The Province has temporarily shut down fishing on Nicola River, Coldwater River and Spius Creek, to help protect steelhead and other trout from health risks associated with rising water temperatures.

The closure will remain in effect until further notice. It mirrors a federal steelhead closure on the same rivers.

When stream temperatures rise above 20 C, the mortality rate of catch-and-release trout increases.

Quick Fact:

• Under the federal Fisheries Act, the Province is responsible for non-salmon freshwater fisheries, including sea-run steelhead, cutthroat and Dolly Varden.