As of August 1, recreational salmon fishing is officially open in Babine Lake and Babine River, lasting until September 15, according to Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Anglers are permitted to catch a daily limit of one sockeye per person.

However, several areas within Babine Lake are off-limits to fishing. These include Morrison Creek, Six Mile Creek, Pierre Creek, Pendleton Creek, Hazelwood Creek, Twain Creek, Tachek Creek, Five Mile Creek, Four Mile Creek, Sockeye Creek, Big Loon Creek, and Tsezakwa Creek. Additionally, fishing is restricted east of a line from Gullwing Creek to the south shore of Babine Lake.

On Babine River, the Lake Babine Nation has temporarily closed the fisheries fence to food fish or harvest due to low water levels and high temperatures, which are impacting the salmon.

Current water temperatures range from 18 to 20 degrees Celsius, and levels are around 0.30 metres. Lake Babine Nation said it is considering bringing in salmon from Prince Rupert for distribution to its members and encouraging traditional net fishing methods.

The Chief, council, and interim fisheries director of Lake Babine Nation have decided that the Babine River fence will not be used for any commercial or food, social, and ceremonial (FSC) harvest until further notice, the July 30 statement said.

鈥淥ur salmon cannot hold in waters at 18 degrees celsius without stress and risk or mortality,鈥� the statement read. 

The estimated number of fish for this year is 2 million. "So there is not a lack of fish just water concerns at the fence."

The DFO and LBN fisheries have also established rules for recreational fishing closures downstream of the fence under similar conditions.

Anglers are encouraged to net traditionally elsewhere and report any deformed fish by keeping them on ice and returning them to fence staff or the interim Fisheries Director.