of the preseason
run size forecast of 3,718,000."
"There are no planned Canadian commercial or recreational fisheries
directed on Fraser sockeye at this time."
All early indications were for run timing to be approx 5-days early but, based on test fishing to date, Summer runs will have to be 9-days late (i.e. levels being seen now just the early first wave rather than the bulk of the run) in order for the run to approach the 50% forecast level. So, if the run isn't late and if there aren't a bunch of Summer Run's still to be seen, chances of a rec fishery are very slim.
Ukee
"Marine test fishing catches in Johnstone Strait and Juan de Fuca
Strait have increased over the most recent time period although they continue
to be well below levels expected based on the pre-season forecast return and
timing information."
"Current assessment information suggests that the abundance of Summer-run
sockeye is either lower than forecast or the migration timing is much later
than forecast. At this time the return of Summer-run sockeye would need to be 9
days later than predicted in order to achieve the mid-point of the preseason
run size forecast of 3,718,000."
"There are no planned Canadian commercial or recreational fisheries
directed on Fraser sockeye at this time."
All early indications were for run timing to be approx 5-days early but, based on test fishing to date, Summer runs will have to be 9-days late (i.e. levels being seen now just the early first wave rather than the bulk of the run) in order for the run to approach the 50% forecast level. So, if the run isn't late and if there aren't a bunch of Summer Run's still to be seen, chances of a rec fishery are very slim.
Ukee
Captain PartyMarty
Crew Member
Are the natives allowed to fish for sockeye and sell there catch to public? Just curious as I have seen a few signs in the langely area offering fresh Sockeye for sale and I know of a native guy taking orders for fish.
Big Green Machine
Well-Known Member
They are allowed to fish for Sockeye, but selling depends, it varies from band to band. In PA they pretty much have the courts backing to do whatever they want with the fish.
http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/....html?id=125d5a4e-bca4-4f6e-82db-52ae37bd27ac
Last edited by a moderator:
UkeeDreamin
Well-Known Member
Was on the river for a short 3-hour trip in the Chilliwack area last Saturday. River is very low for this time of year (25% lower than the long-term average) so every bar is showing and fishable. Bar fished with no love but not surprising given the Albion had been showing next to nothing for chinook the week before. Guide with 5 clients down from me had them bottom bouncing even though the Sox closure, to each there own, and they did catch a few sockeye and there were sockeye jumpers from time to time. Guide set a light bar rig just to the edge of the real current with a small spin-n-glow and a loonie size piece of row and got two beauty chinook jacks in the 18-20" range while I was there. Group of 4 above me bar fishing also got no hits.
Albion's been catching chinook in the teens for several days in a row now, which usually equates to pretty good rec chinook fishing, particularly with the river lower and thus fish more concentrated. Strong chinook runs still to come so should only get better.
Ukee
Albion's been catching chinook in the teens for several days in a row now, which usually equates to pretty good rec chinook fishing, particularly with the river lower and thus fish more concentrated. Strong chinook runs still to come so should only get better.
Ukee
trendsetter
Active Member
The PSC downgraded the summer run sockeye estimate to 2,000,000 which is too low to support any kind of opening. Also, the river is low and temperatures are high which increases mortality of the sockeye that do make it up river. So, I think it's done for this year. Which is fine, if the stocks are that low everyone should just leave them be and hopefully they can recover.
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