The Government of B.C. is re-opening angling in the classified waters section of the Horsefly River, effective today, due to cooling water temperatures.

The Horsefly River was closed to fishing on July 13 due to warming water temperatures. The closure was supported by the Horsefly River Angling Management Plan, which calls for the river to be closed for conservation when temperatures exceed 18 degrees Celsius.

The closure was originally put in place until Aug. 31, but cooling night time air temperatures have resulted in water temperatures cooling to levels that allow for a sustainable catch-and-release fishery.

Ministry staff have been monitoring water temperatures on a daily basis since the closure was implemented. The average daily water temperature as of Aug. 24, 2015, had fallen to 16 degrees Celsius which is below the identified threshold of 18 degrees Celsius.

The Horsefly River was closed due to high water temperatures three times over the last 10 years (2006, 2009 and 2010).

The Horsefly River is located in Wildlife Management Unit 5-2. Regulations now revert to pre-existing regulations as published in the Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis. Decisions on angling closures are enabled through the British Columbia Sport Fishing Regulations of the federal Fisheries Act.

Learn More:

To see a map of the Horsefly River visit: https://www.flickr.com/gp/bcgovphotos/7TK2WF