Regs Clarification

**pencildc** · March 18th, 2011, 10:29 AM

Bit of a basic question, but I have scoured the BC regs (i'm in region 3) for the rules on river fishing open/close dates and am still confused. It says no fishing in any stream Jan 1-June 30. Does this include any river that is not in the main listing? Is there a difference in their terminology between a river and a stream, or are they all the same?

**rjb222** · March 18th, 2011, 11:55 AM

There is a phone number on the regulations that you can call. That is the best way to actually find out. If some one says this is what you do and along comes an officer and says no and fines you then you will still be to blame. They do not car what who says to whom it is the actual rulings that they interpret that is the difference. It is just a way safer to call them than be wrong.

**btree** · March 18th, 2011, 12:15 PM

I'll try to answer this gently, and efficiently. If I come off as a condescending jerk, forgive me.

Yes, a stream = river and river = stream. Creeks, sloughs and other flowing bodies of fresh water are also included in that definition.

If you consult the definitions of terms you should know on Pg 96 (it's listed in the table of contents!) You will find that in the top right hand corner is the definition of a stream:

"Flowing waters (rivers, sloughs and creeks). Note that standing water behind a beaver dam on a stream is considered part of the stream"

Yes, any stream (in your region) = any stream (in your region). Any in this case, means any, and stream means stream...

Regarding the closure:
Pg 31: "Spring closure: No fishing in any stream in Region 3 from Jan. 1 to June 30 (see tables for exceptions)"

I have no idea how this could be misunderstood?!?! If you are wanting to know which streams are exceptions to the rule, look in the tables to see if the exception is listed (literally)...

Pretty clear...

People. Learn how to use your regulations, and please do not bash the writers of the regs, they are quite clear. Learn how to use the tool... Most questions can be answered via either the table of contents at the front or the glossary in the back, or by slowing down and reading what the words say literally...all the words...

**Coastrider** · March 19th, 2011, 11:26 PM

I know you r reasoning but i sometimes find myself doing the same thing.....doubting myself. You read the same page over and over and it makes perfect sense but somehow your still confused, perfectly normal for me. Im sure thats what hes asking for, not because he is lazy. However you should know the regs for your area at minimum as well as always check for in seaeson changes before each fishing trip to tidal and rivers/streams.

**pencildc** · March 20th, 2011, 08:48 AM

Yes it does come across as condescending, but thank you for the information. My mess up, didn't think of looking into the definition of terms. All clear now. That is why I asked for help...

**rjb222** · March 20th, 2011, 09:57 AM

There is also supposed to be a second piece to the regulations. In this pamphlet there will be catch limits for each river stream and lake in the area. When things are open etc. It is the more defining set of rules and makes sense of what is in the first pamphlet. This has not yet been sent out in my area any way. I picked up pamphlet one but nowhere had the second one. This will create lots of confusion the government should get their act together as to the release of these supplements.

**btree** · March 20th, 2011, 02:23 PM

Originally Posted by pencildc

Yes it does come across as condescending, but thank you for the information. My mess up, didn't think of looking into the definition of terms. All clear now. That is why I asked for help...

Ya, sorry about that. I've just had to answer similar questions a few times on this forum over the years, and every time I'm really surprised, but I should just calm down and realise that this is a common question. I'm glad you asked, because lots of people just go out and fish how ever they want without even checking.

I've run across far too many people on the water fishing with barbed hooks, trebbles, bait etc, over the few years...so I get a bit upset at times.

I'm not so frustrated with you, it's more just the population of BC in general. Sorry I took out my frustrations on you. I have some "bad word build up" due to seeing too many silly things on the water.

**pencildc** · March 28th, 2011, 08:32 PM

All Good. No harm done and thanks for the info. I too have seen too many gong shows out there on the water, hence the over cautious questions. The classic example was last summer when the bunch of tourists were trying to cast a ford fender in the Adams River to catch Sockeye, then when that didn't work, they turned to trying to catch salmon with a hand net. The DFO officer I called pretty much laughed (as he was on another stake-out of real poachers) and said he figured the fish were pretty safe, but would get there if he could... They were getting a nice gentle roll out and placement of the heavy tackle though; about as gentle as a 5lbs rock...

**btree** · March 28th, 2011, 09:34 PM

oh my! that's hilarious! Next season it would be funny to get a video of the ford fender technique for sockeye! Man oh man, the things people try.

good to hear my grumpiness didn't offend too much.

tight lines - good luck in the coming season!