Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Rodney on November 19, 2009, 03:45:46 PM
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Now that 2009's Lower Mainland lake catchable rainbow trout fishery is almost coming to an end (stockings are almost done for the year, weather is getting colder by the day), I'm interested in getting some feedbacks and ideas from those who have participated in this year's fishery. The fisheries that I'd like to discuss are the designated urban lake fisheries (Rice, Como, Lafarge, Green Timbers) and the other lakes that are stocked with catchable rainbow trout in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley (Sasamat, Buntzen, Mill, Whonnock, Rolley, Alice, Edith, Browning, Brohm, and many others).
Just a little background information first. Contracted by the Ministry of Environment, the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC (http://www.fishingwithrod.com/advertiser/gofishbc/index.html) is responsible for stocking these lakes with catchable rainbow trout to generate new angling interests. Beside this, the society is also responsible in many other initiatives. It also stocks other lakes across the province, such as the higher quality Interior lake fisheries. It also plays a role in restoring some of BC's wild fish populations. What it isn't responsible for is enforcement and regulations of these fisheries, which the Ministry of Environment is responsible for. That being said, the society engages in discussion on enforcement and education with other agencies that have something to do with each fishery, so we can improve the quality of your experience when utilizing these fisheries.
In the past several years, this website publishes catchable stocking updates for the society. For Region 2 (Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley), the hatchery manager usually provides the information to me on the same day when fish are stocked. The information usually is available for readers right away. Region 2's stocking database is viewed anywhere between 10,000 and 20,000 times per month, depending on the time of the year. It's a tool that entry level anglers enjoy using to increase their catch success. After all, catch success is what matters when you are just starting to fish.
As the society's public advisor in the Lower Mainland, my job is to absorb feedbacks from the public that uses all the fisheries that the society produces, also to provide accurate information on these fisheries to the public. There are several areas that I wish to see feedbacks from about how anglers, both new and experienced, feel about these fisheries after using them this year:
- The quality of your experience: Did you enjoy it? How do you measure that enjoyment (quantity of fish, size of fish, convenience/ability to do it often, etc)?
- The stocking database: What is your preference? Having the information available instantly, or rather see the database updated on a weekly basis so there is a delay (by a few days) between the stockings and publishing.
- How often did you participate in these fisheries in 2009? How long is the average duration of your trips? Why do you participate in these fisheries (as opposed to salmon, sturgeon, etc)?
- What else would you like to see being done in these fisheries so they would accommodate both new and experienced anglers more? eg. Perhaps an angling ambassador program, which involves volunteers to advise new anglers who are not as familiar with the do's and don'ts? Perhaps a prize or two for anglers?
Let's hear it. :)
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:-*
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Reread my post, I've gone back and highlighted what the FFSBC is not responsible for. None of my questions were answered. This discussion is more directed at those who have experienced the fishery this year.
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Id like to see the fish grow to a bigger size. Some of the stockers fight like wet socks and when you reel them in they waterski on the surface ;D. I don't know any ways to make this happen other than maybe some fertilizing of some local lakes? Don't know if this would help much but who knows. I know it has a lot to do with the alkaline levels in our area. I fished mabey 10 times at some local lakes this year. Sometimes from a boat and mostly from shore. I guess my success was decent this year for local trout.This fishery keeps my craving to fish at bay during those March days. ;D
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I'll be honest, until this year I didn't know of the urban fishing program until a friend of mine told me about it. I have not fished in a few years, the majority of the fishing I've done has been out on the ocean near pender harbour and some bar fishing along the fraser years back.
I have been trying out rice lake the most and made a couple visits to green timbers, lafarge and como lake.
I really enjoy rice lake mainly for the surroundings, I don't feel like Im anywhere near the city and can have a really relaxing time so long as I stay away from the docks on the weekend. I have gone there since mid october I think, unfortunately not much success but still had a good time. I like that there are quite a few trout over 1 lb in the lake compared to the others that have half pounders.
The other 3 lakes I mentioned I don't enjoy very much, alot of poor etiquette among some anglers there. I think if more information such as signs or displays were put up at these lakes it could educate some of the people visiting.
I check the stocking info when I can, I dont feel it's necessary to have it updated the day of, but within a week is more than reasonable.
I have been out fishing at least a dozen times so far and my avergae time at a lake is about 4 hours depending on weather.
I've chose to do some trout fishing on these stocked lakes instead of hitting the rivers for salmon due to accessibility, its fast and easy to get out there. Don't get me wrong I want to take up fishing for salmon again but this satisfies the need to get outdoors.
I do think putting up more info near these urban fisheries for new anglers or passers by about rules, techniques or learning materials would be a great thing and wouoldnt take up much room to display
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Id like to see the fish grow to a bigger size. Some of the stockers fight like wet socks and when you reel them in they waterski on the surface ;D. I don't know any ways to make this happen other than maybe some fertilizing of some local lakes? Don't know if this would help much but who knows. I know it has a lot to do with the alkaline levels in our area. I fished mabey 10 times at some local lakes this year. Sometimes from a boat and mostly from shore. I guess my success was decent this year for local trout.This fishery keeps my craving to fish at bay during those March days. ;D
March days :o Those are the best Steelhead fishing days ;D
I've been using the Island one down the road from me to satisfy my urges during the transition between salmon and steelhead.
Great that Ive gone there 3 times and havnt seen another soul and I get something every night to satisfy the urge for the last hour of light after school if I want.
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I really enjoyed the fishery. It is close by and productive. Nice for a change from the long drive and big fish. ;D
I would like the Coquitlam River to be stocked like before to take the pressure off Lafarge a bit. It is a river for the kids before and Lafarge is really for adults, too many adults and kids don't stand a chance there w/o being helped by an adult.
But I guess it is not going to happen. ;D
Another thing is that it will be nice to have a few more family fishing days so more people can participate.
I would also like to have more COs in plain clothes so they can go after the violaters and set some examples.
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I really enjoyed the fishery. It is close by and productive. Nice for a change from the long drive and big fish. ;D
I would like the Coquitlam River to be stocked like before to take the pressure off Lafarge a bit. It is a river for the kids before and Lafarge is really for adults, too many adults and kids don't stand a chance there w/o being helped by an adult.
But I guess it is not going to happen. ;D
Another thing is that it will be nice to have a few more family fishing days so more people can participate.
I would also like to have more COs in plain clothes so they can go after the violaters and set some examples.
You should also re read what Rodney wrote. They are not responsible for enforcement. What is so hard about giving proper feedback......
I have been to the lakes that were stocked on the island this year and what I like about them is the lack of people. What I would like to see is more signs. Signs with the exact regulations for the lake, also maybe some signs with proper etiquette. As well as reminding people to clean up after themselves. Maybe a 2 fish limit as well. A 2 fish limit should help keep some of those fish in the lake a little bit longer and maybe discourage some of the meat fishermen.
Dan if you want to visit some of the lakes I found on the island that have bigger fish just let me know. I found some beauty lakes out of the way with some BIG fish. I mean interior quality fish.
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Thanks for the feedbacks so far.
Just to be clear, I'm not attempting to downplay the importance of enforcement, in fact I think it is one of the priorities like most believe. There are just countless threads on a lack of enforcement and due to the heated nature of the topic, it often overtakes the original discussion, which can be counter productive.
This thread is an opportunity for you to provide feedbacks on the products that you are paying for, so maybe you can get more out of the dollars that you spend on your licence in the future (not that BC anglers are not getting much value out of their licence, quite the opposite ;) ).
Keep them coming. :)
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I was out a few times at Green Timber targeting trout. Average stay 2-3 hours. Have not connected with my first one yet. I would give more tries later if it is not raining and if there is no salmon opportunity in local rivers. I believe the catch limit is very important as the fishes might be alreay gone after some guys stay there and catch one after one, big or small.
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I have fished a few of these lakes with my young son the past few years in Maple Ridge and what I would love to see is a lake with better access for kids. I would love to see a lake like Como or Lafarge out here. Mike and Rolley are ok if you have something to float around in but for kids and seniors these lakes just do not cut it. They should build something along the Albion flats.
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- The quality of your experience: Did you enjoy it? How do you measure that enjoyment (quantity of fish, size of fish, convenience/ability to do it often, etc)?
Yes i did enjoy it. Everyone who fishes loves to catch fish. As for the level of enjoyment it can get a little repetitive having the fish relatively the same size. I would love to see more of a mix of sizes. Some larger, some small. It makes things more exciting not knowing if you are going to catch "the big one". Obviously these lakes, as they are, don't need to be stocked with all large fish. But as they say, variety is the spice of life.
I think one of the most rewarding things about the program is that because the lakes are so accessible, I can take my daughter to the lake and she is able to catch fish. There is nothing better than seeing the smile on her face as she reels in even a small fish.
- The stocking database: What is your preference? Having the information available instantly, or rather see the database updated on a weekly basis so there is a delay (by a few days) between the stockings and publishing.
I do like having the information available instantly, it does help in making a decision on what lake to go to. However, I can see the benefits of a delay, posting one a week. The fish may have more of a chance to settle in.
- How often did you participate in these fisheries in 2009? How long is the average duration of your trips? Why do you participate in these fisheries (as opposed to salmon, sturgeon, etc)?
This year I have only been out a half dozen times to either como or lafarge. I usually go more but i was out of town for a year. The reason I participate in the fishery is it is local, it is a fishery that i can take my young daughter to, and it can be good fun especially if I have not been catching fish in different systems to have a day where I catch and release lots of fish.
- What else would you like to see being done in these fisheries so they would accommodate both new and experienced anglers more? eg. Perhaps an angling ambassador program, which involves volunteers to advise new anglers who are not as familiar with the do's and don`ts? Perhaps a prize or two for anglers?
I think events like the family fishing weekend are valuable. Education, in my mind is a powerful tool. I have talked to a lot of people who would love to go fishing but don`t have the tools, knowledge or guidance to do it. Even random information booths or volunteers at these lakes on sunny weekends might help attract more anglers.
In regards to prizes, why not tag a few fish and have them put in random lakes. If you catch a tagged fish and bring it in you can redeem it for a prize.
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I fish both Green Timbers (5mins from me) and Lafarge in the spring time. I really enjoy being able to go and catch some fish close to home ;D I never keep anything of course, mostly because i dont eat trout. I really like using these fish to hone my skills for when i head to the interior.
I wouldnt mind seeing bigger fish. I also wouldnt mind seeing more fish even if they are say 300-400 gram ones. little fish are still a riot on a 4wt ;D Big or small we should all enjoy whats there offered to us.
I would like to see the limits at all the urban lakes lowered to 2 like it will be April 1st 2010 at Green Timbers, hell even 1 per day(as its suggested there) would be even better for these lakes.
I have seen the CO's a few times at GT this spring alone and watched them hand out a bunch of fines ;D I would really like to stop seeing the guys that fill buckets of water and store fish ALIVE until they leave, sometimes taking as much as 20 fish >:( I know because i have dumped the buckets on them more then once ;)
in regards to having the updates quickly - i dont think it matters how fast they update their site Rodney because you post within a couple days and most people know to look here for local stocking reports anyhow ;) trust me i have asked people before how they knew. I wouldnt mind it if everyone waiting a week to post it up to give the fish time to residualize into the lake so they actually start feeding instead of gobbling up anything with scent cause they think its pellets.
My average stay can range from an hour to 6hrs or even more sometimes. depends on weather and if im catching fish or not.
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I did not fish a stocked lake in the LM this year however I have two responses to your question: What else would you like to see being done in these fisheries so they would accommodate both new and experienced anglers more? eg. Perhaps an angling ambassador program, which involves volunteers to advise new anglers who are not as familiar with the do's and don'ts? Perhaps a prize or two for anglers?
1. Enhance fisheries in hike-in only lakes, or at least lakes that aren't beside a road. I won't launch my tube to fish in an urban lake close to home but I will drive a spell to fish a more remote access lake. I realize that stocking a hike-in lake might be cost prohibitive
2. Tag a few stocked fish in each lake where the tag can be returned for a prize or an entry to a draw.
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Great feedbacks everyone. Funeral Of Hearts, pretty easy to tell that you are a teacher, just look at that Q&A layout in the post. ;D
Interesting that a couple of people brought up the idea of having some tagged fish for prizes. This idea was suggested at our meeting a few days ago as a method to raise the FFSBC's profile because most anglers in fact do not know what the society does. In the end the conclusion was that the administration work would be quite overwhelming, but then last night I thought that it wouldn't hurt to start a small pilot program in the Lower Mainland to see if it would work. I'll make that suggestion again to see if something similar can be achieved in spring 2010.
Regarding having angling ambassadors who can walk around and educate new anglers, it is very difficult to recruit volunteers who have the time and dedication to do that. One idea that has been thrown around is that to get other urban lake stewardship groups involved as well when it comes to educating anglers on littering fishing lines, etc.
Something that I may do on this website next year is to have PDF files available to print out. Each PDF file would contain information on a specific lake fishery. New anglers can print it out and carry it on their trips. The sheet can also be passed onto others who are not as familiar with the fishery at the lake.
I brought up the need of signs at lakes, so generic regulations and perhaps even stocking archives are made available on the signs/bulletin. No definitive answers came out of that. Establishment of signs takes time, because it also involves each municipality or regional district where the lake is at.
Stocking fish at bigger average size is difficult to achieve due to financial constraint (feed costs money), time and hatchery space limitation. I agree that variation would be nice because a predictable fishery can become boring. In recent years however, there have been some small variations in the stockings for the four urban lakes (eg. large broods in Green Timbers and Lafarge). Bederko and a couple others on the forum work at the Fraser Valley Trout Hatchery, so they can talk more about this more in-depth.
Regarding better facilities (docks) / shore access at lakes east of Maple Ridge. I agree. That will take time but it'll happen I think. In the last couple of years a new dock has gone in at Lafarge, Rice Lake has replaced its floating dock to a better one, so it's only a matter of time before other popular lakes become more accommodating to kids and disabled anglers.
There hasn't been a lot of discussion on hike-in lakes / catch and release / quality fisheries in the Lower Mainland, but like I told Bryan, I'll bring that up when I have the opportunity (probably in January).
Anyway, keep them coming. It'd be nice to hear from some who just tried fishing for the first time at these lakes as well. The learning curve? Availability of information? Success rate?
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Adding a few more "special" stock into the lakes would be a good idea.
I once caught a kokanee at Lake Lafarge. That was a surprise and a nice treat from all the rainbows.
I also know that broodstock had been stocked into some lakes in the past. I haven't caught one of those but I have seen pictures from a fellow that caught a few last year.
Regarding size, I return all the small ones back, but I'm not sure they all survive because they swallow the hook deeply. I'm experimenting with using large hooks and larger amounts of bait. May have to go the spin casting route.
Regarding fun, yes it's always more fun to catch something, rather than nothing. But a bit more "fight" would be nice. Maybe a different stock breed? The kokanee that I caught put up a very nice fight! :) I'll need to also look into getting an ultralight setup - but in the summer, I find that I need to cast very far to get into the deeper water. I'm not sure if an UL setup will do. Maybe a very light mainline and longer rod.
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Hi!
In my opinion, the first concern should be attitude regarding environment and enforcing the fishing regulations. Kids are walking around, and they can get the wrong idea.
The number of fish you can keep doesn't matter because anyway they are stocked. A lower number in quota would be respected only by the regular fisherman, and make the lake more appealing for "the bucket brigade".
My opinion is to stock the lake with bigger sizes trout, more often, and in smaller quantities.
Would be great to empty the lake, clean it, lay it with a proper bottom (increase shore length, accessibility, depth, soil, structures etc), but sounds more like a dream...But this way you can effectively triple the potential of a fishing lake...
Is there such job like "lake designer"?
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The quality of your experience: Did you enjoy it? How do you measure that enjoyment (quantity of fish, size of fish, convenience/ability to do it often, etc)?
Great to be able to catch some fish close by. It's not the keeping I like, just plain old fishing for the heck of it.
The stocking database: What is your preference? Having the information available instantly, or rather see the database updated on a weekly basis so there is a delay (by a few days) between the stockings and publishing.
I like the stocking report before they stock the lake.
How often did you participate in these fisheries in 2009? How long is the average duration of your trips? Why do you participate in these fisheries (as opposed to salmon, sturgeon, etc)?
I probably fished Green Timbers , Lafarge and Sasamat about 50 times this year combined.
What else would you like to see being done in these fisheries so they would accommodate both new and experienced anglers more? eg. Perhaps an angling ambassador program, which involves volunteers to advise new anglers who are not as familiar with the do's and don'ts? Perhaps a prize or two for anglers?
Time for them to build a walkway/fishing platform on Green Timbers (maybe a BBQ pit/dry bar as well ;D) Also allow fishing and stock Surrey Lake as well. Seems a waste of a man made lake. Bring in the one fish limit for GT and Lafarge. Have a kick a$$ ambassador who can write tickets and give fishing lessons as well as pour a mean martini.
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One thing I found about fishing Green Timbers is that, unless you are fly fishing, catch & release is not a good option.
When using Powerbait, the fish tend to swallow the hook deep and it is difficult to remove the hook without exhausting the fish (or killing it).
I am thinking that once the limit is reached, no more fishing should be allowed.
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--I know this is for lower mainland but just to ad.. I fished skamana near chase. I think it was poisoned then restocked with catchables.
--after fishing two solid days on the thompson with no luck was getting at little hungry so at the end of the day we headed for skamana for a couple of hours.
--It was a ton of fun...caught several on the fly and kept one to eat that night.
--Surprising maybe, was most people only kept one or none. All seemed to be having a good time catching numerous fair sized fish. Lots had brought beginner fly fishers out to try their luck as I observed many boats with combo of beginner and expert.
--I think it is important to have these fishery areas for both beginners and those who want to take one home to eat on occasion.
--Contrary to others observations, I did not see any violations and as I said people almost embarrassed to take home more than one meal even though it would have been legal.
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I don't use these fisheries but an earlier reply suggesting stocking different species like kokanee made sense to me; also perhaps some Eastern Brook Trout. Not knowing what you have hooked right away would add to the experience I would think. Bederko or others could perhaps chime in here as to the costs of raising these species to catchable sizes. Also totally agree with educational signage at these lakes.
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I love this service but I am just wondering if it would be a good idea to reserve some areas of these lakes for kids.
I have taken my nephew out to Lafarge and Como lake a few times now and the problem I come up against is the need for a long cast if you are not on a dock or in a boat. If we are fishing with a float it is just too difficult for a seven year old to handle on his own if it is too far out.
In the end I prefer to take him to the Fraser river for pike minnow fishing because the bites are plentiful and there are spots where we only need to put the line a rods length away. [Now that he is older I will be taking him to lafarge and Como more next year].
It may be an idea to reserve docks for people with disabilities or people taking their kids fishing.
..just my 2c. [...and yes, I think some of these lakes do get cleaned out of fish too quickly].
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I rarely fish LML lakes anymore because the trout are too small, and don't usually spend long enough in the lake to learn to feed on anything but pellets/ Powerbait. I think they should lower the limit to 1 or 2 fish. Its probably unhealthy eating lots of those trout anyways with their digestive tract stained psychedelic Powerbait colours.
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If you think the stocked fish dont feed on bugs in the lake then explain why i can catch tons on chironies, leeches, mayflies and other flies i have used over the years. I know they are small but they can be very fussy eaters also (just like interior fish) and they will help you get your reflexes up for interior trips ;D ;D
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Great experience
I took my 9yr old to Green Timbers three times...Larfarge and Browning lakes once each.
She liked Browning lake the best for the surroundings and I liked GreenTimbers for it's close location and easy access.
On a couple of the trips to Green Timbers the fishing only lasted 30 minutes and then she spent an hour playing with other kids her age that were there with their fathers.
Usually we ended up bring a couple home the first three trips and released them all on the last trips...a couple times she decided to keep a couple and she gave them to neighbours as gifts.
Not only did she get to fish and meet other kids on every trip we either saw the Bald Eagles or Osprey snatch a couple fish from the lake almost every visit, pretty cool to see no matter what age you are.
I was only at Lafarge once but found the Park where it is located was super busy and cringed several times when I saw guys back casting across the paved walkways while people were on them seemingly oblivious. Green Timbers had it's fair share of fly fisherman but the number of pedestrians seemed to be lower and they both seemed to be well aware of each other. We were not affected by this but it would be nice if there was a way to allow fly fisherman and park users to have fun and be safe.
Could the trails be diverted away from casting distance at various locations?
Anyway Rod...in general its fantastic to be able to live in the city and still share something you did as a kid with your kid...and if I didn't have a kid I would probably still go occasionally to fill that fishing void I feel at various times of the year.
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Yes, fly casting can be a problem at Green Timbers.
Everyone has to be aware of people on the paths but sometimes bikes riders come up too quick - I've seen some close calls.
Also I've seen more than a few flies caught on the benches.
Moving the paths away would be a good idea.
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Aoulette lake needs to be stocked heavily with some big fish. It could be a amazing fishery.
I would like to see more work done to help save some local streams and creeks.
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how about stocking cypress lake on eagle ridge. i know it was stocked years ago (in the early90s) but i think it was winterkilled a while back. even if its a small stocking, it would make hiking and camping up there more fun 8)
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I would like to see Como lake stocked with more fish now that it's open to all ages. I find it's just fished out to fast and the kids don't have a lot of time before the freezer fillers get all the fish.
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Aoulette lake needs to be stocked heavily with some big fish. It could be a amazing fishery.
I would like to see more work done to help save some local streams and creeks.
Not really. The bottom is rock and has really no feed at all. Thats why the kokanee only get to be 12 inches. I agree with the local streams and creeks. It would be nice if some more cutthroat stocking was done. The problem is money and accessibility. I dont think they can justify spending all this money on stocking cutthroat in streams if only a handful of people are going to use it.
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Re: Fishing mentor weekend. Two similar programs are currently running to cut down the learning curve for beginners. The Learn to Fish program (http://www.gofishbc.com/learntofish/default.htm) at the hatcheries is available for anyone (not just kids) who is interested. One just needs to book an appointment with the visitor centre. The program also does scheduled sessions with school classes.
The other one is the BC Family Fishing Weekend, which takes place during the Fathers Day weekend. Freshwater fishing is free during that weekend, except for salmon, steelhead and classified waters. In the Lower Mainland, the events are hosted at Lafarge Lake, Cultus Lake, Fraser Valley Trout Hatchery, Rice Lake. It'd be nice to see a couple more events established in the Lower Mainland, such as at Green Timbers in Surrey and Alice Lake in Squamish. These events are organized and run by volunteers. If you are interested in setting up an event, you just have to contact Owen Bird at the BC Family Fishing Weekend Society at birdo@shaw.ca. It's not difficult to set one up. A dozen or so volunteers should be enough to get it going for the first year. Perhaps this is something the regulars at Green Timbers would like to consider.
Re: Coastal cutthroat trout fishery. The hatchery coastal cutthroat trout program has been reduced over the years (the amount of fish stocked). Budget constraint most likely has something to do with it but other reasons include ministry of Environment's concern on the impact of hatchery fish on wild fish. If hatchery fish are harvested by anglers, this should not really be an issue. The amount of interest on this fishery has increased, based on the responses that tacklestores have been getting. This was discussed a few days ago at a meeting and Nick has asked the numbers to be looked at again to see if we can increase it. Difficulty of broodstock capturing may also be another factor. Bederko would be able to explain this more thoroughly than me.
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Many people, enjoy float fishing or bottom fishing from the shore of the lake, and are happy with some kind of action without a great concern for the kind/size of the fish they catch; for this kind of fishing is more appropriate the carp. The baby carp bites like crazy around shores, and can grow very large. In my opinion Deer Lake in Burnaby already has some carp, and can be dedicated to this kind of fishing. LaFarge lake also has carp, and has many more fishing places from the shore.
For the heavy stocked lakes, around towns, there should be a program to feed the fish. This way the stock would last much longer, and the fish wouldn't starve. Would be harder for the fly fisherman to get a fish, but I don't see other way around.
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Wow, still stuck on chumming eh ion.
I think he should move to Europe where its legal.
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I think he should move to Europe where its legal.
I agree!
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I think he's on to something. Why not raise some fish in a lake like Lafarge as feed and fish/release. Sponser a fish with a tag and your name. :) I can see a place for that. Would allow the more stocking of other catch and keep lakes. By taking the pressure off the catch lakes and the cost of stocking those lakes. By people who just want a catch and release fishery that they can help contribute to. Maybe even be able to raise your (named) fish in a hatchery like setting until there 8 lbs. :o Derby material when you think about it.
Using fish scents and bait are a bit like chumming. Having eggs fall off your roe loop is chumming. So don't try to cut too fine a line or this will turn into another BBing like thread. Just think of that fish with your name on it. 8)
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The quality of your experience: Did you enjoy it? How do you measure that enjoyment (quantity of fish, size of fish, convenience/ability to do it often, etc)?
Had a great time fishing Green Timbers, Sasamat, LaFarge, Buntzen and Rice Lakes this year and am extremely satisfied with the urban fishery! Average size I caught this year was around 12 inches with the biggest just under 15 inches and took home 15 fish from April to early June. The convenience aspect was not an issue as I enjoy driving but I must admit with our urban fish and take lakes, it makes fishing much more enjoyable without having to drive too far!
The stocking database: What is your preference? Having the information available instantly, or rather see the database updated on a weekly basis so there is a delay (by a few days) between the stockings and publishing.
The Stocking Database attributed to my success as I was able to fish the right time a day or two after stocking. Without it, I'd be sitting waiting for hours like last year during my freshman year as a fisher... I believe the "Stocking Updates" updated instantly or even a few days later are adequate for us leisure/recreational fishers. THANK YOU!
How often did you participate in these fisheries in 2009? How long is the average duration of your trips? Why do you participate in these fisheries (as opposed to salmon, sturgeon, etc)?
This fishing licensing season alone I've probably fished over a couple of dozen times with an average duration of 4 hours depending on my success. The fisheries provide me a great local escape and a thrill of actually hooksetting, landing and either retaining or releasing fish. Once the Salmon season started, my time and energy was spent mostly on catching my first big fish.
What else would you like to see being done in these fisheries so they would accommodate both new and experienced anglers more? eg. Perhaps an angling ambassador program, which involves volunteers to advise new anglers who are not as familiar with the do's and don'ts? Perhaps a prize or two for anglers?
During my fishing trips, I had an opportunity to visit the Fishing Forever venue at Green Timbers as well as visiting the North Shore Fish and Game BBQ at Rice. The fathers day free fishing event was incredible as it was the best opportunity for me to show friends what fishing is all about. Through these events, I was able to find new fishing partners and reeled in new fishers to getting their annual licenses!
The Angling Ambassador Program might work well especially if they are visible to the public! People need to know that there are citizens that do care about our resources and are more than willing to share their current knowledge and pass down information whether it be about regulations and or etiquette. The importance of etiquette and conservation has made me more aware of the importance of this magnificent fishing privilege we have in this beautiful province...
I would like to share my many thanks to the many civil fishers who not only made my fishing experiences pleasant and showed me some tricks or two they've learned along the way! This website is the only website I share with people as it is the most resourceful. With all of you that provide great feedback, please continue to do so... Thank you and TIGHT LINES...
Iyekim76
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just a side thought. i know they have a program to stock lafarge lake with several dozen 'large' trout every year. it would be nice to have a similar stocking program in buntzen lake as well. it has been years since i have caught a fish over four/five pounds in buntzen >:(
The quality of your experience: i had a blast, fishing over thirty times this year in the local lakes and almost always coming away with trout. 8)
What else would you like to see being done in these fisheries so they would accommodate both new and experienced anglers more? it would be nice to see the coquitlam river stocked with cutthroats or rainbows. it's nice catching those wild cutties, they fight like heck, but it would be nice to catch a trout there you can keep. 8)
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while i have plenty too fish for in the interior..i would like to see some more coastal cutthroat stockings in rivers and even some lakes. it would be a nice change from the rainbows up here. i would definetly spend some time down there.
i also like the idea when and where possible or suitable for other species as mentioned by someone..like brookies.
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-I enjoy the LML experience mostly for the convenience of a short drive when I have few spare hours to try to fish, it's always fun to catch a fish be it wild or stocked
-I prefer the immediate update on stocking
-I've gone to Lafarge and Como once or twice, Green Timbers 5 times, and Rice probably 10 times since it's closest to where I live and it's less of an Urban environment (ie Lafarge where you can watch traffic while fishing ;D), usually put in 4-5 hrs per trip
-I like the idea of more variety in size and type of fish (but may not be financially feasible as you mentioned Rod), I wouldn't be opposed to lower limits which is what they are trying to do at Green Timbers (but I think it's regulated provincially?). I think simple signage with rules and regulations at lake entrances would help the unkowlegeable but anglers that are set on rule breaking will do it regardless.
Overall, I think the society is doing a good job, it seems they are achieving their goals of stimulating new angling opportunities.
And thanks Rod for updating stocking (always faster than the freshwater fishing society) and providing lake information!
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"and this is really really scary fact....at least to me"
You mean it's scary that those fish were hauled out and chowed down? Or it's scary to think about what affect it would have on someone dining off those hatchery fish too much.
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Bumping this up for those who haven't had a chance to provide some feedbacks. The last several posts were derailing the subject a bit so please stay on topic.
Hank4hire, Iyekim76, Bavarian Raven, fishnjim, thanks for the feedbacks. Regarding Green Timbers, the daily quota of trout will be two starting in the new licence year (April 1st) if nothing has changed since my last discussion with the provincial staff looking after it.
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Interesting that a couple of people brought up the idea of having some tagged fish for prizes. This idea was suggested at our meeting a few days ago as a method to raise the FFSBC's profile because most anglers in fact do not know what the society does. In the end the conclusion was that the administration work would be quite overwhelming, but then last night I thought that it wouldn't hurt to start a small pilot program in the Lower Mainland to see if it would work. I'll make that suggestion again to see if something similar can be achieved in spring 2010.
Yes, I suppose that it would be administratively heavy if it were done as a lottery. However it could be done with minimal overhead if there were several tagged fish in a lake and each tag earned you a hat. Simple exchange of a hat for a tag; no lottery to manage.
There would be a bit of work to market it, to tag a few fish in each truck, and then for an admin person to handle the mail for the incoming tags and outgoing hats. Some administration? Yes. Overwhelming? I don't believe so.