I ask because I was at a popular bridge and there were guys catching and releasing trout from probably 50 feet up. I’m positive all the fish “released” are dead. I told them it was illegal to fish from a bridge and they said they get talked to all the time by the conservation officers but they don’t get fines because nothing they are doing is technically against the regulations. They check that their hooks aren’t barbed and then leave them alone.
As DanL says anglers need to handle and release their catch in a manner that maximizes their chance of survival. If they don't they can be charged under wildlife act.
I don't know if you'd be willing to say were this bridge is, even generally?
suggestions: gather information if you can - photos of dead fish in the water, license plate numbers, photos of the 'culprits'? Contact the local Fish and wildlife office and see if can speak to the Regional biologist and inform them of your concerns.
List of office and contact info:
https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/offices.htmlI did this last spring after visiting a local stream that was not included in the updates for spring closure. I saw a number of small dead trout in the water. I took photos and forwarded them to the Regional Biologist and asked why this stream wasn't included in the closure updates as these are in place to protect these fish.. He got back to me and told me it should have been included. He also had intelligence that steelhead had been seen spawning in this stream for the 1st time in decades. He assured me it would be included in the spring closure as soon as possible. I am hopeful this happens.
Last note - Local governments and the Ministry of Transportation have the ability to ban fishing on specific bridges will do so if the fishing activity disrupts vehicle of pedestrian traffic.
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Topic: Fishing off a bridge in BC? (Read 6905 times)