The sockeye are coming. But how many is still to be determined and a recent spell of hot weather could jeopardize the migration.
On Friday the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) said this year's forecast could still fall within the wide range of 7.3 and 72.5 million fish. Pre-season estimates pegged the return at about 23 million.
As of Thursday 848,000 fish are estimated to have passed by Mission.
The 2014 run is supposed to be exceptionally large in the four-year cycle of sockeye. In 2010 about 30 million salmon returned.
On Sunday recreational sockeye fishing was opened on the shores of Richmond, with DFO permitting four fish per day, until further notice.
Today, non-tidal portions of the Fraser River were opened to recreational anglers, who are permitted to catch two per day, until further notice.
First Nations fishermen are already allowed to fish for cultural purposes.
It's to be determined when the commercial fishery will open on tidal portions of the Fraser as well as at the river's mouth but DFO and the Fraser River Panel will meet again on Friday.
Water temperatures are a concern for the fishery. As of Tuesday the river's temperature at Hope was 19.8 degrees Celsius, 2.2 degrees above average. It's expected to climb to close to 21 degrees Celsius by the end of the week. Compounding this is the fact the river's discharge is 16 per cent below average.
Such extreme temperatures could increase mortality rates on route to spawning grounds.
Catch rates are set at about 65 per cent of estimates. DFO says weather patterns will determine management adjustments.
Recreational anglers are not allowed to use barbed hooks and fish with marks on their fins are hatchery fish and should be released back in the river.
DFO says it will be patrolling the river in areas known for non-compliance.
