FYI: Coquihalla River Opening

[robin]

The Coquihalla River will open to recreational angling Saturday, July 22.* Details are summarized below, with the official word to be posted shortly on the Ministry of Environment web site (http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/fish/reg...in-season.html).
*
• open July 22, 2006 through October 14, 2006
• upstream of the lower entrance to the lower railway tunnel
• release all trout/char, including steelhead
• fly fishing only (bait ban)

Please practice responsible fish handling procedures;
1. Play and release fish as rapidly as possible.
2. Keep the fish in the water as much as possible.
3. If you must handle fish, do so with bare, wet hands (not with gloves).
4. It is best to leave fish in the water for photos.

For more information on responsible fish handling procedures see P# 11 of the 2006-07 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis.

The opening is more conservative than originally proposed, reflecting consultation results.
Snorkel surveys to monitor fish numbers will be conducted regularly by swimmers from the Steelhead Recovery Program (catch and release regulations are in effect on the swimmers as well).* In addition, angler surveys will be conducted by the British Columbia Conservation Foundation and British Columbia Conservation Corps personnel.
Check the Ministry of Environment web site regularly for in-season changes which may occur at any time.
Please report violations to the Conservation Officer Service, or telephone the Observe, Record, Report toll free hot line at 1-800-663-WILD (9453).
I would be happy to receive any pictures you would like to share.

Greg Wilson, R.P.Bio
BC Ministry of Environment ?Lower Mainland Region ?10470 152nd Street ?Surrey, BC* V3R 0Y3

[Fine]

Achtung!!