Four coho a day now allowed in the Puntledge and Courtenay Rivers

Bryan Allen

Well-Known Member
Category(s):
RECREATIONAL - Salmon



Fishery Notice - Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Subject: FN1347-Recreational - Salmon - Coho - Region 1 - Puntledge River and Courtenay River - Coho Management Measures - Effective immediately, 2022

As a result of the above-average returns of Courtenay and Puntledge River Coho, below details the in-season changes to the management measures on the Courtenay and Puntledge Rivers.

Puntledge and Courtenay Rivers, downstream from a fishing boundary sign located 75m downstream of the weir at the lower hatchery (excluding the Morrison Creek closure listed below):

Effective immediately until 23:59 hours December 31, 2022, the daily limit for Coho Salmon is four (4) per day (hatchery marked or unmarked).

Fishers are reminded that the Puntledge River, from the weir at the lower hatchery to the fishing boundary signs approximately 75m downstream of the weir - no fishing for salmon year-round.
Morrison Creek closure: between fishing boundary signs located 100m upstream and downstream of the confluence with Morrison Creek - closed to fishing for finfish year round.


Variation Orders: 2022-RFQ-535;


Notes:

Barbless hooks are required when fishing for salmon in tidal and non-tidal waters of British Columbia.

Anglers are further reminded that intentionally (willfully) foul-hooking fish or attempting to foul hook fish is illegal and that non-compliance may result in closure. Foul hook is defined as: hooking a fish in any part of its body other than the mouth.

Information about finfish closed areas and salmon non-retention areas, and other recreational fishing information, can be found on the Internet at:

Recreational fishing limits, openings and closures in British Columbia | Fisheries and Oceans Canada (dfo-mpo.gc.ca)

The term “hatchery marked”, “marked”, or “adipose fin clipped” means a fish that has a healed scar in place of the adipose fin.

Sport anglers are encouraged to participate in the Salmon Sport Head Recovery program by labeling 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 1-866-483-9994 for further information.

Did you witness suspicious fishing activity or a violation? If so, please call the Fisheries and Ocean Canada 24-hour toll free Observe, Record, Report line at 1-800-465-4336 or by email at DFO.ORR-ONS.MPO@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

For the 24 hour recorded opening and closure line, call toll free at
1-866-431-FISH (3474).

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Or contact your local DFO office
http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/contact/regions/pacific-pacifique-eng.html
 
I have not seen a single boat fishing in Comox Harbour (gives access to Puntledge River) this past week. Perhaps they are fishing out past the Bell Bouy?
 
This late in the year, the coho are in the streams or swimming close to the beach with lockjaw. There are feeder springs out past Cape Lazo, but pretty slow. Better chance of coho in the Puntledge right now--BUT few silver fish.
 
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