To assist spawning salmon, the Province has released a pulse of water from storage into the Nicola River.

The increased flows come from storage held for conservation purposes at the dam on Nicola Lake, and will help salmon that currently are congregating at the mouth of the Nicola River (where it meets the Thompson) and are unable to continue their journey due to insufficient water.

The pulse release has already started, and local residents should notice increased flows from Nicola Lake to Spences Bridge for approximately the next two weeks. Water users are strongly cautioned that this does not represent a permanent increase in flows on the Nicola, and drought restrictions remain in place. Drawing extra water at this time will significantly jeopardize the value of the pulse.

On July 21, 2015, the Nicola region’s drought status was increased to Level 4 (extremely dry) which is the maximum drought rating possible. Angling in the Nicola River was also closed at this time. For more information, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/stories/water-conservation-urged-and-fishing-closures-implemented-in-the-nicola