Salmon fishing in a section of Osoyoos Lake will open for anglers for a period of 10 days.
Fishing will be allowed in the portion of Osoyoos Lake north of the bridge at Highway 3 (north basin) and anglers are allowed to retain two sockeye salmon per day. Fishing regulations will remain open until one hour after sunset on Aug. 13.
“A review of in season information on sockeye abundance, harvest and environmental conditions in Osoyoos Lake will be conducted on Aug. 13, 2018 to determine duration of the fishery,” said a news release from the Town of Osoyoos.
On July 27, department staff met with the Okanagan Nation Alliance and Mid Fraser Thompson Okanagan Sport Fish Advisory Committee to discuss fishery planning for Okanagan Sockeye.
Related: Free family fishing activities throughout the Thompson Okanagan
The aggregate daily limit for all species of Pacific Salmon (other than kokanee) from tidal and non-tidal waters combined is four. Fishing for salmon is permitted during daylight hours only.
In addition, it was announced that there is no fishing allowed for anadromous salmon in Skaha Lake. Kokanee and sockeye are present in Skaha Lake, which vary in size, but it is recommended to release Oncorhynchus nerka over 50 centimetres.
Single barbless hooks are required when fishing for salmon in non-tidal waters of British Columbia. The groups are also encouraging sport anglers to participate in the Salmon Sport Head Recovery program by labelling and submitting heads from adipose fin-clipped Chinook and Coho salmon. Recovery of coded-wire tags provides critical information for coast-wide stock assessment. Contact the Salmon Sport Head Recovery Program toll free at (866) 483-9994 for further information.
a Non-Tidal Angling Licence is required when fishing for salmon in non-tidal (fresh) waters. The licence is issued by the Province of British Columbia. Licences are available to B.C. residents and non-residents. Fees may vary and are listed at www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/fish/licences.
Anyone who witnesses suspicious fishing activity or a violation can call the Fisheries and Ocean Canada 24-hour toll free Observe, Record, Report line at 1-800-465-4336 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).
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