Fishery Notice

In-season estimates of return-to-the-mouth ("terminal") abundance for Fraser River Chum Salmon are based on historical information on the probable range of run size, timing, expansion line, and duration, combined with the current year's Albion test fishery catch information. In 2026 the Chum-directed test fishing gill net (6.75" mesh) is fished every other day from September 9 to October 15, then daily through November 13. More details of the Albion test fishery can be found on the DFO website: http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/fraser/index-eng.html 

Catch in the Chum net through October 11 totaled 2,176 Chum salmon. Combining this data with the historical information on return size and timing in a Bayesian non-linear regression model resulted in an expected terminal Fraser River Chum Salmon return of 1,231,000 Chum (median estimate), with a 50% migration date of October 15. The return is expected to be between 864,000 and 1,762,000 (80% probability), and there is a 94% chance the run size will meet the escapement goal of 800,000.

The current run size estimate indicates that 2026 Fraser River Chum salmon abundance is sufficient to achieve conservation objectives and First Nation Food, Social and Ceremonial fishery allocations. In addition, opportunities for recreational and commercial fisheries (including First Nations Economic Opportunities) are also anticipated. Additional information on specific fishing opportunities will be provided via separate fishery notices.

A reminder that opportunities to harvest Chum salmon for commercial, recreational, and First Nations Food, Social, and Ceremonial purposes in the Fraser River mainstem will be constrained by management objectives for Interior Fraser Steelhead, a population of conservation concern which co-migrate with Chum Salmon in the Fraser River. Moving window closures are in place for salmon fisheries located along the migratory route of Thompson and Chilcotin River Steelhead, including Southern BC marine waters and the Fraser River and tributaries downstream of Thompson and Chilcotin River Steelhead spawning areas. Further information on management measures are outlined in the 2026/2027 Integrated Fisheries Management Plan for Southern British Columbia Pacific Salmon. 

A final in-season update will be provided on October 22, 2026. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Contact the nearest Fisheries and Oceans Canada office or visit our website at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca.

Fisheries & Oceans Operations Center - FN1119
Sent October 15, 2026 at 0933

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Visit Fisheries and Oceans Canada on the Web at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
Printed from the Pacific Region web site on November 8, 2026 at 2103