by AnglersAtlas
An Aug. 10 report from Great River Fishing Adventures, www.greatriverfishing.com:
The salmon fishing is here and in great numbers, seems like the ocean survival rate was good and we now have a fabulous run of sockeye migrating up the Fraser River and its tributaries. This is excellent news for all user groups on the river (First Nations, commercial and recreational) and should be a bounty of economic boost for Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
Along with the sockeye we have seen some of the best numbers in years for chinook migration. In mid-July, when the recreational opening was announced, there was a flurry of more than 75 chinook landed from bar fishing straight across from Island 22 (Queen’s Bar) by our team of guides. This Spin N Glo-style of fishing is really coming back and is a very social way of targeting fish with a fixed rod and reel, either from the boat or on the sand bars. The bar fishing season from here on into December will be very good. I personally urge anyone who has not tried this to see how rewarding it can be both for family fishing.
The sockeye fishery will most likely last until early or mid-September, so there will be many users on the river, and although it seems busy at times, there are still a number of spots to go with little pressure. Please try to remember this is a harvest fishery and these fish are great to eat, so they are very sought after. Once many anglers have their bounty for the day, they're encouraged to make room for others so that the experience can be good for everyone. Enjoy the fish and fishery because it only comes every four years in these great numbers. Most in the world today can only stand back and marvel at what we have here in British Columbia. We have lots to be grateful for and it should not be taken for granted.
Education on the river is something we can all use a little more of at times. A few simple rules will make each day a rewarding one on the river:
* Be considerate to others on the river and watch around you for other user groups fishing. Whether it is First Nations, commercial or recreational fishers, we are all using the same water.
* Ensure you keep a safe distance between your boat and other boats, we like to take our boats off step when approaching or passing by smaller vessels whenever possible. Take note of First Nation fishers that are picking their nets, as they can be very vulnerable to your large wake on the river.
* Give people room on the bars of the river and share information with fellow anglers, please remember, we are all learning each and everyday on the river and helping others and being nice takes no extra effort at all. The experience for everyone will be more rewarding.
* Please pick up you garbage and also take a little extra home with you each and everyday. Travellers come here from all over the world and we should try hard to show them we are proud of our area. We live in one of the most beautiful places on earth; we need to keep it clean.
If you see violators on the river use your resources to make a report – the ORR Line (Observe, Report and Record), is a special phone line set up by Fisheries and Oceans to file reports. Leave your name and number and ask for a call back, give the details to the on duty personnel and ask to have your local fisheries officer call you back. If we want everyone to be accountable then we have to report to the right authority – the number is 1-800-465-4336.