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Pink salmon back in big numbers

Retention of two fish now possible on Puntledge and Courtenay rivers

Although it's only the first few days of September, it's looking like a good start to fall for fisherman in the Comox Valley.

Bryce Gillard, field supervisor for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, said due to high returns of pink salmon, DFO has opened retention of two pinks in the Puntledge and Courtenay rivers.

"Earlier in the week, the Puntledge hatchery staff identified high returns of close to 30,000 pinks," he noted.

The opening for pink salmon began Aug. 31 for fish over 30 cm, and will continue until Dec. 31.

Gillard said there could be a variety of factors which contribute to the high return.

"We've maintained a high standard. We make sure we don't over-harvest and (the pinks) have had a high survival rate in the wild."

In addition to the pinks, a chum retention fishery is anticipated for Oct. 1 until Nov. 20. The daily limit of chum salmon is planned at two in the same rivers.

There is no retention of chinook or coho.

Anglers are reminded the areas on the Puntledge River which are closed to salmon fishing are from the weir at the lower hatchery to fishing boundary signs approximately 75 m downstream of the weir and between fishing boundary signs located 100 m upstream and downstream of the confluence with Morrison Creek.

For more information, contact the DFO office at 250-339-2031.

 



Erin Haluschak

About the Author: Erin Haluschak

Erin Haluschak is a journalist with the Comox Valley Record since 2008. She is also the editor of Trio Magazine...
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