The Government of B.C. is re-opening angling for most streams on Vancouver Island due to increased rain and cooling water temperatures.

Effective Sept. 11, streams in Wildlife Management Units 1-1 through 1-13 are reopened to angling. The exception is the Cowichan River, in Management Unit 1-4 which will remain closed at this time.

While again open to angling, the Stamp and Somass rivers, located near Port Alberni in Management Unit 1-7 have a modified opening to support salmon conservation and the following areas will remain closed to all fishing:

• That portion of the Stamp River from the Ash River Main Logging Road Bridge near the outlet of Great Central Lake, downstream to the Sumner Creek Stamp River confluence.
• That portion of the Stamp River from boundary signs 200 metres above the Stamp River Falls, downstream approximately 2.5 kilometres, to the Beaver Creek Stamp River confluence.
• That portion of the Somass River from the tidal boundary signs at Paper Mill Dam, upstream approximately one kilometre to boundary signs near the south end of Collins Farm across to the gravel pit.

Streams on southern and western Vancouver Island were previously closed to angling on July 4 protect fish stocks due to low flows and high water temperatures. Streams on northern Vancouver Island followed suit on Aug. 4.

The modified openings work in concert with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, which has announced matching regulations.