fishig bc

[Avidhuntr]

Im new to boat fishing, bought a little 12 foot misty river and 9.9 johnson and am planning on taking it to lake koocanusa in a week or 2 and just wondering if need any special permit to be boating on the lake? also do i need to stop at one of those boat inspection places? anything else i need to know? thanks for any help

[Kingfisher]

Yes, you need your Pleasure Craft Operators Card. Here is a link to one of several on line places you can get one.

http://www.boaterexam.com/canada/?gclid=CMerkc69rNQCFY-MaQodDZYKsQ

Yes, you have to stop at the boat inspections stations. They are mandatory to stop at for all water craft. Including kayaks, zodiacs, paddle boards, everything.

http://aep.alberta.ca/recreation-public-use/boating/clean-drain-dry-your-boat.aspx?gclid=CML8muS-rNQCFQiUfgodtosOfg

Clean, Drain, Dry Your Boat
Aquatic invasive species, such as zebra or quagga mussels, can be spread from one waterbody to another via the standing water in boats and other watercraft that have not been properly cleaned, drained and dried between uses.
The microscopic forms of these mussels, called veligers, can survive in a watercraft’s standing water for days. If this standing water mixes with water in the waterbody you are boating on, that waterbody may potentially become infested.
To help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, remember the following:

Clean
Clean and inspect watercraft, trailer and gear
Remove all plants, animals, and mud at the access area or dock
At home, soak your gear in a bleach solution for at least one minute
Rinse, scrub or pressure wash your boat away from storm drains, ditches or waterways

Drain
On land, before leaving the waterbody, drain all water from:
Bait buckets
Ballasts
Bilges
Coolers
Internal compartments
Livewells, etc

Pull the Plug;
Pull the Plug! It's the Law
In Alberta, it is illegal to transport your watercraft with the drain plug still in place, as outlined under subsection 6.1 of the provincial Fisheries Ministerial Regulation.
Watercraft users must demonstrate upon inspection that their watercraft has been drained of standing water. Those who fail to comply may be subject to a court appearance and fined up to $100,000.
To review the Regulation, visit the Alberta Queen's Printer website at:
Fisheries (Ministerial) Regulation

Dry
Dry the watercraft and gear completely between trips and allow the wet areas of your boat to air dry
Leave compartments open and sponge out standing water.

[Avidhuntr]

ok sweet thanks I do have a boaters licence but will stop in at the station. how do you find the inspection station?

[Loco]

Boat inspection going into bc on highway 3 is just after sparwood on a roadside pull out they put signs out. Koocanusa is still low will be a couple of weeks till you can launch at a ramp. It is coming up fast.

[58thecat]

There will be signage up, good luck,post a few pics eh!

[waterninja]

ok sweet thanks I do have a boaters licence but will stop in at the station. how do you find the inspection station?

Not sure if the inspection area is even up and running yet by Sparwood. The one by Radium was open early this year. Just watch for the signs.

[Loco]

Sparwood stop is open stopped last week