The Fraser River is still closed to salmon but the Chinook run continues to build with the test fishery showing a very nice increase over the last three days. The sockeye are showing up and there was a first nation net fishery on the river yesterday. The run is primarily the early Stuart run which as of this weekend an estimated 50,000 plus have migrated past mission. Some early summer run sockeye were in with them and that added another 5,000 plus fish. In the past years the early Stuart run did not have numbers big enough to allow a sport fishery in tidal or non-tidal waters so at present with a run size estimate of close to 190,000 fish the fishery is likely limited to the native food and ceremonial catch. River temperatures will be the primary issue as this hot weather has already pushed the river water temperature to over 17 C. The ocean test fisheries are underway and the current forecast is that the Chilko run will peak around August 15. So no clear indication on run size estimate yet or as to when a Fraser Sockeye salt or fresh water fishery will be available.
The Skeena River will be going from a 2 sockeye per day limit to a 4 sockeye per day limit as that run continues to strengthen.
So still staying optimistic the main summer run sockeye will show up. Tight lines and book a trip!