PurchasingHow to Use Licences the Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis

When fishing in B.C., you must follow:

1. PROVINCIAL REGULATIONS AND LICENSING REQUIREMENTS Peace Find these general regulations on pages 5-10 7B

2. REGIONAL REGULATIONS Find these regulations at the beginning of Skeena each Regional chapter. 6 Omineca Fort REGION 1: 12 7A St. John

REGION 2: Lower Mainland 20 Smithers

REGION 3: Thompson-Nicola 27 Prince George REGION 4: Kootenay 34 REGION 5: Cariboo 42 REGION 6: Skeena 49 Cariboo 5 REGION 7A: Omineca 58 Williams Lake 3 REGION 7B: Peace 63 Thompson-Nicola 2 4 REGION 8: Okanagan 67 Lower Kamloops Kootenay Mainland Vancouver 1 8 Cranbrook Island Okanagan Surrey Penticton Nelson 3. WATER-SPECIFIC REGULATIONS Nanaimo There may or may not be special regulations which apply to a specific lake or stream. Here’s how to find out: Look in the Water-Specific Tables in the 4. IN-SEASON REGULATION CHANGES Receive Notifications of Regulation region where the lake or stream is located. In-season regulation changes may have been Changes adopted after this synopsis was published. A. If the lake or stream you plan to fishdoes To receive notifications about in- not appear in the Water-Specific Tables, no These will be: season regulation changes as well special regulations are in effect. Therefore, as other important notices about • posted on the Ministry of Forests, Lands, you must only follow: fishing in B.C., visit www.gov.bc.ca/ Natural Resource Operations and Rural FishingRegulations and subscribe to • The Provincial Regulations AND Development/Fish and Aquatic Habitat the page (s) you are interested in. The Branch website, www.gov.bc.ca/ • The Regional Regulations for the Region. RSS feed will no longer be used. FishingRegulations. B. If the lake or stream you plan to fishdoes - will be listed under "Regional Synopsis Angling, Hunting, and Trapping appear in the regional Water-Specific Tables, Information and In-Season Changes” Public Engagement you must follow: - click on the appropriate Region, any in- The public can review and provide season changes will be listed in the table feedback on proposed changes to • The Provincial Regulations, for that particular region. fish or wildlife related policies or • The Regional Regulations for the Region, regulations through the provincial and/or YOU AND THE LAW Angling, Hunting and Trapping Public Engagement Website, online at apps. • The Water-Specific Regulations. The Freshwater Fishing nrs.gov.bc.ca/ahte/. Regulations on Tributaries: If the  symbol Regulations Synopsis is for general is listed next to a lake or stream listed in the information purposes only. Where there is a Water-Specific Tables, then those regulations discrepancy between this Synopsis and the also apply to any tributary streams that flow Regulations, the Regulations are the final into that lake or stream (see page 4). authority. Regulations are subject to change, such as in-season regulation changes described above, and it is the responsibility Questions? Contact any of the of an individual to be informed of the current following, listed on the first page regulations. of each Regional chapter: • Provincial Fish and Wildlife Regional Office Looking for a definition? See page 80 • Conservation Officer Service • Fisheries and Oceans Canada

2021-2023 BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis 1 Regulation Changes for 2021-2023

PROVINCIAL • Region-wide – Amendment to the REGION 7A - OMINECA regional daily quota regulation of 15 (any • When an officer requests to see an • Beaverly Creek, John’s Lake, Mackenzie angling licence electronic licences are size) to 15 (no more than five over 30 cm). Lake East, Manson River, Pinkerton acceptable, however paper licences Lake, and War Lake – Removal of water are required when retaining hatchery • St. Mary Lake – Reduction of cutthroat specific angling regulations; reverts to steelhead, chinook, trout daily quota from five to zero. regional regulations. char or rainbow trout, or Kootenay • Kootenay Lake, Upper West Arm – Allow Lake rainbow trout. • Carp Lake - Rescind no fishing from the retention of kokanee on April 1 to marker buoys to the mouth of the April 3 and July 1 to July 2. REGION 1 - VANCOUVER ISLAND McLeod River, Apr 1 to June 30 regulation. • Big Qualicum River – Reduced area of REGION 5 - CARIBOO the August 15 to October 15 angling • Williston Reservoir - Rescind Kokanee • Boar, Donnely, and Paddy Lakes – Trout closure in the vicinity of the E&N trestle. daily quota of 4 regulation, reverts to Quota = 5, none less than 50 cm. regional regulations. • Gordon River, Heber River, Nahmint • Fire and French Lakes – Removal of River – Extended the No Fishing time water specific angling regulations, period from December 1 to April 30 to REGION 7B - PEACE reverts to regional regulations. November 1 to April 30. • Region-wide, including • Blue, and Dorsey Lakes – Implement • Rogers Creek – No Fishing from and the – Increased daily trout/daily quota of 1 (none under 50 December 1 to April 30. quota for kokanee from four to ten. cm), single barbless hook, no ice fishing regulations. • Moberly River – Arctic grayling quota of REGION 2 - LOWER MAINLAND 0 downstream of Moberly Lake. • Faulkner, Nolan, Whale – Implement • Ashlu Creek, Cheakamus, Elaho, trout/daily quota of 1 (none under 50 • Peace River – Arctic grayling quota of Mamquam, and Squamish Rivers – cm), single barbless hook, bait ban, no 0 from the Hwy 29 bridge to the Site C Removal of the “release all steelhead” ice fishing regulations. construction site. regulation. Regional hatchery steelhead quota applies. • Dewar Lake – Implement trout release, REGION 8 - OKANAGAN no ice fishing, single barbless hook, and • Chehalis River – Increase daily quota for bait ban regulations. • Spukunne, Leonard, Kentucky SE hatchery steelhead from one to two. • Edmund Lake – Implement daily trout Pothole, Haggkvist, Garrison, Fly Fish • Chapman Creek – No Fishing May 1 to quota of 2. #1 and #2 Lakes – Removal of water June 30. specific regulations, reverts to regional • Simon Lake – Implement no ice fishing • Rainy River – No Fishing from May 1 to regulations. regulation. June 30. • Christina Lake – Removal of the • Green Lake – Implement no fishing • Chilliwack/Vedder Rivers: barbless hook regulation; barbed regulation northeast of a line between • Revised No Fishing boundaries and hooks are now permitted on Christina boundary signs posted on opposite closure times in the areas of Slesse Lake. shores of the bay at the mouth of Watch Creek, the Tamihi Rapids bridge, Creek, March 1 to May 31. • Garnet Lake – No fishing year round. and the Vedder Crossing bridge. • Kalamalka Lake – Increase of daily • Increase daily quota for hatchery REGION 6 - SKEENA quota for kokanee from two to five. steelhead from one to two. • All Streams – No Fishing for steelhead • Nathan Creek – No Fishing downstream from May 15 to June 15, with the exception • Tuc-el-nuit, Gallagher, Wood, Arlington of 272nd Street (Jackman Road) from of the mainstem portions of the Skeena, 1, 2, and 3, Kalamalka, and Little Pinaus April 1 to June 30. Nass, Iskut, Stikine, and Taku Rivers. Lakes – Perch daily quota of 20, and daily quota of 8 bass on Tuc-el-nuit • Salmon River – No Fishing downstream • Kitimat River: and Gallagher Lakes. of the 232nd Street bridge (Livingstone • No Fishing in any tributary, or any Road) from April 1 to June 30. waters upstream of the Hwy 37 • Crooked, Deer, Island, Dee, Alaric bridge, March 15 to May 31. Lakes – Removal of No Ice Fishing REGION 3 - THOMPSON • Year-round bait ban. regulation. • Stump Lake – Removal of the January • Hatchery rainbow trout daily quota 1 to May 31 No Fishing closure on the of 5. north end of the lake. • Hatchery steelhead daily quota of 2. • Windy Lake – Re-opened to angling. • Tahltan River - No fishing year-round REGION 4 - KOOTENAY from boundary signs located approximately 400 m upstream from the • Burton Creek/Caribou Creek – Tahltan River bridge on the Telegraph Simplification of water specific closures. Creek Road to the landslide located • Pend d’Oreille River – Increased daily approximately 750 m upstream from the quota of walleye from zero to unlimited. Tahltan River bridge.

2 2021-2023 BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis How to Read the Regional Water-Specific Tables

The Regulations listed in the Water-Specific Tables are EXCEPTIONS or ADDITIONS to the Regional Regulations. What follows is an explanation of the information in each column of the tables:

1 2 3

WATER BODY | MGMT UNIT EXCEPTIONS TO THE REGIONAL REGULATIONS ALICE LAKE  2-7 No powered boats Bull trout (char) release ALOUETTE LAKE 2-8 No vessels in swimming areas, as buoyed and signed; speed restriction (8 km/h) at S. end of lake, S. of a line drawn from the BC Parks boat ramp to signs on the E. side of the lake

1 Water-Specific Regulations year round or seasonally. During the period • No angling from boats: you may use This column lists waters with restrictions not when bait is banned it is banned for all a boat or other floating device for covered by the Regional Regulations. angling and for all species. transportation in these waters but you may not angle from that boat. A square symbol ( ) means the regulation Single Hook: it is prohibited to angle with • No angling from powered boats: you are applies to tributary streams as well. a hook with more than one point on waters not allowed to angle from a boat equipped that are subject to a single hook regulation. A fish symbol ( ) means the lake is stocked. with a motor on these waters. Single hook regulations may be in place Not all stocked lakes are listed in the Water- • No powered boats: boat motors of all year round or seasonally. Where single hook Specific Regulations Tables. For a complete types (internal combustion, steam and regulations are in place on a water body it list of stocked lakes in B.C. go to https:// electric) are prohibited on these waters. applies to angling for all species. Often single www.gofishbc.com/Where-to-Fish.aspx • Electric motors only: you may use only hook regulations are combined with barbless battery-powered electric motors. All other hook regulations and termed “single barbless A (CW) symbol means that this is a Classified types of motors (internal combustion, hook”. Water; see page 7. steam) are prohibited on these waters. In 2 Management Unit (M.U.) Barbless Hook: it is prohibited to use a hook addition, wind or human propelled craft This column lists one or more Management with a barb on waters subject to a barbless may be used. Unit’s only as a reference to help you locate hook regulation. Barbless hook regulations • Engine power regulations: boat motors your target lake or stream and to distinguish may be in place year round or seasonally. cannot exceed the engine power (given waters in a region with the same name. Not Where barbless hook regulations are in place in kilowatts) listed in the “Exceptions” all applicable M.U.’s may be listed. Consult on a water body it applies to angling for all column. the B.C. Recreational Atlas or Regional maps species. Often barbless hook regulations are • Speed regulations: boats equipped with for Management Unit boundaries. combined with single hook regulations and motors cannot exceed the speed limit termed “single barbless hook”. listed in the “Exceptions” column. 3 Exceptions to the Regional Regulations • No towing: do not tow a person on water Catch and Release: You may fish for the Dates: regulations may apply for all or part skis, a surf board or other water toy. of the year. named species, but you must release any When no date is listed, the • No vessels: boats and rafts of all types are that you catch. You must return your fish to regulations apply all year. Start and end prohibited. the water as quickly and carefully as possible dates are inclusive. Please note: most boating regulations are (see “Proper Fish Handling”, page 75). ✪ Youth/Disabled Accompanied Waters the responsibility of Government of Canada, Tributaries: when all regulations cited apply Authorized Angler: A person that is under Marine Transportation. They are published to both the named body of water and its 16 years of age or a disabled resident. here as a courtesy to anglers but, due to tributaries, a square ( ) is placed in the first space limitations, may not be complete. column. When only some regulations apply to Companion: A person who accompanies For more information: the tributaries then a square is placed after and attends an authorized angler. A the relevant regulation cited in this column. person must not angle in a Youth/Disabled Marine Transportation Accompanied Water unless the person is Office of Boating Safety No fishing for:you may not deliberately fish an authorized angler or a companion to an 700-800 Burrard St for the species named even if your intention authorized angler. An authorized angler can Vancouver BC V6Z 2J8 is to release any fish that you may catch. If be accompanied by up to two companion or call 604-666-2681 you accidentally catch a fish of the species anglers. named, you must release it as quickly and All anglers of any age must comply with all carefully as possible (see “Proper Fish Boating Regulations regulations set out in this Synopsis as well Handling”, page 75). Boating regulations are adopted for either as any in-season changes as made public by fisheries management or public safety Bait Ban: the use of natural bait (see the Ministry. The regulations described in this reasons. The various regulations include: definition of bait on page8 ) is prohibited in Synopsis do not apply to tidal waters. waters with a bait ban. Bait may be banned

4 2021-2023 BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis Buying a Licence

Licence Fees

All annual licences are valid for the current licence year, April 1st to March 31st, commencing on the date purchased. Licences are not transferrable. Taxes not included in fees listed below.

LICENCE TYPE RESIDENT* NON-RESIDENT* NON-RESIDENT ALIEN* Basic Licences Annual Angling Licence $36 $55 $80 One Day Angling Licence $10 $20 $20 Eight Day Angling Licence $20 $36 $50 Annual Licence for Disabled $1 55 $80 Annual Licence for Age 65 Plus $5** $55 $80 Conservation Surcharge Stamps (see page 7) Steelhead $25 $60 $60 Non-Tidal Salmon $15 $30 $30 Kootenay Lake Rainbow Trout $10 $20 $20 Shuswap Lake Rainbow Trout $10 $20 $20 Shuswap Lake Char $10 $20 $20 White Sturgeon Conservation Licences (see page 7) Annual $25 $60 $60 One Day $8 $15 $15 Eight Day $15 $30 $30 Classified Waters Licences (see page 7) Classified Waters Licence (annual) $15 ☐ ☐ Class I Waters Licence ☐ $ 40/day $ 40/day Class II Waters Licence ☐ $ 20/day $ 20/day

* See definitions of “Resident”, “Non-resident” and “Non-resident Alien” on page 80. Members of the Canadian armed services and students returning to B.C. may be eligible to purchase licences at the Resident rate. For more information, contact a Service BC Centre. ** BC resident anglers aged 65 and over have the option to purchase an annual basic licence at the reduced rate of $5.00 or at the full BC resident rate of $36.00. 100% of license sales revenue goes to the Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C. and the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation; purchasing your licence at full cost supports these organizations and can help with the conservation of the provinces freshwater fish resources and improve future angling opportunities. There is no difference in the angling opportunities available for the full price and reduced rate licences. ☐ Not available. See “Classified Waters Licences”, page 7. NOTES: You may buy as many One Day and Eight Day Licences (covering 8 consecutive days) as you need, but only ONE Annual Licence. Most licence fees include a conservation surcharge administered by the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation.

2021-2023 BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis 5 Buying a Licence

Proof of Identity and Authorization Indigenous Fishing in Non-tidal Waters licence vendors, go to www.gov.bc.ca/ When fishing, you must produce your angling First Nations have established aboriginal FishingRegulations. licence and photo ID, on the request of an rights to harvest fish from non-tidal waters for Lost licences officer.Electronic licences are acceptable food, social and ceremonial purposes in their You must be in possession of a valid licence however paper licences are required when traditional areas, and that treaty First Nations prior to resuming fishing. retaining hatchery steelhead, chinook, have treaty rights in relation to harvesting • Do not buy a new licence. You are only Shuswap Lake char or rainbow trout, or fish in non-tidal waters. Such uses of fish permitted one annual angling licence per Kootenay Lake rainbow trout. from non-tidal waters must be sustainable, year. If you are 16 years of age or older: and harvesting methods must not jeopardize • If you lose the licence that you purchased • You must have a valid basic licence safety or the use and enjoyment of property. on-line, you can: to sport fish for any species of fish in Any fishing from non-tidal waters for sale or - Reprint it from the Internet, non-tidal waters (including salmon) - see barter, in whole or in part, is not legal, except - Get a Service BC Centre to reprint it definition of “fish” on page 80. as authorized by regulation or where there is a demonstrated aboriginal or treaty right for you, or • You must purchase appropriate to do so. - Get a licence vendor to reprint a copy supplementary licences and stamps. Under the Wildlife Act “Indian” means a (there may be a fee). • You must carry your licence while sport person who is defined as an Indian under the • Your retention record (see below) must be fishing and, if asked, produce it for Indian Act (Canada). transferred to the new copy. inspection by a Conservation Officer, If you are an Indian and a resident of B.C. you Conservation Surcharges Fishery Officer, RCMP constable, Park are not required to obtain any type of fishing Your basic angling licence can be validated Ranger in a park, or an Officer under the licence or stamp to sport fish in non-tidal with up to five annual Conservation Wildlife Act. waters. Surcharge Stamps described in detail below, • Basic and supplementary licences and Indians who are residents of B.C. and plus a White Sturgeon Conservation Licence. stamps are not valid in National Parks. wish to fish in non-tidal waters outside their traditionally used areas must do so The stamps are valid for the licence year If you are under 16 and a resident of B.C.: in accordance with the Freshwater Fishing (April 1 to March 31). • You may sport fish without any licence or Regulations. If a copy of your basic licence is reprinted, all stamp (but must abide by the regulations). If an individual is in doubt regarding your retention records must be transferred to • You do not need to be accompanied by a traditional fishing in a non-tidal water, they the new copy. licence holder. should be in contact with the appropriate First Nations officials and the regional Steelhead • You are entitled to your own quota of fish. Fisheries Program staff to discuss specific Your basic licence must be validated with situations. a Conservation Surcharge Stamp if you fish If you are under 16 and not a resident for steelhead anywhere in B.C. (whether you Métis: of B.C.: keep or release your catch). In addition, a • You do not require any licence or stamp to A reminder that all Métis individuals Steelhead Stamp is mandatory when fishing sport fish, but you must be accompanied intending to sport fish in non-tidal waters on most Classified Waters during certain by a person 16 years or older who holds are required, under the Wildlife Act, to hold specified periods, even when fishing for the appropriate licences and stamps. appropriate angling licences and stamps, and species other than steelhead. Refer to the comply with all angling regulations. • Any fish you keep must be counted as regional tables for dates and exceptions. part of the catch and possession of your Purchasing a Licence This stamp is available with all annual and accompanying licence holder. Non-Tidal Angling Licences are available short-term basic licences. The steelhead online. The Non-Tidal (Freshwater) Fishing stamp is valid for a licence year. You must • If you want to catch and keep your own E-Licensing system allows anglers to register immediately record your retention of quota of fish, you must buy a licence and to obtain an Angler Number and purchase hatchery steelhead on your basic angling any necessary supplementary licences and their basic Non-Tidal Angling Licence, licence. Please retain your basic licence stamps. Classified Waters Licences, White Sturgeon for the entire licence year as you may be Conservation Licences and Conservation If you are a resident of B.C. and disabled: requested to complete an annual steelhead Surcharge Stamps, at any time. You may qualify for a fee reduction on your survey. basic licence. To get an application form Where To Buy A Licence NOTE: The annual province-wide quota for contact any Service BC Centre or write to: To purchase your non-tidal angling licence hatchery steelhead is 10. All wild steelhead on-line or for further information, please go Fish and Aquatic Habitat Branch must be released. See definition of "hatchery to www.gov.bc.ca/FishingRegulations. PO Box 9363 STN PROV GOVT trout" and "wild trout" on page 80. Victoria BC V8W 9M2 Anglers may also obtain electronic licences Non-Tidal Salmon from their local Service BC Centre or any NOTE: Refunds will not be issued for licences Your basic licence must be validated with licence vendor who may offer this service. already purchased at the full price. a Conservation Surcharge Stamp to keep a For a listing of Service BC Centres and

6 2021-2023 BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis salmon of any legal size or species (other gov/sports-recreation-arts-and-culture/ may purchase as many Classified Waters than kokanee) from non-tidal waters. A stamp outdoor-recreation/fishing-and-hunting/ Licences as they wish, each licence may not is not required if you release all salmon freshwater-fishing/ws_guidelines.pdf exceed 8 consecutive days. caught. You must immediately record your Please note that this is the only white EXCEPTION: Non-Resident Aliens (whether retention of adult chinook salmon on your sturgeon fishery in the province’s non-tidal GUIDED or NON-GUIDED) may only purchase basic angling licence. waters. one Classified Waters Licence for the Dean For definition of adult chinook see page 77. Classified Waters Licences River per licence year. The classified waters of B.C. are highly For regulations related to angling for salmon NOTE: Non-guided Non-Resident Aliens productive trout streams. These streams are in B.C. visit the Fisheries and Oceans Canada wishing to fish the Class I - Main Section of classified as eitherClass I or Class II and website at https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/ the Dean River should refer to pages 43 and are listed in the Water-Specific Tables for index-eng.htm 45 for details. each Region. The Classified Waters Licensing Kootenay Lake Rainbow Trout System was created to protect the unique Is Your Angling Guide Licenced? Your basic licence must be validated with fishing opportunities provided by these Anglers who use the services of an a Conservation Surcharge Stamp to keep waters, which contribute significantly to the unlicenced angling guide risk being rainbow trout over 50 cm from the main body province’s reputation as a world-class fishing convicted of an offence. of Kootenay Lake. You must immediately destination. Anglers securing the services of an Angling record your retention on your basic angling All anglers required to buy a basic angling Guide can be certain that person is licensed by: licence. licence must also purchase a Classified • Asking to see their current Angling Guide No Conservation Surcharge Stamp is required Waters Licence before fishing on a stream Licence (or Assistant Angling Guide if you release all Kootenay Lake rainbow during the period when it is classified. Licence); OR trout over 50 cm. This licence is required in addition to the • Confirming their status by contacting Shuswap Lake Char basic angling licence and any other stamps FrontCounter BC (FCBC) at one of the Your basic licence must be validated with a required by regulation. Also note that a following: Conservation Surcharge Stamp to keep char Steelhead Conservation Surcharge Stamp - By Phone: Toll free at 1-877-855- over 60 cm caught in Shuswap Lake. You is required at all times when fishing for 3222, from outside North America must immediately record your retention on steelhead, or when fishing classified waters ++1-778-372-0729 your basic angling licence. during the period when steelhead are known - By Email: [email protected] to be present. The specific times when a No Conservation Surcharge Stamp is Steelhead Stamp is mandatory are listed in Family Fishing Weekend required if you release all Shuswap Lake char the Water-Specific Tables for each Region. An annual celebration of fishing that over 60 cm. coincides with Father’s Day weekend each If you are a B.C. resident: year. The provincial government waives Shuswap Lake Rainbow Trout Your Classified Waters Licence is valid for the the requirement for residents of Canada to Your basic licence must be validated with licencing year. This means you can fish on buy or carry a non-tidal (freshwater) basic a Conservation Surcharge Stamp to keep any Class I or Class II water in the province licence during the third weekend in June, rainbow trout over 50 cm from Shuswap during the year. Lake, Little Shuswap Lake, South Thompson and the Friday immediately prior. The federal River between Shuswap Lake and Little If you are a non-guided “Non-Resident” or Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Shuswap Lake, Seymour, Anstey and Salmon non-guided “Non-Resident Alien”: which manages tidal waters, also offers the Arms and . You must immediately Your Classified Waters Licence for Class I or opportunity to go saltwater fishing for free. record your retention on your basic Class II waters is sold on a per diem basis This is a great opportunity to get together angling licence. and is date and water-specific. Although with family and friends and try fishing! anglers may purchase as many Classified No Conservation Surcharge Stamp is required Anglers must still adhere to catch quotas and Waters Licences as they wish, each licence if you release all Shuswap Lake rainbow trout regulations. And if you plan to fish for species may not exceed 8 consecutive days. A over 50 cm. that require a conservation surcharge stamp first-come-first-serve booking system is in (steelhead, Shuswap Lake rainbow trout place for these Kootenay Class II waters: White Sturgeon and char, Kootenay Lake rainbow trout, Michel Creek, Skookumchuck Creek and You must purchase a White Sturgeon white sturgeon, and salmon in both tidal and the Wigwam River. Conservation Licence, in addition to your non-tidal waters); or angle Classified Waters basic licence, if you fish for white sturgeon If you are a GUIDED “Non-Resident” or a (highly productive trout streams; listed as in the Watershed (including guided “Non-Resident Alien”: Class I or Class II waters in the water-specific tributaries) from the CPR Bridge at Mission Your Classified Waters Licence for Class I or tables of the fishing regulations) you are to and including Williams Lake River in the Class II waters is sold on a per diem basis still required to purchase the appropriate Cariboo. This is a catch-and-release only and is date and water-specific. If guided licence(s) and conservation surcharge fishery - all sturgeon must be released. See confirm with your angling guide before stamps. Guidelines for Angling White Sturgeon in purchasing your licence. Although anglers B.C. at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/

2021-2023 BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis 7 Provincial Regulations

Allowable Fishing Methods It Is Unlawful To.... • Please refer to additional restrictions and Your basic fishing licence entitles you to: • Use barbed hooks or a hook with more requirements on pages 8-10. than one point in any river, stream, creek • angle with one fishing line to which only Rules on Bait Usage or slough in B.C. (Note: the use of barbed one hook, one artificial lure OR one “Bait” is any foodstuff or natural substance hooks in lakes is permitted, unless noted artificial fly is attached. used to attract fish, other than wood, cotton, in the Regional Water-Specific Tables). wool, hair, fur or feathers. It does not include • angle with a downrigger, provided the • Angle with a fishing line to which more fin fish, other than roe. It includes roe, worms fishing line is attached to the downrigger than one artificial fly is attached (i.e., to and other edible substances, as well as by a quick-release mechanism. use “dropper flies”). scents and flavourings containing natural • ice fish with one line and one lure, artificial substances or nutrients. • Use a light in any manner to attract fish, fly or other terminal attractor. It is your unless the light is submerged and attached Roe… you must not have more than 1 kg of legal responsibility to warn other people of to the fishing line within 1 m of the hook. roe (fish eggs) in your possession for use the existence of your ice hole and remove as bait unless the roe was obtained from a your ice hut before ice breakup. • , including dip nets, minnow Fish with nets commercial source that lawfully obtained that nets, gill nets or cast nets. • fish with a set line. You may only fish with roe, or you have in your possession the freshly a set line (an unattended line) in lakes of • Snag (foul hook) fish (see definition, dressed fish from which the roe in excess of 1 Region 6 and Region 7A. You are allowed page 80). Any fish willfully or accidentally kg was taken. Carry a receipt with you if you to use only one line with one hook (no snagged must be released immediately. purchased roe from a commercial source. smaller than 3 cm from point to shank - • Angle with more than one line, EXCEPT Aquatic invertebrates… you may use see below). Any game fish that you catch a person who is alone in a boat on a lake freshwater invertebrates (e.g. aquatic insects other than burbot must be released. Set may angle with two lines. and crayfish) in streams as bait unless a bait lines must be marked with angler’s name, ban applies. No person shall use as bait or address and telephone number. • Place any fishing gear in any water possess for that purpose any freshwater during a No Fishing period. • Set Line Hook (shown 1/2 size) invertebrate (this includes the aquatic stage • Angle with a fishing line to which more of any insect, such as dragonfly nymphs or than 1 kg of weight is attached (this does caddisfly larvae) at a lake. Point not apply to downrigger weights). Chumming… attempting to attract fish by Shank • Waste the fish you catch. If your fish is depositing any substance in the water, is at least 3cm not suitable for eating or if possession is prohibited. illegal because of quotas, size limits or Fin fish…means all fish other than closed seasons, return the fish quickly and crustaceans, echinoderms, molluscs, shellfish gently to the water. and marine mammals. The use of fin fish • fish with a spear or an arrow that is • Release fish in a harmful manner if you (dead or alive) or parts of fin fish other than propelled by a spring, an elastic band, are not going to keep your catch. Follow roe is prohibited throughout the province, compressed air, a bow or by hand. Only the catch and release tips on page 75. with the following exception: You may use non-game fish (such as carp) may be the head of fin fish or the headless body of speared, except burbot which may also • Buy, sell or barter or attempt to buy, sell fin fish as bait, only: be speared in Regions 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8. No or barter any fish caught by sport fishing. spear fishing of any other game fish (as (a) when sport fishing for sturgeon in Region • Damage or interfere with a trap set 2 only on the Fraser River, Lower Pitt River defined on page 80), pacific salmon or for furbearers. If you believe the trap protected species (page 9) is permitted (CPR Bridge upstream to Pitt Lake), Lower has been set illegally, report it to a Harrison River (Fraser River upstream to anywhere in B.C. No spear fishing of any Conservation Officer. kind is permitted in Region 1, 2 and 4. ), or • Have any live fish in your possession • trap crayfish with any number or size of (b) when set lining in lakes of Region 6 or in in the wild, or move any live fish or live lakes of Zone A of Region 7. traps for personal consumption. You must aquatic invertebrates around the province release all fin fish caught in your trap. To or transplant them into any waters of Quotas help sustain crayfish populations, you B.C. Do not keep angled fish alive in a For all game fish, there is a quota or limit on should release any crayfish that are less “livewell” or other device, or on stringers, the number of fish you may retain. than 9 cm in total length as well as those and never use live fish as bait or release bearing eggs or young. Refer to the Regional Chapters for additional your aquarium fish to the wild.“High- information on regional and water-specific All other methods of taking fin fish and grading” is illegal. quotas. crayfish are illegal. • Enter or cross cultivated land, posted Daily quota… the maximum number of fish land, private land or Indian Reserve land of a given species, group of species, or size without proper permission. class that you may retain in one calendar day.

8 2021-2023 BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis Provincial Regulations

Possession quota… no more than twice the Cultus Lake Sculpin Not all No Fishing areas are signed in the daily quota unless otherwise specified (see Enos Lake Stickleback field. Make sure you read the Regional definition, page 80). Regulations for the area in which you will be Misty Lake Stickleback fishing. If you have any questions, contact Monthly quota… the maximum number of Nooksack Dace the local Fish and Wildlife Regional Office. fish that you are allowed to retain in one Paxton Lake Stickleback calendar month. Ecological Reserves Rocky Mountain Sculpin Fishing is prohibited in Ecological Reserves in Annual quota… the maximum number of fish Shorthead Sculpin B.C. A complete list of ecological reserves is that you are allowed to retain in one licence available from BC Parks headquarters at: year (April 1 to March 31). Salish Sucker Vananda Creek Stickleback PO Box 9398, STN PROV GOVT Quotas are not cumulative: you cannot Victoria BC V8W 9M9 possess a quota from each region that you Vancouver Lamprey fish. As a general guideline, never have in Western Brook Lamprey (Morrison Creek or on the BC Parks website: your possession while at or near any lake or population) www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/eco_reserve/ stream, more fish than the allowable quota White Sturgeon (Nechako, Upper Fraser, ecoresrv/ecoresrv.html. for that lake or stream. Check the Regional Kootenay and Columbia populations) Regulations and Tables for daily catch quotas BC Parks for B.C. sport fish. For more information on protected species, Individuals visiting a Provincial Park, please visit Environment Canada’s website at Conservancy, Recreation Area or Protected Size Limits https://www.canada.ca/en/environment- Area should be aware that the Park Act and Size limits protect fish of certain sizes. climate-change/services/species-risk- its regulations apply, as do the sport fishing Measure your fish from the tip of the nose public-registry.html. regulations in this Synopsis. to the fork of the tail to determine its legal Fluctuating Lake & Reservoir Levels NOTE: The use of horses, motor vehicles, length. Water levels in lakes and especially motorcycles, snowmobiles, other self- Fork Length reservoirs, can fluctuate over the year. These propelled vehicles or bicycles is generally

Adipose Fin fluctuations result in a change in the location prohibited in Provincial Parks, Conservancies of stream mouths (please check the definition and Recreation Areas except where of "streams" and "stream mouths" on page specifically authorized. All motorized vehicles 80). Note that a stream flowing through the on park roads must be licensed. The use drawdown portion of a reservoir basin is still of aircraft to arrive or depart from some considered to be a stream, not part of the parks is restricted. Activities in parks may Size limits are listed with quotas in the reservoir. Anglers are reminded that lake be regulated by signs posted on site. More Regional Regulations and in the Regional and stream regulations may differ. information can be found at BC Parks website http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/ Water-Specific Tables. If you catch a fish No Fishing Areas protected by a min. or max. size limit, release Most waters in B.C. are open to fishing for National Parks it as quickly and carefully as possible (see some species 24 hours of the day, every day The seven National Parks within British "Proper Fish Handling," page 75). of the year. Columbia are: Kootenay, Yoho, Glacier, allow fish to spawn at Revelstoke, Pacific Rim, Gwaii Haanas and Minimum size limits There are five basic exceptions: least once before they can be caught and Gulf Islands. • No fishing areas: See Regional Tables. No kept. There is no general minimum size Freshwater fishing is prohibited in Fishing in the water specific tables apply limits for trout/char in B.C. waters, EXCEPT National Parks unless opened under the to all species, are year round and apply to where specifically indicated in the Regional National Parks Fishing Regulations. Where the entire water body (unless otherwise Daily Catch Quotas or for waters listed in the open, anglers require a National Park Fishing noted); Regional Water-Specific Tables. Permit to fish in park waters. • Within Ecological Reserves (this page); Maximum size limits allow larger fish A provincial angling licence is not valid unless to be released to provide future fishing • Within 23 m downstream of the lower otherwise stated for any fresh water within opportunities. entrance to any fishway, canal, obstacle National Parks or National Park Reserves. or leap; Protected Species National Park Fishing Permits and It is illegal to fish for, or catch and • Within a 100 m radius of any government Regulations are available at park visitor retain any of the fish listed below. If you facility operated for counting, passing or centres and at some local commercial accidentally catch one, you must release it rearing fish (e.g., fishway, fish hatchery) outlets. The National Parks Fishing right away where you captured it. The fish on unless otherwise designated; and Regulations may also be viewed at this list are considered to be at risk in Canada www.pc.gc.ca by selecting a park and and are legally protected by federal statutes. • Within National Parks unless a specific clicking on “Activities,” then “Fishing,” or by location is identified as being open (see contacting Parks Canada at 1-888-773-8888. “National Parks” on this page).

2021-2023 BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis 9 Provincial Regulations

All fresh waters within Pacific Rim National If you are transporting fish for someone NOTE: There are exemptions from the Park Reserve, Gwaii Haanas National Park else: angling guide licensing requirements for Reserve and Gulf Islands National Park certain uses of aircraft and motor vehicles • Obtain and carry a signed letter from that Reserve are closed to fishing throughout the for commercial purposes. There are person with the following details: the 2021-2023 season. also exemptions for some fishing school angler’s name, address, telephone number operations. For more information about For information about the 2021-2023 and fishing licence number; when and angling guide requirements and exemptions season, contact Parks Canada or visit where the fish were caught; the date and please contact a Fish & Wildlife Regional https://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/ place at which you were given the fish; the Office. restricted-restreint-eng.html. number, species and size of the fish that you have been given and the name and How to Become an Angling Guide Keeping and Transporting Your Catch address of the person to whom the fish are Detailed information on basic eligibility, the To comply with the law, follow these simple to be delivered. Angling Guide Exam, and the subsequent guidelines when you clean and transport steps to obtaining a new Angling Guide • If you will be exporting the fish from your fish in non-tidal water (for all species Licence is available on the FCBC website B.C., carry the letter and ensure that except salmon). www.frontcounterbc.gov.bc.ca/info/. it is available for inspection by fishery • Do not can, bottle or fillet fish caught by enforcement and/or customs officers if sport fishing in non-tidal waters except at requested to do so. your permanent residence (commercial canning of these fish is not permitted). If someone else caught the fish and gave it to you for your personal consumption: • Leave the head, tail and all fins on • Keep in your possession a signed letter your catch until you get them to your from the angler until you have eaten the permanent (ordinary) residence. We fish. suggest you immediately remove the gills and internal organs of any fish you keep to • The letter should list the name, address reduce spoilage. and telephone number of the angler who gave you the fish; the number, species and • Do not freeze fish together in an size of the fish; and when and where the unrecognizable block. fish were caught. • Please refer to the fish cleaning guidelines in “Angling Safety in Bear Country” on Angling Guides in British Columbia page 76. Who Needs an Angling Guide Licence? In British Columbia a person commits an • The management of salmon fisheries offence if a person does not hold a valid in B.C., in both tidal and freshwater, angling guide or assistant angling guide is the responsibility of Fisheries and licence and acts as a “guide for fish” or Oceans Canada (DFO). Information about offers to do so. packaging and transporting salmon is available at https://www.pac.dfo-mpo. A person acts as a “guide for fish” when a gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/salmon-saumon-eng. person does one or more of the following html. activities for compensation or reward (either received or promised): Transporting and Exporting Fish In order to enforce quotas and size limits, 1. Accompanies another person and assists our officersmust be able to count, measure that person to angle; OR and identify your catch. 2. Attends another person at or near an If you caught the fish yourself you must: angling site in a way that directly or indirectly assists that person to angle; OR • Keep your angling licence handy while travelling. 3. Transports another person to and from an angling site, or between angling sites, for • Transport or possess no more than your the purpose of angling. legal limit. It is also an offence for an angling guide to • Ensure your fish can be identified, counted employ another person to “guide for fish” and measured if necessary (see “Wrap it if that person does not hold an assistant Right”). angling guide licence.

10 2021-2023 BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis