Elk River and all tributaries proposed angling regulation

This proposal is now closed for comments.

Summary: Elk River (Upstream of Elko Dam) and all tributaries implementation of Bull Trout catch and release only and keeping all other water-specific regulations

Status: Proposed

Region: 4, Kootenay

Management unit (MU): 4-22 and 4-23

Regulation type: Quota

Species: Bull Trout

Closing date: January 17, 2025

Decision statement: Pending

Current regulation:

• Bait ban from June 15 to October 31
• Trout/char release from June 15 to October 31 from Lower Elk Lake to Forsyth Cr, from Line Creek Bridge to CPR Bridge at Sparwood, from Hwy 3 bridge at Hosmer to the northern Hwy 3 bridge at Fernie, and from the bridge at Morrissey to Elko Dam
• All other parts: trout/char daily quota is 1 (none under 30 cm) from June 15 to October 31
• Electric motor only - max 7.5 kW
• Class II water when open, including tributaries

Proposed regulation:

• Bait ban from June 15 to October 31
• Bull Trout quota is 0, catch and release year-round
• Trout/char release from June 15 to October 31 from Lower Elk Lake to Forsyth Cr, from Line Creek Bridge to CPR Bridge at Sparwood, from Hwy 3 Bridge at Hosmer to the northern Hwy 3 bridge at Fernie, and from the bridge at Morrissey to Elko Dam
• All other parts:
  • Trout/char daily quota is 1 with no fish under 30 cm 
  • Open June 15 to October 31
• Electric motor only - max 7.5 kW
• Class II water when open, including tributaries

Rationale:

The Elk River bull trout population is vulnerable to several significant threats, these include its close proximity to B.C.’s largest coal mining operation and increasing temperatures in Elk River tributaries. This is compounded by the population’s small size, limited distribution, and isolation from other stocks. As a precautionary measure, the fisheries management section is proposing that this sensitive population not be subject to harvest by recreational anglers.