By Lee Mac
It has been a little tough out on the coast for the past week. We saw some great fishing late last week but it seems that fishing has slowed a little. There are still fish being caught but it has definitely been a grind to get them. Out of Prince Rupert, we have seen some good fishing around Dundas Island but it has been hit and miss south of there. We should see some more fish coming south over the next week and fishing should pick back up.
Rivers in our area (Bulkley, Morice, Kispiox) open on June 16 (unless DFO has other plans...). Rivers are high but dropping for the most part. Most creeks are coming in clean now so that should help the rivers clean up.
The Skeena is still high and dirty but it too is coming down. Fishing should be possible in one to two weeks unless we get more rain. The Kitimat is fishable. A few spring have been caught in the Kitimat.
Rainbow Alley is still fishing good! "Babine River" opens on June 16 (again check the regs for any last minute changes). Dry fly fishing in the "Babine" for rainbows should be decent in a little while!
Effective immediately recreational salmon fishing in the entire Skeena River Watershed will be closed to July 14, 2017. Variation Order #2017-299 This closure is being implemented to facilitate First Nations harvesting of Skeena salmon due to predicted low returns of Skeena River sockeye salmon in 2017. Recreational, commercial, and First Nations food, social and ceremonial (FSC) harvesting of sockeye salmon will be closed for the 2017 season, unless there is an in-season indication of increased Skeena sockeye abundance. Recreational harvesting opportunities for Skeena coho, pink and chinook salmon will re-open on July 15. Please refer to the on-line BC Sport Fishing Guide and future Fishery Notices for details on confirmed opening dates, times and other restrictions. http://bcsportfishguide.ca Notes: Did you witness suspicious fishing activity or a violation? If so, please call the Fisheries and Ocean Canada 24-hour toll free Observe, Record, Report line at (800) 465-4336 or the British Columbia's toll-free RAPP line (Report All Poachers and Polluters) at 1-877-952-RAPP (7277). For the 24 hour recorded opening and closure line, call toll free at 1-(866)431-FISH (3474). FOR MORE INFORMATION: Fishing information, contact: John Webb Recreational Fisheries Manager Fisheries & Oceans Canada 417 - 2nd Ave West, Prince Rupert, BC, V8J 1G8 250 627-3409 John.Webb@dfo-mpo.gc.ca Media inquiries, contact: Lara Sloan Communications Officer Fisheries & Oceans Canada (250) 363-3749 Lara.Sloan@dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN0547
Sent June 15, 2017 at 1524