Recreational fishing for salmon in Campbell River is off the table until further notice.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans made the move on the weekend, to conserve returning salmon stocks.

The Campbell River area is experiencing low flows which are likely to decrease further, and are impacting salmon migration and access to spawning areas, as well as increasing pre-spawn mortality.

The Quinsam hatchery is struggling to obtain Chinook stock because of the persisting conditions and it is unclear if egg-take targets will be achieved.

In an effort to conserve salmon stocks returning to the Campbell River a decision has been made to take a precautionary in-season approach to recreational fisheries.

Specifically, salmon fishing is prohibited downstream of the confluence with the Quinsam River.