Hihium Lake proposed angling regulation

The public is invited to comment on the proposed angling regulation described below until January 17, 2025. A BCeID basic account is required in order to post comments. Users with a business or personal BCeID account will not be able to access the feedback form without registering for a basic BCeiD account.

Summary: Hihium Lake opening ice fishery and change to hook requirement and bait

Status: Proposed

Region: 3, Thompson

anagement unit (MU): 3-30

Regulation type: Method/Gear/Bait

Species: All fin fish

Closing date: January 17, 2025

Decision statement: Pending

Current regulation:

• No Ice Fishing
• Bait ban
• Single barbless hook
• Engine power restriction - 7.5 kW (10 hp)

Proposed regulation:

• Single hook
• Engine power restriction - 7.5 kW (10 hp)

Rationale:

Opening Hihium Lake to ice fishing is in line with direction to permit more winter angling opportunity across the region. Moving to single hook instead of single barbless is in line with regional direction on stocked lakes. Permitting bait comes with opening the lake to ice fishing and efforts to promote more angling by families and novice anglers. This will promote more grass root fishing methods where possible and where the risk to the fishing quality is considered low. Risk of adverse impacts to the fishery because of the regulation changes are thought to be low given Hihium Lake is remotely located and requires specialized equipment (snowmobile) to access during the winter. Regional biologists anticipate low winter effort given the other winter fishing options with easier access and shorter driving distances from large population centers like Kamloops

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