Recreational salmon fishery opening on Osoyoos Lake

A plentiful run of sockeye salmon on the Okanagan River has opened up a recreational sockeye salmon fishery on Osoyoos Lake this year.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans made the announcement following discussions on July 20 with members of the Okanagan Nation Alliance and the Mid Fraser Thompson Okanagan Sport Fishery Advisory Committee.

The recreational fishery in Osoyoos Lake is for the portion of the lake north of the bridge on Highway 3, beginning July 31.

At least 80,000 salmon must make their way past Wells dam on the Columbia River before a recreational fishery on Osoyoos Lake can be considered.

Salmon fishing is allowed during daylight hours to a maximum of two fish per day.

A review of the fishery will be conducted on Aug. 12 to determine the duration of the fishery.

Fishing for salmon in Skaha Lake is not allowed, and single barbless hooks are required for salmon fishing in non-tidal waters of the province.

Anglers will also need a non-tidal angling license.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad or call 250-488-3065 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to tips@infonews.ca and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.