A surge in sockeye in the Fraser River that has not been witnessed in decades is smashing pre-season predictions.

Forecasts called for 2.3 million salmon this season; however, the run is now estimated to be more than 6.3 million and still climbing.

Results posted on Thursday included the highest number recorded in a single day (26,101) at the upper Johnstone Strait test fishery, known as Blinkhorn, for this cycle-year of sockeye.

“This doesn’t necessarily mean we’re going to see double-digit millions returning,” Karen Wristen, executive director of Living Oceans, said in a statement.

“At present, DFO (the Department of Fisheries and Oceans) is forecasting just over six million. That’s still the best return on this cycle of sockeye in 20 years.”

Commercial harvesters and Indigenous com

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