Salmon rivers open to catch and release only starting this weekend

All scheduled and non-scheduled salmon rivers in Newfoundland will be open for catch and release only starting this weekend, says the Department of Fisheries and Oceans.

DFO issued the release Friday afternoon, saying the decision was prompted by "significant declines in salmon returns."

The change will come into effect one hour after sunset on Sunday, Aug. 6.

Rivers that are currently closed due to environmental conditions will remain closed to all angling, until conditions approve, DFO said in its release.

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The department is directing people to itswebsite, or the angling line at 709-772-4423, for more information.

Trout angling regulations remain the same.