I was going to head up to the Fraser to go sockeye fishing with my buddy this weekend but looks like that trip is cancelled. They are closing the river above the Vedder to all sock fishing starting this Thursday. They had just closed sock fishing for the river below the Vedder just today, so effectively all sock fishing in the region is closed.
Perfect timing... I had gotten all my tackle for this trip and was psyched for it since I missed the Lake Washington sock fishery.


http://www-ops2.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/xnet/c...ID=recreational


Effective 00:01 Thursday August 19, the retention of sockeye is prohibited in
the following waters:

- Fraser River from the confluence with the Sumas/Vedder River upstream to
Alexandra Bridge, and

- Harrison River

With the implementation of this action, sockeye retention is prohibited
throughout Region 2.

These waters remain open to chinook retention during daylight hours only - see
FN0241 for details.

Variation Order No. 2004-402

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
For recorded sockeye regulations: 604-666-8266, press 3.
Ann-Marie Huang 604-666-7824

I flossed up at Hope over the weekend. I managed to get my limit but it took hours what used to take minutes.

In my opinion this fishery has made a major negative turn around last couple of years! The saltwater commercial net and in-river natvie gillnetting, I believe has really changed the face of this fishery for the worse. Then the B.C. government doubles the sports licensing fees for a non-resident seasonal salmon license to about $91 U.S.

If it wasn't for the scenery of the beautiful Fraser Valley, it would be hard for me to justify going up there.

BD

I also had plans and reservations that will have to be cancelled. I was there two weeks ago and got nothing presumably because of commercial efforts. Then I heard a report that the commercial fishery was closing after a million fish harvest. Everyone (including me) thought the fishery would improve but now they closed it instead. Maybe things are not so bad here in the US

I've been checking out the BC fishing boards and it looks like this is the weakest year in the 4 year cycle. Last year, the locals were talking about getting their limits in minutes and having to get another freezer for their 24 socks kept. This year, it looks like its hit or miss.

Next year is supposed to be a strong year with a good Horsefly sock run which are the 10+ pounder hogs.

I also was up last week for 3 days, Fished my A$$ off hard for three fish, not sure whats going on, But I would assume all the nets have finally caught up with them,

I used to be amazed at how many nets would be in the water and you would still catch socks and a king once in awhile, I agree it is awful spendy to get up there and fish but it's so peaceful and the people are down right freindly!

but after two days of hardly any fish peoples attitude started to adjust to the crabby side, I then felt more like I was fishing on home turf, hopefully it was just a bad run and will be back to normal next year.

Bud.