While many of the province’s waterways are seeing extremely low sockeye salmon numbers this season, the ALLCO Fish Hatchery in Maple Ridge is setting sockeye records.
On Aug. 28, the hatchery caught a total of 14 sockeyes in their trap, which watershed projects manager Marissa Waddell said was the most the hatchery had ever caught in a single day.
“It was unbelievable and unprecedented, but so encouraging to see,” said Waddell. “I’m excited to see what the rest of the season brings.”
READ ALSO: Sockeye Salmon begin their return to Maple Ridge
With that record-setting catch, the total number of sockeye returning to the Alouette River has now reached 26 this season.
However, Alouette River Management Society communications manager Sophie Sparrow explained that the sockeye numbers in the South Alouette River are still concerning.
Sparrow also reminded anglers that fishing for sockeye salmon in the Alouette River is illegal and all sockeye caught by accident must be immediately returned to the water.
READ ALSO: Sockeye illegally poached found by Maple Ridge elementary school
Although the busiest times for sockeye returning are now over, there will still be a few more additions in late September and into October.
