Effective Feb. 1, 2018, daily quotas for rainbow and bull trout harvest on the main body of Kootenay Lake will be increased to support long-term kokanee conservation efforts and recovery of the Kootenay Lake fishery.

The daily quota for bull trout will increase from one to two (only one over 50 centimetres), and the quota for trout/char will be raised from four to five, to be consistent with the rest of the waterbodies in the region.

Increasing rainbow and bull-trout harvest is consistent with recommendations in the Kootenay Lake Action Plan to recover Kootenay Lake kokanee stocks. Kokanee are considered “inland salmon”. Gerrard rainbow trout and bull trout rely on kokanee as a food source. Population and diet trends indicate rainbow and bull trout populations are contributing to kokanee mortality rates that are much higher than normal.

Kokanee represent a fishery resource and are an important part of the natural ecosystem. The ministry and its partners will continue efforts to ensure the long-term health of kokanee populations.

Learn More:

Find the Kootenay Lake Action Plan and other Kootenay Lake information here: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/kootenay/fsh/main/mainfish.htm

For more information on freshwater fish and fishing in B.C., visit: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/fish/