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Kootneay Region Angling Regulations Proposed Changes for 2011 - What do you think?

Submitted by beckie on Fri, 07/16/2010 - 13:20

What do you think ? Email me at beckie@elkriver.ca and give me your opinions on the following chages!

The following summarizes changes to angling regulations currently under consideration for the Kootenay Region...meaning the Elk Valley...meaning Fernie...meaning the WIGWAM! Listen up!

Changes affecting:

Lodgepole Creek below the Falls - Class 2 Water 

Wigwam River - Class 2 Water

Changes: Taking off Fly Fishing only from the above rivers...making the Lodgepole and Wigwa

Rationale: Fly fishing and artificial fly restrictions originally intended as conservation measures are no longer necessary or effective, due to a suite of other tackle and harvest restrictions, improved fish populations, and improved fly fishing technology. By rescinding these regulations will not prevent fly angling as an opportunity or artificial flies as legal tackle, but will add new opportunities for other anglers and angling methods to reduce regulation complexity.

"Fly Fishing" only regulations in the Kootenays began in 1981 - 1982....29 years ago! 

The Wigwam River is known for it's migratory endangered Bull Trout and got it's fly fishing only designation in 1984 - 1985 and the Lodgpole followed shortly after in 2000 - 2001

The original intent of "fly fishing only" regulations on the Kootenay stream fisheres was to create a unique angling opportunity primarily for wild westslope - cutthroat trout, and contribute to conservation goals.


Do you think the Wigwam and Lodgpole should stay Fly Fishing only?

I would love to hear your feedback.

If you have strong feelings about these regulations changes, I strongly urge you to be a voice submit your feedback to the BC governemnt in the Ministry of Environment - Fish and Wildlife Branch.

These changes are proposed for the 2011 season, but we only have until August. 11 to get our feedback to the government.

In my personal opinion.......Sometimes the ones making the decisions for the Elk Valley are all the way over on the other side of BC on Vancouver Island and don't necessarily know what is best for the longevity of the local fishery.......

Commentary: 
How can you make a difference? Comments will be accepted electronically via email to fishing.surveys@gov.bc.ca Convential mail to the Nelson Office at Ministry of Environment - Fish and Wildlife Branch 401 - 333 Victoria Street, Nelson, BC V1L 4K3 or via Fax to the Nelson office at 250 - 423 - 6332       OH Ya ! The ELK is on Fire and we are catching some of the biggest cutties we have seen in a while on some of the most popular floats.  These fish are fat!!!!!!!  Come by the shop....... we will help you catch some of these HOGS.