HORSEFLY RIVER OPEN AGAIN FOR SPORT FISHING

WILLIAMS LAKE - Cooling water temperatures have prompted the Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection tore-open sport fishing on the Horsefly River. The decision, which takes effect August 13, 2004, affects the Horsefly River downstream from Woodjam Creek.

Fishing on the Horsefly River, which offers a popular catch-and-release fishery for large rainbow trout, was closed July 26, 2004 because of high temperatures.

Water temperatures over 18C result in unacceptably high catch-and-release mortality rates ­ sometimes as high as 40 per cent. The temporary fishing closure helped to conserve the trout stocks in the river. 

Ministry fish biologists will monitor the river temperature to determine if future temporary closures are required.

The decision to re-open fishing affects resident anglers as well as authorized guides on the river.

 

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Contact:

Tiffany Akins
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Water, Land and Air Protection
250 953-4577