Mid and upper Fraser River First Nations salmon harvest report

Memorandum

To: Distribution

From:

• Cynthia Breau for:
• Patricia House
• Fisheries Management Biologist
• BC Interior

Security classification: Unclassified

Our file:

Your file:

Date: September 8, 2026

Subject: Mid and upper Fraser River First Nations salmon harvest for week ending August 30, 2026.

A pre-recorded message of the Mid and Upper Fraser River First Nations fishing times is available Toll-Free at 1-877-256-4854.

Current Open Times and Harvest Reports may be viewed Accessibly online at: https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/fraser/abor-autoc-eng.html#midupfraser.

Monitoring

Sawmill Creek to Kelly Creek (including the Thompson River downstream of the Bonaparte River)

For week 35, limited monitoring was conducted by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Resource Management staff along the Fraser River and Thompson River for Sockeye and Chinook fisheries in the Mid-Fraser and Thompson River area. Helicopter overflights were flown three times. Kanaka Bar and Nicomen communities monitored their respective territories. Spuzzum, and Boston Bar communities began returning after evacuations were rescinded; but as yet no monitoring programs have begun in these areas. Data gaps are expected for the 2026 season.

Barney Creek to French Bar

High Bar First Nation monitors their fisheries using a sample survey, which is expanded post-season. Monitoring which began July 17th for the 2026 season, as of July 24th (wk 29), was put on hold due to an active wildfire in the area. High Bar Indian Band began their monitoring program after the evacuation of Clinton, and area accessing their fishing sites, was lifted.

Deadman Creek to Marguerite Ferry/Chilko and Chilcotin Rivers

Esketemc First Nation, Northern Shuswap Tribal Council (NSTC), Tsilhqot’in National Government (TNG), all monitor their own fisheries using an interview census survey. Incomplete catch interviews are expanded post-season. Lhtako Dene and Nazko also conduct interview census surveys but with no expansion as yet. Monitoring programs began in mid-July however some communities are under evacuation due to wildfires in the area.

Naver Creek to Salmon River/Nechako River downstream of Isle Pierre/Bowron River

Lheidli T’enneh Indian Band monitors their fisheries using an interview census survey. Monitoring began mid-July.

Nechako River upstream of Isle Pierre/Stuart River System

Carrier Sekani Tribal Council, Nak’azdli First Nation and Tl’azt’en Nation each monitor their own fisheries using interview census surveys. Monitoring began early-August.

Thompson River upstream of the Bonaparte River (including the Middle Shuswap River)

The Secwepemc Fisheries Commission monitors their fisheries using an interview census survey. Monitoring began mid-July.

Middle Shuswap River between Mabel Lake and Shuswap Falls

The Okanagan First Nation monitors their fisheries using a creel survey and reports their harvest at the end of the season. Monitoring began early-August.