Angling enthusiasts in the Thompson-Okanagan now have increased access to prime lake fishing thanks to the installation of new docks at two popular lakes in the region.

The two new docks, made possible under the Province's Small Lake Urban Enhancement Program, provide enhanced access to fishing for kids and seniors and those who do not own a boat. Both docks are on lakes that provide great fishing opportunities relatively close to urban centres.

One dock is on the north side of Yellow Lake, between Keremeos and Penticton, in an area used as a rest-stop along Highway 3A. Yellow Lake is a year-round fishing destination used heavily by anglers in the summer and winter seasons. The lake is stocked annually with 15,000 rainbow trout, 10,000 eastern brook trout and 5,000 kokanee by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC. Anglers will also find yellow perch.

The second dock, on the southwest side of Edith Lake, is approximately 18 kilometres south of Kamloops. Edith Lake also provides year-round fishing and is stocked annually with 5,500 rainbow trout and 4,500 eastern brook trout by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC.

Both projects were supported by funding from the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC. Each dock installation cost approximately $20,000. The Province provided in-kind contributions, primarily logistical support to both projects.

Volunteers also participated and provided support. At Yellow Lake, the Penticton Flyfishers Club, and at Edith Lake, the Kamloops Fish & Game Club, assisted with dock installation and have both agreed to take care of any future maintenance of each dock.

The Small Lake Urban Enhancement Program is a collaborative program co-ordinated by the Province that works with the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC and local fish and wildlife clubs to increase fishing opportunities at small urban lakes throughout the province.

Quotes:

Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson -

"British Columbia provides residents and visitors with access to some of the best recreation opportunities in the world. The new docks will help ensure anyone who wants to try out their fishing skills on these popular lakes - young or old; skilled or novice - can do just that."

Boundary-Similkameen MLA Linda Larson -

"The Okanagan is abundant with lakes frequented by local families and anglers. These new docks provide safe and accessible areas for youth, seniors and other anglers to enjoy the prime fishing available in this region."

Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone -

"People come from all around the region to fish at Edith Lake. The addition of a dock will increase the opportunities for anglers to have a positive fishing experience."

Brian Springinotic, CEO, Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation -

"Projects that improve accessibility to sportfishing boost angler participation and increase support for fisheries conservation in B.C. The Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation is pleased to have funded the placement of these docks to improve family fishing at both Edith and Yellow lakes."

Ian McGregor, vice-president, sportsfishing, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC -

"We were delighted to contribute our expertise and financial support to these projects. Yellow Lake and Edith Lake are just the latest in a series of docks we've helped install on stocked lakes - all designed to make fishing more accessible for anglers of every age and skill level."

Learn More:

For a photo of the new Yellow Lake dock visit: http://flic.kr/p/fgU6X1

For a photo of kids already enjoying the Edith Lake dock visit: http://flic.kr/p/fgU6PC

Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation: http://www.hctf.ca/

Visit the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC online at: www.gofishbc.com or www.discoverfishingbc.ca for more information about fishing opportunities in B.C.

For information on fishing licences, visit: www.fishing.gov.bc.ca

Media Contacts:

Vivian Thomas
A/Communications Director
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-2475

Shannon West
Communications and Program Officer
Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation
250 940-9789

Ian McGregor
Vice-President
Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC
250 819-6770