Gone Fishing... and Then It Got Ugly

On Labor Day, the banks of the Fraser River came alive as eager anglers gathered for the final day of a rare recreational sockeye fishery. With lines in the water and hopes high, the crowds in Chilliwack buzzed with excitement, sharing plans about how to cook, freeze, or distribute their fresh catch.

From Joy to Chaos: The Shocking Brawl

But just a day earlier, that festive spirit turned dark when a violent brawl erupted among several men, leaving one individual bloodied and battered. The shocking scene was caught on video and quickly went viral on social media, casting a shadow over the joyous fishing event.

Anglers React: No Place for Violence in Nature

Local anglers voiced their outrage over the chaotic scene, expressing concerns that such behavior jeopardizes the future of the fishery. Nathan Connor, one of the anglers, remarked, "People need to respect the environment they’re in. There's no tolerance for that. It’s only going to ruin future openings."

Aaron van Beest added, "Seeing that online made me question whether I should even come down today. It was a huge turn-off. Fishing is about enjoyment, not violence. That’s simply not what the fishery represents—it’s not sportsmanship."

A Rare Opportunity at Risk

The last time the Fraser River opened for recreational sockeye fishing was back in 2022, when an outstanding return of up to 10 million sockeye prompted Fisheries and Oceans Canada to allow the special opening. The incident, however, raises critical questions about the sustainability of such events if respect for the fishing community and its regulations cannot be upheld.