Wednesday, January 23, 2013 The Valley Echo
www.invermerevalleyecho.com A11
Fishing Derby 2013 Meet the Burbot (lota lota) - A Winter Fish LAKE WINDERMERE AMBASSADORS Special to The Valley Echo
Burbot (also referred to as ling cod) were historically an ecologically important top predator in Lake Windermere and were important for First Nations peoples. More recently, burbot have significantly decreased in Lake Windermere and the Kootenay region of southeast BC. As a result of these declines, they are considered a species of regional concern in the Columbia River watershed. Protection of this species’ habitat in Lake Windermere is therefore important. Scientists found juvenile burbot in Lake Windermere in 2002. When scientists looked for the fish again in 2007 they didn’t find any. If their population levels become too low, it might not even be possible to recover this species through interventions such as fish stocking. What do they look like? Burbot look a little funny to anglers who are used to the size and shape of trout and salmon. Burbot are long and skinny with a long chin-whisker, making them look a bit like a cross between a catfish and an eel. They have small fins relative to their body size, which means they are adapted to living near lake
and stream bottoms and aren’t strong swimmers. They have brown mottles (spots) on their skin. Can I catch them? Because their numbers are so low, Lake Windermere’s fishing regulations specify that you can fish for burbot as catch-and-release only. Would I want to catch them? Burbot are desirable as a food source for many people around the world. In Finland, its eggs are served as caviar. For First Nations peoples in the East Kootenay region, the burbot has both historical and cultural importance. Many tribes fished for burbot throughout the Kootenays and used them as a dietary staple in winter. In the early 1900s, many settling families in Windermere depended on catch-
Rent a shack and join the derby REEL AXE ADVENTURES Special to The Valley Echo
ing burbot to make it through the winter as well. Ice fishing for burbot served as a social activity on Lake Windermere in winter from the 1900s to 1970s. Burbot Fun Fact Studies of newly hatched burbot in Columbia Lake identify that the baby fish remain sedentary on the rocks for at least 5 days after hatching, at which point they start a unique behaviour of spiraling up towards the surface and sinking to the bottom. This “wriggling” continues for about a week, after which they start swimming further afield and begin feeding. If you see a burbot during the fishing derby, please let the Lake Windermere Ambassadors know by emailing info@lakeambassadors.ca or call 250341-6898.
Good luck
to all participants in the Kinsmen Fishing Derby! District of invermere
Well, it’s that time of year again. The lake is frozen and everyone is recovering from the annual lake bonspiel, and ready for a long day of ice fishing. The annual fishing derby is always a huge success in the valley with everyone trying their best to fight the cold weather and hopefully fight a big sucker for the top prize. Luckily this year all you have to worry about is fighting the fish. Let Reel Axe Adventures worry about the cold. This year we are offering ice shack rentals to keep you warm while you jig your hooks and sip your hot chocolate. Each shack includes heat, with rods and tackle also available. Our cozy shacks seat up to six people, or if you are like me, five people and a dog. If you don’t get a chance to make it
914 - 8 Avenue • Box 339 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Tel: 250.342.9281 • Fax: 250.342.2934 info@invermere.net www.invermere.net
Guided fishing Charters & tours
Kris Deren
Angling Guide
250-688-5626
reelaxeadventures@gmail.com www.reelaxeadventures.com into the derby — not to worry. Our shacks are available all winter long until the lake turns back to water. When that happens, it doesn’t mean you can’t count on us to keep you comfortable while you fish. We also offer many fishing excursions while the weather is nice. Relax on our 21 inch pontoon fishing boat as you pull chunky bass out of the weeds or the top of the water. We also have a fleet of
river boats and can take you on an overnight or a two-night scenic trip down the Columbia River. Let us take care of everything as you relax and fish for big thick char and see a side of the valley most have never seen. Of course all meals and gear (camping and fishing) are included in the adventure. So good luck to everyone this weekend. Have fun and stay warm. Reel Axe Adventures