A fishing ban for Region 4 will come into effect from Apr. 1 to June 14 with some exceptions. The ban is to allow fish to spawn with less stress. To see the exemption and prolonged ban areas go to Region 4 – Kootenay Regional Regulations through Env.gov.bc.ca.
“On Apr. 1, all streams are closed. There are a couple exceptions, generally the Elk River and everything in the Elk Valley are closed and it is East Kootenay wide. The reason for it is for the spawning of the cutthroat,” said Frank DeBoon, a local conservation officer. “That is the time of year when they spawn so we want less stress on them when they are spawning and in some of the side channels and smaller streams.”
When asked about the distance most spawning cutthroat travel, DeBoon said it is difficult to tell.
“It’s hard to say. Some travel quite a distance and some travel much less, it depends on the stream they are in and what the conditions are,” he said. “It’s all different. Some of the fish from the Elk River may come up into Coal Creek and some of the small streams to spawn. Some may even spawn in the main stream.”
The minimum fine for fishing during this time is $250.