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: October 4, 2024

Subject: Mid and upper Fraser River First Nations salmon harvest for week ending September 29, 2024.

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.

Monitoring

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

Presently, a sample survey program is being conducted by Fisheries and Oceans Canada staff and First Nations monitors along the Fraser River between Sawmill Creek and Kelly Creek. Fishery monitors interview all fishers encountered during vehicle patrols to obtain catch and effort information (CPUE). Limited monitoring programs began June 26th. Due to hiring issues within a number of First Nation communities, the monitoring program has several data gaps. As the chinook monitoring season closes, areas along the Fraser are patrolled less often as programs wrap up.

Barney Creek to French Bar

High Bar First Nation monitors their fisheries using a sample survey, expanded post-season. Monitoring began July 19th; was suspended July 31st because of the Chilcotin landslide; and resumed on August 8th. Monitoring ended last week.

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 of the Chilcotin began mid-July – but was suspended July 31st due to the Chilcotin landslide.

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 took place for the Limited Participation Licence.

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. No monitoring program is currently in place for 2024.

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 July 29th and was unaffected by the Chilcotin landslide.

Middle Shuswap River between Mabel Lake and Shuswap Falls

The Okanagan First Nation monitors their fisheries using a creel survey. A monitoring program is in place and data will be provided post-season.