minister’s MESSAGE Welcome to the 2013-2015 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis. British Columbia is home to some of the most rewarding freshwater recreational fishing opportunities in the world. From catch and release for wild steelhead in coastal rivers to cutting a hole in a frozen lake to harvest kokanee for dinner, B.C. has everything a novice or expert angler could hope for. Aquatic Invasive species continue to pose significant threats to native biodiversity values which support recreational angling in our lakes and streams. Of particular concern are a number of high-risk fish species like snakeheads and so-called ‘hitchhiker’ mussel species that attach to boating equipment. These invasive aquatic species are a serious threat, and once established are difficult to eradicate.
Late last year the Government of B.C. took strong action on this front by amending controlled alien species regulations, with tough fines for those who introduce invasive species into local ecosystems. As a result of the new regulations, no invasive zebra or quagga mussel, alive or dead, can be present on boats or related equipment destined for B.C.’s lakes and waterways. Failure to properly clean mussels off boats or equipment can result in a fine of up to $100,000. Regulatory changes also now prohibit the possession, breeding, release or transportation of high-risk aquatic species such as the snakehead. Releasing a live snakehead into local waters could result in a fine of up to $250,000. These measures reaffirm our commitment to protecting local aquatic ecosystems and resources for the enjoyment of the anglers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
On a lighter note, this year the cover photo for the synopsis was provided by the winner of a photo contest held last fall for this purpose. Congratulations to Rob deLange, whose photo depicts canoe angling on Cowichan Lake. Have a safe, enjoyable, and memorable two years of angling in beautiful British Columbia. Sincerely,
Steve Thomson Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations.
Major Regulation Changes for 2013-2015 Region 1 • Year round closure on Goldstream and Little Qualicum Rivers, including tributaries • Removal of Englishman River fly-fishing only • Amendments to the no fishing areas and times for the Muchalat, Nimpkish, Nitinat, Big Qualicum and Puntledge Rivers • Trout Catch and release for Reginald Lake • Modified dates for bait bans on the lower Stamp and Somass Rivers Region 2 • Daily trout/char quota reduction on Como, Deer, Lafarge, Mill, and Rice Lakes • Regulation simplification on Showh Lake Region 3 • Regulation simplification on Scuitto, Heidi, Heather, Murtle, Clearwater Hourglass Lakes • No fishing area on the north tip of Stump Lake • Bait permitted while angling from the community pier in Salmon Arm • Check the in-season regulation change website for Thompson steelhead seasons Region 4 • Year round angling closures on Irishman Creek and the East Fork of White River • Burbot catch and release only on Dutch Creek and the Columbia River • Removal of the Bridge Creek closure • Moyie Lake Bull Trout catch and release only • Catch and release only for trout/char on the North Fork of the White River
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• Permitted retention of kokanee from the Lower West Arm of Kootenay Lake on Sundays • Lake Koocanusa: bait ban from Sept 15 to June 30, Bull Trout catch and release Nov 1 to March 31 and daily quota of 1 (must be over 75cm) April 1 to Oct 31 • Year round bait ban and Bull Trout daily quota of 1 (must be over 75cm) on the Kootenay River from the reservoir to White River and year round bait ban upstream of White River Region 5 • No Fishing for sturgeon and bait ban in the Fraser River Sept 15 - July 15 • Increase in regional daily quota for Lake Trout from 1 to 3 (only 1 over 50cm and catch and release only from Oct 1 to Nov 30) • Implementation of trophy regulations on Fire and French Lakes • Lake Trout quota of 1 on Sulphourous Lake • Removal of the single hook restriction on Quesnel Lake Region 6 • New regulations for select Skeena Region Classified Waters. Changes include time period extensions when a Classified Waters licence and steelhead stamp are required, shift from Class 2 to Class 1 designation on some rivers, new measures for the management of angling guides and new times and zones when only Canadian residents may angle
• New regulations for retention of trout and Bull Trout/Dolly Varden in streams in the Skeena Region (except for Haida Gwaii): »» Char (Bull Trout/Dolly Varden): catch and release only »» Trout (Cutthroat and Rainbow trout): Daily quota of 1 (none under 30cm) from July 1 to Oct 31 and catch and release only from Nov 1 to June 30 • No fishing Insect Creek from Jan 1 to June 15 Region 7A • Regulation simplification on Lavoie and Everett Lakes • Increased Brook Trout daily quota and removal of the winter closure on Tebbutt Lake • Increased Brook Trout quota on Bow, Camp Butterfly, Kathie, Kinglet and Redstart Lakes • Increased kokanee daily quota on Ness Lake Region 7B - No Changes Region 8 • Increase in regional bass quota from 4 to 8 • Increase in regional Brook Trout daily quota from streams from 5 to 20 • Changes to kokanee fishing regulations on Wood Lake • Kokanee daily quota of 5 on Okanagan Lake • Implementation of trophy regulations on Larry, Loon, and Vinson Lakes • Regulation simplification for Okanagan River • Bass quota amendments for Vaseux Lake