Retaining too many salmon or using barbed hooks were just two of many infractions the fish cops found even prior to the sockeye frenzy that started Friday (Aug. 22) on the Lower Fraser.
In the week before the much-ballyhooed sockeye opening, the Conservation Officer Service was patrolling from dawn to dusk to counter poaching and other illegal salmon fishing with an enforcement blitz.
"The COS received numerous RAPP reports about salmon fishing on the Fraser River this week, prior to the season opening," reported the COS on their socials on Aug. 22.
Most were from the Chilliwack area of Rosedale, COS said, where Peg Leg bar in particular is hugely popular among anglers.
Rosedale saw the most reports to the RAPP line, along with Abbotsford, and 黑马磁力, where officers hit the fishing areas in the run-up to the opening.
"As a result, COs increased their presence in the area, patrolling in the early morning hours before sunrise, and well into the night after dark."
COs typically issue tickets and fines or warnings for various infractions.
This round of enforcement they found sport fishers who were: "fishing during a closed time, over possession, barbed hooks, angling without licences, lack of conservation surcharge stamps, multiple lines and multiple hooks," according to the report.
The sockeye opening for example runs from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset each day until Sept. 1.
Retention is two sockeye per day in non-tidal waters, or four pinks, with a total of four salmon permitted. There is no fishing for chinook, coho, or chum salmon, and no fishing with bait.
By the end of the week, officers out in the field were reporting "no compliance issues" with anglers.
"The Conservation Officer Service (COS) would like to thank the public for reporting their concerns. Notifying COs directly via the RAPP line is the best way for us to serve communities in a timely manner."
To report fisheries and wildlife violations call the RAPP line 1-877-952-7277.
