Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is an Angling Association?
A: The Hammond River Angling Association was founded by a group of anglers and committed conservationists who regularly fished the Hammond River for Atlantic Salmon. These angler's came together in 1977 to form a community based association focused on protecting and enhancing the Hammond River watershed for future generations Hence the term "Angling Association" . Today the Hammond River Angling Association has evolved to a community based watershed management group that includes a broad spectrum of community and watershed stakeholders - including anglers and non-anglers - all sharing a commitment to a healthy and vital watershed.

Q: What does an Angling Association have to do with Conservation? Don’t fishermen want to kill fish?
A: The conservation ethic is at the core of fishing. In the process of developing as an angler, the angler comes to develop a detailed knowledge of the watershed and the species that reside in the watershed - including the fish they catch. The more you know - the more you understand how fragile and special the resource is. Atlantic Salmon are amazing and awe inspiring - once you fish for them, you will never look at them the same. Conservation and environmental protection is key to maintaining a healthy watershed including fish populations for current and future generations. The sad fact is that watersheds are under huge pressure today with inappropriate land use practices, development, and global warming - if the watershed and the species that reside in it are not protected - they will be gone. Anglers understand this and have a deep caring for the future of the watershed and the species that reside within it.

Q: Does HRAA have any programs for school kids?
A: Yes, we do- check out the education pages. We’ll also help individual students gather information for projects or help develop class field trips.

Q: What is a Riparian Zone?
A: The riparian zone is the land along the edge of the stream or river. A section approximately 30 meters wide, this is also called the buffer zone. If there are lots of trees and shrubs, it’s well vegetated and keeps sediment from entering the river. If the banks are bare and eroding, then dirt enters the river, causing harm to fish and other aquatic species.

Q:Is the Hammond River open for salmon angling?
The Hammond River was affected by the general decline in salmon populations that resulted in the close of many system to salmon angling. There is currently no open season for salmon angling on the Hammond River. Seasons are closed for both "bright" salmon, the summer and fall salmon returning to the river to spawn, and the "black" salmon, or kelts that are returning to the sea after spending the winter in the fresh water.Occasionally a trout fisherman will accidentally hook a salmon adult or juvenile. Any salmon caught must be carefully released alive, by law. You can not intentionally target salmon for angling on the Hammond River at any time.

Q:How can I release fish without harming them?
Many anglers are moving to catch and release tactics as a conservation measure, and as a gesture of respect for the species they are angling for. On many river systems, catch and release is mandatory for certain species. To ensure angled fish are released alive, there are several techniques that can be used. IN general, the use of bait is more harmful, since the fish tend to swallow it more deeply, with more risk to the survival of the fish. (And remember, many rivers are scheduled as fly fishing only, remember to check your regulations). The use of a single hook is preferable, and best survival rates are realized if you use a barbless hook. You can easily pinch down the barb of your fly with pliers, if the fly has been tied on a barbed. hook. When landing a trout, the best nets are the fine-mesh knotless variety, and remember to wet the fabric before netting the fish. Once netted, release the hook quickly. If the hook is deeply imbedded, just cut the line as close to the hook as possible, ands release the fish. (The hook will rust away quickly, with minimal harm to the fish.)And, if you must handle the fish, wet your hands first, to prevent removing the protective scales and slime that coat the fish. Minimize the amount of time the fish is out of the water. And, if you need to revive a fish, hold is underwater facing upstream in clean water (you don't need to push it back and forth, just hold it facing upstream in running water).