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Fraser Sockeye Boom Triggers Tight Fishing Openings

Forecasts were raised to about 9–9.6 million fish from fewer than three million preseason.

B.C. anglers have been standing shoulder to shoulder on stretches of the Fraser River this week, hoping to hook a sockeye salmon during a rare recreational opportunity to catch one of the tastiest and most prized salmon species.
Spawning sockeye salmon are seen making their way up the Adams River in Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park near Chase, B.C. Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2014. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward
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Overview

  • Recreational sockeye openings cover the Fraser from Mission to Alexandra Bridge through Sept. 1 and from Mission to the river mouth through Sept. 2 with a two‑fish daily limit, barbless hooks and no bait, and no fishing for coho, chum or chinook.
  • The Pacific Salmon Commission forecast about 9.1 million returning sockeye and DFO projections climbed to roughly 9.6 million, marking the strongest Fraser return since 2018.
  • Scientists caution the strong run sits within decades of regional salmon declines linked to climate change and habitat pressures, noting that large year‑to‑year swings are common.
  • Some experts point to improved Salish Sea conditions and the removal of salmon farms on migration routes as possible factors behind this year’s abundance.
  • Commercial openings remain tightly constrained, with reports of 235 sockeye allowed per licence in one opening, as First Nations food, social and ceremonial fisheries continue and anglers are urged to avoid gear conflicts.