I think I can provide a clarification on this subject.
Changes have occurred in Quebec this year. Rather than allowing large salmon to be retained from the moment the fishing season begins, people must now wait till mid-season for a count of the river salmon to be done. The results of the count determine whether retention of the fish will be permitted for the second part of the season.
In 2016, the Matapedia River did not achieve its targets, so it was not possible to permit retention of large salmon.