Moyie Lake proposed angling regulations

This proposal is now closed for comments.

Summary: Moyie Lake date change for burbot release and keep all other water-specific regulations

Status: Proposed

Region: 4, Kootenay

Management unit (MU): 4-5

Regulation type: Quota

Species: Burbot

Closing date: January 17, 2025

Decision statement: Pending

Current regulation:

• Burbot release from February 7 to March 31
• Bull trout release

Proposed regulation:

• Burbot release from February 14 to March 28
• Bull trout release

Rationale:

Significant fisheries assessment data has been collected for Moyie Lake burbot since the early 2000s; it is the most intensively studied burbot stock in British Columbia. Based on the current population estimate, creel survey results, and the reasonable assumption that burbot stocks can sustain exploitation rates of 15 to 20%, fisheries management is proposing that a reduced period of closure will provide additional harvest opportunity without any significant risk to the stock. There are currently no plans to discontinue brood collection at Moyie Lake. These activities will continue to provide annual abundance estimates.