October 2011 – New Angling Regulations for Steelhead Fishing
in the Skeena Region
The province is implementing new regulations to preserve the quality of angling experience associated with the Skeena steelhead fishery.
Through the Skeena Quality Waters Strategy process, a number of measures have been developed to ensure the region’s steelhead fishery continues to provide economic and recreational benefits to northwest British Columbia in the years to come. On April 1, 2012 the following regulation changes will take effect:
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Changes to the classification of some rivers from Class 2 to Class 1;
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Extensions to the time period when a ‘Classified Waters Licence’ and a ‘Steelhead Conservation Stamp’ are required;
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Increases and decreases to the number of days angling guides may operate on some rivers;
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Restrictions to angling guides to distribute effort over the Classified Waters period; and
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New times and zones for angling by Canadians only, where foreign anglers will be restricted from fishing.
These changes represent the final Working Group recommendations that were endorsed by the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations (formerly Ministry of Environment).
To learn more about these changes, read the “Ministry Response to Final Working Group Recommendations” [PDF 403KB] and visit the BC Government Online News Source at: http://www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/2011/10/regulations-preserve-quality-skeena-steelhead-fishery.html
These regulation changes have been developed in consultation with resident anglers, guides, tourism operators, business community members, non-Canadian anglers and First Nations to resolve issues of overcrowding in the fishery.
This three-year stakeholder consultation process was followed by a review of tourism and economic information, which confirmed support for implementation of regulation changes. A further review of the regulatory changes will take place following the 2014/2015 licence year to ensure the strategy is working as intended.
What’s Next?
Regulation changes developed through the Skeena QWS process will be implemented on April 1, 2012. Before this happens, the ministry will be working on a number of items including:
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preparation of public information to detail the changes for anglers
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advertising, auctioning and allocating for new guided rod days
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amending the online Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis and e-licensing system
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preparing Final Angling Management Plans which will be posted on this website
It is important to note that the ministry will be monitoring Angling Management Plans to determine their effectiveness in the future. Performance measures including Classified Water licence sales data, angling guide reports and tourism indicators (including accommodation room revenue data) will be used to adaptively manage these plans.
The Skeena Regional Quality Waters Committee will also continue to monitor Angling Management Plans and provide advice to the ministry.
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