The Cheakamus River, Mamquam River and the Squamish River downstream of the confluence with the Cheakamus River were closed to all angling following the August 5, 2005 chemical spill. This spill had a major effect on those species that were present in the system on August 5. Coho and chum currently returning to these systems were not affected by this spill.

Effective October 1, 2005 until December 31, 2005

In the mainstem of the Squamish River downstream of the boundary signs at the powerline crossing located approximately one mile upstream of the Cheakamus River; in that portion of the Cheakamus River downstream of the Bailey Bridge (known as the BC Hydro Bridge) located approximately 2 km north of where the Squamish Valley road crosses the Cheakamus River; and in that portion of the Mamquam River downstream of the BC Rail Bridge to the confluence with the Squamish River, you may retain:

- two (2) Chinook per day, none over 55 cm; and
- two (2) chum per day.

Effective October 1, 2005 until December 31, 2005

In the mainstem of the Squamish River downstream of the boundary signs at the powerline crossing located approximately one mile upstream of the Cheakamus River; in the Cheakamus River downstream of the lower waterfall located approximately 1.5 km upstream of the suspension bridge at Misty Lane; and in the Mamquam River, you may retain:

- one (1) hatchery coho per day.

Anglers are reminded that a hatchery Coho means a Coho salmon that has a healed scar in place of the adipose fin.

The Cheakamus River upstream of the lower waterfall located approximately 1.5 km upstream of the suspension bridge at Misty Lane to the dam at Daisy Lake will remain closed to angling until further notice. This is consistent with Provincial freshwater regulations, and is intended to protect resident trout and char until post-spill assessment is completed.

Further actions required to address stocks that were harmed by the chemical spill will be consulted on with the local sport fishing community. These actions might include measures to protect the 2007 pink and coho returns, the 2008 chinook return, 2008 steelhead return, and resident trout and char.

The BC Ministry of Environment is concerned about by-catch of the remaining trout and char in the river. Anglers are asked to act responsibly and avoid by- catch until the status of these species is determined. Consult the regulations regularly for changes, as new information becomes available.

Anglers are reminded that the use of bait is not permitted on the Squamish River and tributaries and that single, barbless hooks are required when fishing for salmon and when angling in all streams of Region 2.

For more information regarding salmon fisheries please contact the Squamish DFO office at 604-892-3230, or call our salmon information line at 604-666-2828. For information regarding the management of steelhead, trout and char please consult the Provincial website at http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/fw/fish/regulations/in-season.html.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is very concerned about illegal fishing activity and asks for assistance from the general public in reporting activities of this nature or any contravention of the Fisheries Act and Regulations. Anyone with information can call the 24-hour, toll-free Observe, Record, Report line at 1- 800-465-4336

Fisheries and Oceans Canada Operations Center - FN0771
Sent September 30, 2005 at 14:55
Visit us on the Web at http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca