Chinook Salmon Retention Starts July 15, 2020
Whacking Day is upon us. July 15, 2020 will be the first day this summer that anglers are allowed to keep Chinook salmon in the bulk of Areas 13, 14 and 15.
From July 15 until August 31, 2020, the limit is one Chinook per day with a maximum size of 80cm. The minimum size limit also applies, so Chinook have to be between 62 cm and 80cm in order to keep them.
From September 1 to December 31, 2020, the limit will be two Chinook per day, with no maximum size limit.
You might remember that in 2019 the DFO imposed the 80 cm maximum for only a two week period; this year’s 80cm size limit will run considerably longer.
No Maximum Size Area
Within an area starting at Orange Point and about halfway across Discovery Passage down to the end of the Hidden Harbour breakwater, there is no maximum size limit for Chinook salmon from July 15 to August 31, 2020.
HOWEVER, there are restrictions as to the type of gear that may be used:
- only a single, barbless hook;
- no natural bait;
- you can’t attach more than a 6 oz weight to your fishing line or downrigger line; and
- you can’t fish with an attracting device (i.e., a flasher) unless it’s affixed directly to the hook.
The latest DFO Fishery Notices on the subject are FN0673 and FN0674. Here’s a link to a pdf document describing Area 13 management measures, including the coordinates of the gear restriction zone.
Coho Salmon Retention
Anglers will continue to be able to keep two marked (hatchery) coho per day, so long as they’re bigger than 30 cm.
More Boat Traffic
July 15th will see a comparatively large number of boats on the water. Boat launches and marinas will be busy. The Chinook salmon fishing has been very good of late, and we’re expecting that to continue.
Time to dig out my giant foam cowboy hat and airhorn.
