August 15, 2025, Stó:lō First Nations Territory, Lower Fraser River, BC – As limited salmon fisheries open in the province and, potentially on the Lower Fraser River, First Nations, alongside recreational and commercial fishing groups, are encouraging all fishers to engage in respectful practices.
After conservation, Lower Fraser First Nations have priority to fish for food, social and ceremonial (FSC) purposes, sharing the FSC harvest among 30 communities. First Nation fishers may be using set (stationary) and drifted gill nets, weirs and fish wheels for the FSC harvest.
“We are lucky to get to enjoy a year of abundant returns. If anglers observe First Nations drifting through, give them some space before you resume fishing. Let’s respect each other, give each other space, and enjoy this moment in time.”
Jesse Zeman, Executive Director, B.C. Wildlife Federation
Recreational and commercial fishing groups are advocating for openings on the Lower Fraser River and tributaries to give everyone time on the river to practise their heritage and fill their freezers.
First Nations are encouraged to notify anglers they may encounter in their fishing areas this summer. This cooperative approach between First Nations and recreational fishers is illustrated in the River Manners video produced by Stó:lō First Nations and recreational fishing groups to help minimize conflicts and avoid entangled gear.
“Recreational anglers are urged to remain aware of their surroundings on the Fraser River and tributaries, be respectful and openly communicate while other user groups are sharing the river spaces. Be nimble and adjust where needed to create a positive experience for all and enjoy time on our beautiful rivers.”
Lower Fraser Collaborative Table Recreational Fishing Representatives
Dean Werk, Chair, Upper Fraser Valley-Sport Fishing Advisory Committee
Rodney Clapton, President, BC Federation of Drift Fishers
“While commercial fishers have not been allowed any openings to harvest salmon for the past 7 years in the Lower Fraser Collaborative Table’s (LFCT) focus area from the Fraser River mouth to Yale, BC, we actively engage in the LFCT and advocate for responsible sharing in the harvest of the salmon resource.”
Mike Forrest and Darrel McEachern, Area E Harvest Committee
For More Information
The Lower Fraser Collaborative Table (LFCT), which includes First Nations, recreational, and commercial fishing groups, emphasizes cooperation and clear communication to ensure a respectful fishing experience. The initiative aims to support sustainable fisheries while considering the health of ecosystems in the region.
Participating Organizations
First Nations
Lower Fraser Fisheries Alliance (LFFA)
The Lower Fraser Fisheries Alliance is an Indigenous technical organization that works to advance the collective fisheries interests of Lower Fraser First Nations. LFFA is made up of 24 signatory Nations from the mouth of the Fraser River to the Fraser Canyon, as well as six non-signatory member Nations.
Commercial Fishery
– Area E Harvest Committee (CSAB – Lower Fraser)
Recreational Fishery Groups
– BC Federation of Drift Fishers (BCFDF)
– BC Wildlife Federation (BCWF)
– Fraser River Sport Fishing Alliance (FRSA)
– Fraser Valley Salmon Society (VFSS)
– Sport Fishing Institute of BC (SFI)
– Sport Fishing Advisory Board (SFAB)
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