Trout Stocking List: Vancouver Island Lakes
1996 - 2001


Introduction

Fisherman

Each year the Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection stocks trout in many lakes in the Vancouver Island Region. This brochure lists all lakes stocked on Vancouver Island for the past 6 years, with information on species, numbers and life stages of the fish stocked.

Consult the B.C. Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis (available where you purchase your angling licence or B.C. Government Agents) for catch and possession limits and special regulations that apply to certain specific lakes.

 

 

How to Read the Lake Stocking List

The Vancouver Island lakes stocked with trout are listed in alphabetical order. Entries appear for each year the lakes were stocked. Stocking details are entered as follows: species code, number stocked, life stage, as in the example below.

CT 1000 YE

Species Code

Number Stocked

Life Stage Code

CT = cutthroat trout

number of fish stocked

CA = catchable

RT = rainbow trout

during a given year

YE = yearling

ST = steelhead trout

 

FG = fall fingerling

 

 

PA = parr

 

 

FR = fry

Trout Stocking List

 

When will these fish reach catchable size ?

CA - immediately after stocking

YE - 4 to 6 months after stocking

FG - 1 year after stocking

PA - 1 ½ to 2 years after stocking

FR - 2 years after stocking

 

Releasing Fish the Gentle Way

Anglers are encouraged to practice "catch and release" in our lakes. A fish that appears unharmed when released may not survive if carelessly handled so please abide by the following guidelines:

  • Play and release fish as rapidly as possible. A fish played too long may not recover
  • Keep fish in the water as much as possible. A fish out of water is suffocating. Internal injuries and scale loss are much more likely to occur out of water.
  • Use pliers or forceps to unhook fish. Grip the bend of the hook with the pliers, twist them upside down and the hook will dislodge. Be quick and gentle. Barbless hooks are recommended. If the hook is deep in the mouth, cut the leader and leave the hook in.
  • If you do handle the fish, do so with bare, wet hands. Gloves damage the mucous coating on the fish"s skin and make it vulnerable to infection. Keep your fingers out of the gills and do not squeeze the fish or cause scale loss. If the fish is to be photographed, support it with your hands and return it to the water quickly. Let the fish revive in your hands while moving it gently back and forth in the water.
 

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions on Angling Regulations

What are the Licencing Requirements (highlights) ?

  • If you are 16 years of age or older you must have a current angling licence
  • If you are under 16 years of age and a resident of B.C. then you do not need an angling licence
  • You must carry your licence with you when you fish

What are Allowable Fishing Methods in Lakes ?

  • You are allowed to angle with one line and one lure, artificial fly, or other terminal tackle. Snagging is illegal
  • If you are fishing alone in a boat you may use 2 lines

What Bait Restrictions Apply in Lakes ?

  • In the majority of Vancouver Island lakes, bait may be used all year.
  • There are certain specific lakes with bait restrictions. Please check the Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis for specific information

What Gear Restrictions Apply in Lakes ?

  • In the majority of Vancouver Island lakes there are no restrictions on the type of lures or hooks you may use (e.g. treble hook lures).
  • There are certain specific lakes with gear restrictions. Please check the Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis for specific information

What Catch Quotas Apply in Lakes ?

  • The daily quota for trout and char in most Vancouver Island lakes is 4 fish in total. Only 1 of these may be over 50 cm length
  • The daily quota for kokanee in lakes is 25
  • The daily quota for smallmouth bass is 4 (none from April 15 to June 15)
  • There are certain specific lakes with quota restrictions. Please check the Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis for specific information

How do I know if a Lake has Special Regulations or not?

  • Each Region of the Province has a set of tables in the Regulations Synopsis that lists the special regulations for specific bodies of water in that Region. If the water body you are planning to fish is not listed in the Regional Tables, then there are no specific restrictions on it and the regulations general to the Province and the Region apply.

THE ABOVE ARE ANSWERS TO ONLY A FEW OF THE COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FISHING REGULATIONS. REMEMBER, THERE ARE A NUMBER OF LAKES IN THE VANCOUVER ISLAND REGION THAT HAVE SPECIFIC RESTRICTIONS. PLEASE CHECK THE FRESHWATER FISHING REGULATIONS SYNOPSIS BEFORE YOU FISH.

Trout Stocking List