Proposed Regulation Changes 2012

[troutmountain]

What do you think?



Item Current Regulation Proposed 2012 Regulation Rationale and Background on Changes
Provincial
Standardized season dates
PP1
May 8 to March 16
Remainder of province
Friday of May long weekend to Feb. 28 or March 31 PP1 no change
Remainder of province
May 15 to March 31;
February 28 will be replaced with March 1 Variable season dates create confusion in regulation development and with anglers. The earliest date for the Friday before the May long weekend is May 14. This standard date will simplify regulations. The same applies to using March 1 rather than the end of February. If conservation concerns are identified for a species or waterbody, the dates can be modified to reflect the need. Default dates will remain the same each year. Proposal supported at local meeting as it simplifies regulations and creates opportunity to angle earlier in the year where appropriate.

ES1
Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes Trout (except Bull Trout) limit 3 over 30 cm Trout (except Bull Trout) limit 1 over 50 cm Kananaskis Lakes have the potential to provide high-quality fisheries, if harvest is delayed. Electro fishing and gillnetting data indicate that both lakes are capable of producing cutthroat/rainbow up to 11 years old and over 60 cm. Angling is currently cropping fish when they reach 30 cm. Angler support for regulations that support opportunity to catch larger fish.
Oldman Reservoir (ES1) Open all year—Bait, except bait fish, allowed Bait ban This measure is intended to reduce mortality of Bull Trout in this catch-and-release fishery. The use of bait has been shown to significantly increase mortality in catch-and-release trout fisheries. Contacted stakeholders have not indicated any negative responses but a final recommendation will depend on a regional round table discussion in late October.

ES2
No proposals

ES3
Athabasca River & tributaries upstream of and including the Freeman River watershed. Various No change, EXCEPT
Brook Trout limit 2; Rainbow Trout limit 0 A recent status assessment found more than 50% of populations surveyed were at high risk because of low densities, habitat fragmentation, population isolation, and non-native brook trout. ‘Athabasca’ rainbow trout are under review for official designation of status within the province with a designation of ‘threatened’ proposed. The ARTR Recovery planning team has discussed the risk associated with additional brook trout harvest before implementation of the required education program defined as a strategy to prevent an increase in harvest of native rainbow trout and bull trout. It has recommended a limit of 2 Brook Trout for the short-term. No change in the current risk to ARTR or BLTR will occur and it will better serve conservation objectives in the short-term.
Chip Lake Burbot limit 10 Burbot limit 2; Burbot limit 0 Feb.1 to Mar. 31 Evidence of considerable interest/harvest from anglers, low density estimates from Lac La Nonne and biological data suggests that burbot are slow growing and late maturing which requires a more restrictive angling regulation. Additionally, burbot are especially vulnerable to angling during their late-winter spawning period with high catch rates despite low densities. This regulation change addresses concerns of overharvest of this low density predator and aligns regulations between the North East and the Red Deer Area.
Embarras Pit Lakes (142, 121, 122) Unnamed waters Closed Lakes are being developed as native rainbow trout brood stock lakes
McLeod River and tributaries Trout limit 2; Rainbow over 30 cm (various season lengths) No change, EXCEPT
Brook Trout limit 2; Rainbow Trout limit 0 Catch and release regulations have fostered the colonization of habitats by non-native brook trout at the expense of native fish species, particularly RNTR & BLTR. To support the conservation and recovery goals for these species increased harvest opportunities for Brook trout are proposed. The ARTR Recovery planning team has discussed the risk associated with additional brook trout harvest before implementation of the required education program defined as a strategy to prevent an increase in harvest of native rainbow trout and bull trout and has recommended a limit of 2 Brook Trout for the short-term. No change in current risk to ARTR or BLTR will occur and better serve conservation objectives in the short-term.
CVM Pit Lake 44 Closed Open all year – Trout limit 1 over 40 cm. Bait ban This small reclaimed pit lake has been stocked for 3 years and will support a restricted harvest of large fish and will be managed as Quality Stocked Trout Lake.

ES4
Beaverlodge River Closed Significant alterations to habitat have resulted in the collapse or extirpation of sport fish in the Beaverlodge River watershed. Closure to protect any sport fish that may be present seasonally. First Nations consultation incomplete but is scheduled to be complete early November. Conservation measure.

Iosegun Lake Walleye limit 2 over 50 cm Walleye – Special Harvest License Use of tags to maintain walleye stock densities and support opportunities for angler harvest. Decision will be posted with draw materials if FWIN results support for 2012

Redwillow River Catch and Release for all species Although the habitat alterations in the Redwillow watershed are not as severe as in the Beaverlodge, data suggests that the sport fish populations have declined to a collapsed status in this watershed. First Nations and public consultations on the catch and release regulation are incomplete but scheduled to be complete before the end of October.

Smoky River Headwaters downstream to Pass Creek Railroad Bridge Headwaters downstream to Hwy 43 and tributaries

Smoky River from Hwy 43 downstream to 21st baseline and tributaries
Grayling limit 0 Extension of the downstream boundary for catch and release regulations is proposed to protect adult Arctic grayling stocks. To manage the risk of increasing angler effort because of perceived reduced opportunities to harvest grayling, we recommend catch and release in these waterbodies as well. Additional sampling may identify if harvest opportunities are available. If so, future regulations may be altered to permit harvest. First Nation and public consultation is planned to be complete in October and may affect final recommendation for this conservation regulation.

Smoke Lake Walleye limit 2 over 50 cm; Walleye – Special Harvest License Use of tags to maintain walleye stock densities and support opportunities for angler harvest. Decision will be posted with draw materials if FWIN results and consultation supports 2012 implementation

Snipe Lake Open all Year – Walleye limit 2 over 43cm; Pike limit 3 over 55cm; Perch limit 15 Open May 15- Mar 31: Walleye limit 1 over 50 cm; Pike limit 1 less than 75 cm; Perch limit 5
Apr 1 – May 14 Closed An increase in angler pressure and harvest over the past three years is unsustainable under current angling regulations. A FWIN was completed in the fall of 2010 by ASRD and the ACA conducted an Angler Survey. Based on the results reduced limits for all species and a spring closure are recommended to maintain populations.
The use of a maximum size limit for pike is experimental and proposed to allow large fish to survive and enhance this portion of the population. The results from the experiment will be monitored and are of interest to the Round Table participants who want to see regulations that protect large fish (not an option in the current mgmt plan).

Wapiti River watershed, including Redwillow and Beaverlodge rivers June 1- Aug 31-trout and Grayling limit 2, Arctic grayling over 35cm; Wapiti River watershed, excluding Redwillow and Beaverlodge rivers
Grayling limit 0 Status of Arctic grayling, walleye, bull trout, and other species is unknown and will be assessed at the scale of the entire watershed with a focus on Arctic grayling. The Wapiti River watershed and its fisheries resources are affected by various and increasing levels of industrial and recreational activities, including the loss of spawning potential from the Beaverlodge watershed. The recommendation to implement catch and release for Arctic Grayling through the entire watershed (i.e., Wapiti River main stem and tributaries, Narraway River main stem and tributaries) is intended to promote recovery of the Arctic grayling population. Final decision is dependent October First Nation and public consultation.

PP1

Clear Lake Pike limit 3 over 63 cm; Open all year Pike limit 1 over 100 cm;
Closed Mar 16 – May 7 Recommended change will eliminate the potential to harvest large female pike when they concentrate for spawning. Clear Lake is a small, newly created reservoir. It would appear to have the capacity to grow large pike but because of the small size, it is vulnerable to over harvest. Spawning closure

Coburn Ponds (3) Align with Bow River Administrative change for waters affected by Bow River flooding to achieve clarity and consistent regulations

Keho Lake Walleye limit 0
Dec 1 – Feb 28 – Walleye limit 1 over 55 cm; Keho Lake and upstream on the inlet canal to the first drop structure
Sept 1 – Mar 1 – Walleye limit 1 over 55 cm; Regulation change required to define the area of the reservoir. Anglers are confused about what regulations apply to the bay and canal created by the inlet. Additional harvest is resulting from anglers following the less restrictive default flowing waters regulations. Administrative change to clarify and simplify regulation.
Walleye harvest season change will increase opportunities for anglers to harvest one fish over 55 cm in the open-water season. Anglers catch very few walleye in Keho Lake during periods of ice cover.

Police Outpost Lake Quality Fishery Continue to manage for Quality Fishery Input from anglers indicates a split in support for the continued management of the lake as a quality fishery. The recommendation to continue with the quality fishery regulations is based on the expectation that harvest opportunities will exist in 2012 and the need to assess angler reaction.

Travers Reservoir and Little Bow River Open – May 8 – Mar 15 Open June 1 – Mar 15 Walleye spawn at the mouth and lower reaches of the Little Bow River upstream of Travers Reservoir, and stage at the west end of Travers. In cooler springs, walleye spawning doesn’t start until early May. The conservation closure is to protect fish spawning in the spring.

Twin Valley Reservoir Open all year; Pike limit 3 over 63 cm Closed Mar 16 – May 7; Pike limit 1 over 63 cm Twin Valley is newly-constructed reservoir. Discussions about different angling regulations for sport fishing have been on-going since 2004 with specific regulations for pike have been on hold. Pike regulations will be based on the need to protect adults spawning in the spring.

Lake Newell Mar. 16 to May 7- Open Closed: Mar. 16 to May 7 The current regulation was implemented in 1999 to provide a limited opportunity to fish for pike by fly anglers. An un-intended consequence of this opening was that anglers heavily pursued spawning walleye, often using bait. Consultation was conducted on this conservation based spring closure and the need for consistent regulations throughout the area.

Kids Can Katch New waters Open: May 1 –Oct 31; Bait Ban
Trout limit 0 Pond created at Bow Habitat Station to promote fishing ethics, handling, and education for youth

PP2
General burbot regulation Variable burbot limits 1-10; season closures Burbot limit 0 Feb 1 – Mar 31 Burbot numbers have declined dramatically and most populations are in a collapsed state. This conservation regulation will protect burbot when they are spawning and are the most vulnerable to harvest.

Battle Lake Walleye limit 0 Walleye - Special Harvest License (2012) Information on the lake and if licences will be available for each year will be published in March 2012 subject to monitoring of the walleye population and consultation. FWIN and creel data and the angling public support a controlled limited harvest and the use of tags.

Buck Lake Walleye limit 1 over 43 cm Walleye limit 1 over 50 cm Current regulation is not suitable for long-term management of the walleye stocks in Buck Lake. There is limited public support for the use of walleye tags to limit harvest. The previous limit of 1 over 50 cm is proposed until an Advisory Committee examines what the long term regulation should be. The proposed regulation will increase the minimum size and prevent the collapse of the population. Local anglers are not supportive of the change and want to be able to harvest fish at the current size limit. First Nation consultation is continuing.

Devils Lake (Matchayaw); Lac Ste Anne; Jackfish Lake Burbot limit 10 Burbot limit 2; Burbot limit 0 Feb.1 to Mar. 31 Considerable interest/harvest from anglers along with low density estimates from Lac La Nonne and biological data suggests that burbot are slow growing and late maturing which requires a more restrictive angling regulation. Burbot are especially vulnerable to angling during their late-winter spawning period with high catch rates despite low densities. This regulation change addresses concerns of overharvest of this low density predator and aligns with regulations in the North East and the Red Deer Area.

Dillberry Lake Perch limit 0 Perch limit 15 Dillberry Lake is a stocked trout pond that has been illegally stocked with perch, competing with trout for food and space. Perch have been in the lake for over 20 years. This regulation will allow harvest of perch consistent with perch management.

Gull Lake Lake Whitefish limit 5 Whitefish limit 3 The winter angling pressure on Gull Lake for whitefish is very high and the population appears to be going through low and high abundance cycles due to this. This regulation will reduce the catch limit to a sustainable level given current angling pressure.

Lac Isle Burbot limit 10, Walleye limit 0; Pike limit 3 over 63 cm; Perch limit 15; Whitefish limit 10 Catch and release for all species Following very low oxygen levels during the winter of 2011, all species of fish were killed with the exception of a few northern pike. The proposed catch and release regulation will assist the surviving pike and to facilitate the re-introduction of the extirpated species. Conservation measure supported by the public.

Medicine River Closed – Mar 1 – Mar 19 Closed Mar 1 –June 15 A walleye spawning assessment in 2009 on the Medicine River found the walleye did not finish spawning until late May and were still congregated in the river until early June. This regulation will protect spawning walleye and allow them to disperse before being exposed to angling pressure.

North Saskatchewan River Open all year
Main stem Include tributaries with main stem river Without including tributaries in the regulations for the main stem river anglers may harvest sport fish from the North Saskatchewan River but claim to have caught the fish in a tributary without a specified regulation (with the provincial default regulation which may be higher). Consistency of regulation and enforcement.

Red Deer River Mountain Whitefish limit 5 over 30 cm Mountain Whitefish limit 3 over 30 cm Electro fishing results have shown a steady decline in Mountain Whitefish numbers in the Red Deer River below Dickson Dam since the 1990’s. Regulation should reduce harvest to a sustainable level and allow stocks to recover.

Non-named tributaries of the Red Deer River General regulations apply to non named tributaries of the Red Deer River Red Deer River and main stem tributaries between Dickson Dam and Tolman Bridge
Open May 15 – Mar 1
Trout limit 0; Mtn Whitefish limit 3 over 30 cm; Walleye limit 0; Burbot limit 2 (0 Feb 1 to Mar 1); Maggots are the only bait allowed In years with extended periods of high water in the summer , walleye take refuge in the lower sections of the smaller tributaries where they are susceptible to angler harvest. Without including the main stem tributaries in the regulations anglers may harvest sport fish from the Red Deer River but claim to have caught the fish in a tributary without a specified regulation (zone default regulation may be higher). Consistency of regulation and enforcement.

Sylvan Lake The portion of the lake southwest of …. New boundary for closure House keeping change to better define the landfill pier to expand angling opportunities off the north end of the pier.

NB1
Adaptive Pike Management Experiment – Multiple lakes would be used with different management strategies applied to groups Minimum size limit of 63 cm. One of four options:
1 pike over 63 cm. (control); 1 pike any size; Protected slot (63-100 or 70-100) – 1 pike limit; 2 pike no size limit Ten years after the Northern Pike Management and Recovery Plan was implemented, it is apparent that some lakes are still not producing sufficient numbers of pike over the 63 cm length limit.
Though index netting catch rates for these populations are among the highest encountered (10-20 pike per net) and recruitment is strong and consistent, large pike are near absent. Growth rates in these lakes are very fast early on, but slow to a near stop once pike reach maturity. The experiment has been expanded to a larger group of lakes to determine if these population characteristics are the result of different fish community dynamics or high harvest rates.

Amisk Lake
& tributaries & outlet downstream for 1 km Walleye - SHL
Walleye limit 0 Catch rates from the 2010 index netting survey indicate the walleye density is relatively low and continuing with the SHL program on Amisk is not practical, i.e. too few tags can be issued. Restrictive regulations are still needed to sustain population and are supported by anglers.

Armstrong Lake Not listed – area default regulations Pike limit 2 (no size limit) There have been few reports of pike over 63 cm being caught at the lake. It is believed that this another of the small lakes in the area that does not produce many fish over 63 cm. Allowing anglers to harvest 2 pike of any size will establish a more desirable fishery. The expansion of the adaptive pike management experiment will improve the quality of the results and the proposal was supported at public meetings

Beaver River and Tributaries Walleye limit 3 over 50 cm; Pike Limit 3 over 63 cm. Beaver River and tributaries - Walleye Limit 0; Pike Limit 0. Recent electro fishing surveys show significant signs of environmental stress with white suckers, lake chub and fathead minnows making up to > 95% of the catch. Walleye and northern pike were in low abundance and very few large predator fish were encountered. Further examination of the results is ongoing to assist in understanding the environmental features leading to this poor community health. While angling pressure is considered to be low, more restrictive regulations are needed to preserve remaining stocks.

Calling Lake
& portions of tributaries & outlet during open seasons Walleye limit 2 within harvestable slot size of 45-55 cm Removal of closed zone
Walleye limit 2 within harvestable slot size of 45-55 cm
Nov. 1 – Mar 1 Walleye limit 3 within 45-55 cm Data from index netting conducted in September 2011 was used to assess walleye densities and the need to modify bag limits to sustain the fishery. The forage base is severely limiting and anglers supported keeping the current regulation in order to further reduce walleye densities. An additional option considered is an increase in harvest during the winter when fishing pressure is reduced. First Nations consultation on the proposal to increase the limit to 3 fish during the winter is not complete.

Big Johnson (Chump) Default regulations Walleye limit 0 Based on biological conditions and FWIN results in 2007 Big Johnson Lake shows characteristics of both a vulnerable and collapsed walleye population. An overall collapsed walleye status was assigned based on low population density and poor recruitment. Recommended conservation change was supported by local anglers.

Ethel Lake Walleye limit 0 Walleye - Special Harvest License (2012) Results from the 2008 assessment indicate that walleye have recovered sufficiently for some harvest through the tag system. Local anglers support the proposal and want to see tag allocated in the middle size category (43-50cm) when walleye tags are assigned.


Hanmore Lake; Powder Lake; Unnamed lakes Sowka, Whitemud) Pike limit 1 over 63 Pike limit 2 no size limit Adaptive Pike Management Experiment expanded to include these lakes with no reports of pike over 63 cm being caught. Allowing anglers to harvest 2 pike of any size will establish a more desirable fishery. Proposal is strongly supported by local anglers

Halfmoon Lake; Lodge Lake
Pike limit 3 over 63 Pike limit 2 no size limit There have been few reports of pike over 63 cm being caught at these lakes. These lakes will be included with a number of other small lakes that do not appear to produce many large fish to assess the impact of regulations on population structure. Allowing anglers to harvest 2 pike of any size will establish a more desirable fishery. The proposal was supported at public meetings

Long (63-19-W4) Perch limit 15 Perch limit 10 Indications are that angling pressure is quite high and a reduction in the bag limit to 10 would more create a more sustainable harvest regime. FWIN netting results support that perch are abundant (3.9 fish per net). The proposed regulation change is supported by the public.

Magician Lake; Sapphire Lake May 21 – Mar 31 – walleye provincial default of 3 >50 cm May 15 – Mar 31 – Walleye Limit 0; Sapphire and Magician Lakes are very small pike/perch lakes < 75 ha located along the Wolf River in close proximity to Wolf Lake. Wolf Lake is managed with an SHL regulation. Walleye have been caught in the lakes recently. Recommend listing these lakes with a 0 bag limit to ensure compliance and to have consistent regulations with the special harvest licences issued at Wolf Lake. Lakes are not currently unlisted and have a default limit of 3 > 50 cm.
North Buck Lake Perch limit 15 Perch limit 10 Enforcement monitoring indicates angling pressure is high on the lake. A reduced perch limit is proposed to create a sustainable fishery. Fall index netting showed low number of perch (3.9/net). There is strong public support for the recommendation
North Saskatchewan River Open all year North Saskatchewan River and all unnamed main stem tributaries Anglers have been harvesting fish form the North Saskatchewan River but claim they are from tributaries without a specified regulation. Without specific regulations identified for each waterbody, the area default is the possession limit. Recommendation supported in Smoky Lake and Bonnyville meetings but not Sherwood Park. Recommend implementation to reduce risk to main stem populations and to provide consistency in regulations and enforcement
Rock Island Lake Pike limit 3 over 63 Pike limit 1 over 63 Angler effort increased considerably at Rock Island Lake when walleye regulations were liberalized from a zero bag limit. Subsequently, the pike population has also experienced increased angling pressure and harvest. A decreased bag limit will help sustain the pike population and is strongly supported by local anglers.
Spencer Lake Walleye limit 1 over 50 cm Harvestable Slot Limit - 40 – 50 cm; 2 fish bag limit The walleye in Spencer Lake grow very quickly to maturity, but then growth slows considerably resulting in few large fish exceeding the size limit. Overall, Spencer Lake walleye abundance is above the provincial average, but the size distribution lacks larger fish. The proposed regulation moves away from a minimum size-limit and to a harvest slot limit. An increase in angler harvest is expected as few fish currently grow above 50 cm.
Whitefish Lake Walleye limit zero Walleye – Special Harvest Licence

FWIN shows the population has recovered sufficiently for a limited harvest through Special Harvest Licences. Overall average walleye CPUE was 25/net with good size representation. Local anglers support the proposal. Further consultation with Whitefish Lake First Nation is needed about how to implement SHL with a First Nation allocation. Negotiations are still proceeding and regulations changes may not be completed for implementation in 2012 (if approved lake will be listed in spring brochure).
NB2
Crickett Lake (64-48-W4) Default regulations: Pike limit 3 over 63 cm Pike limit 2 (no size limit) Similar regulation proposal as other small lakes in northeast with limited potential to produce pike over 63 cm and which are included in the adaptive pike management experiment. Recommendation strongly supported by local anglers.
Island Lake Wrong legal description 67-24-W4 Administrative change to correct legal description
Lac La Nonne Burbot limit 10 Burbot limit 2; Burbot limit 0 Feb.1 to Mar. 31 Biological data including low density estimates from Lac La Nonne suggests that burbot are slow growing and late maturing. Coupled with evidence of considerable interest/harvest from anglers a more restrictive angling regulation is recommended. Additionally, burbot are especially vulnerable to angling during their late-winter spawning period with high catch rates despite low densities. This regulation change addresses concerns of overharvest and aligns with regulations in the North East and the Red Deer Area. No issues have been raised at pubic meetings.
Lesser Slave River -
Tributary and backwater are treated as main stem of River downstream of the weir below highway 88: Walleye limit 3 over 50 cm; Align main stem, tributaries and backwater regulations with lake: Walleye limit 1 over 43 cm High angler harvest of walleye over 50 cm downstream of the weir occurs seasonally. These large walleye are suspected to be lake dwelling walleye foraging in the river. Aligning the regulations in the river with the lake will reduce excessive harvest of adult walleye. Winter harvest is not a consideration with the river closed to angling after Nov. 1.

Orloff Lake’s tributaries & outlet Arctic grayling 2 over 35 Arctic grayling zero limit Arctic Grayling are thought to occur in the tributaries based on historical information. The remnant population can not support the opportunity for any harvest. This precautionary regulation to eliminate harvest is subject to final consultation.
Utikumasis Lake Walleye limit 3 over 43 cm; May 15 – Oct 31: Walleye limit 1 over 43 cm
Nov. 1 to Mar 31: Walleye limit 2 over 43 cm Fall Walleye Index Netting results indicated that the walleye population is stable but at risk. Gift Lake Settlement indicated they support this regulation to enhance stability of the walleye population. Winter fishing pressure is expected to be less than during the open water period and an increase in the bag limit will not jeopardize the population.
Whiteridge Pond (Blueridge Pit) New Stocked Waterbody Open – May 1 to Oct 31: Trout limit 1 over 40 cm, bait ban
Closed Nov 1 – Apr 30 Stocked fishery that is being managed and evaluated as a Quality Trout Fishery.
NB3
Caribou Mountains lakes (Margaret, Pitchimi, Wentzel, Semo, Caribou) Lake Trout limit 3 Lake Trout limit of 1 Recent assessment data on Margaret Lake indicates that the lake trout population is low (most likely due to overfishing in previous years). In order to facilitate recovery a bag limit of 1 lake trout is proposed for the lake and the other lakes in the area with lake trout populations. First Nation and public consultation is complete and supportive of the change.
McMillian Lake Perch limit 15 Perch limit 5 Steadily increasing angling pressure and improved vehicle access coupled with a large bag limit leaves the perch population vulnerable to growth over-fishing. A more restrictive bag limit on perch is necessary to ensure a wide range of size classes are sustained in the population.
NB4
No proposals

[Sundancefisher]

Kananaskis...looks like a compromise to try and bring up the quality size of the fish. Letting them grow to 30 cm before harvest...keeps those wanting that size to continue to harvest..while limiting harvest over 50 to allow some additional monsters to grow.

Police...well what did F&W expect. When you over stock...and delay growth...it creates an expectation that is delayed...therefore some frustration. Better control over stocking numbers will help.

[Kokanee9]

Thanks for putting the info up.

[slivers86]

Originally Posted by Sundancefisher

Kananaskis...looks like a compromise to try and bring up the quality size of the fish. Letting them grow to 30 cm before harvest...keeps those wanting that size to continue to harvest..while limiting harvest over 50 to allow some additional monsters to grow.

Police...well what did F&W expect. When you over stock...and delay growth...it creates an expectation that is delayed...therefore some frustration. Better control over stocking numbers will help.

couldn't agree more with you sundance.

thanks for posting this information.

[Kim473]

Why don't they just close all the lakes completly? Not gonna be worth the $ to make a trip out anywheres. N. Buck perch down to 10. Last winter I did'nt catch any there but the camera showed hundreds around the hooks. Looks like next winter it will be Calling lake every outting, 3 eyes.

[Jimboy]

Originally Posted by Kim473

Why don't they just close all the lakes completly? Not gonna be worth the $ to make a trip out anywheres. N. Buck perch down to 10. Last winter I did'nt catch any there but the camera showed hundreds around the hooks. Looks like next winter it will be Calling lake every outting, 3 eyes.

Agrees , l go fishing to catch fish for supper , not to kissum

[walking buffalo]

PP2
General burbot regulation Variable burbot limits 1-10; season closures Burbot limit 0 Feb 1 – Mar 31 Burbot numbers have declined dramatically and most populations are in a collapsed state. This conservation regulation will protect burbot when they are spawning and are the most vulnerable to harvest.

Will there be a commercial fishing closure during the burbot spawn?

What's the point in limiting Recreational Anglers who will eat burbot while commercial operations continue to let tonnes of burbot rot.

Burbot will not recover through reduced recreational limits if the commercial slaughter and waste continues. .

[ADIDAFish]

Originally Posted by Sundancefisher

Kananaskis...looks like a compromise to try and bring up the quality size of the fish. Letting them grow to 30 cm before harvest...keeps those wanting that size to continue to harvest..while limiting harvest over 50 to allow some additional monsters to grow.

Police...well what did F&W expect. When you over stock...and delay growth...it creates an expectation that is delayed...therefore some frustration. Better control over stocking numbers will help.

Hey Sundance,

Looking at this post, it looks like it first restates the current regulation and then says the proposed regulation, meaning that in Upper and Lower K. there would be a limit of 1 over 50cm. Also, 1 pike at Clear and so on. I'm really excited about these reg changes. It will give a chance for some of the pike lakes to rebound and it might be worth the drive again. I'm looking forward to catching some big cutties at the K lakes! The last time I went, between 3 of us we caught one so I'm also looking forward to a higher catch rate.

[DarkAisling]

What's this "Kids Can Katch" thing? Sounds cool.

[ADIDAFish]

Originally Posted by DarkAisling

What's this "Kids Can Katch" thing? Sounds cool.

I saw them building the pond at the Bow River Habitat centre that last time I went. It will be a cool place to take my daughters. It's a good idea.

[Sundancefisher]

Originally Posted by ADIDAFish

Hey Sundance,

Looking at this post, it looks like it first restates the current regulation and then says the proposed regulation, meaning that in Upper and Lower K. there would be a limit of 1 over 50cm. Also, 1 pike at Clear and so on. I'm really excited about these reg changes. It will give a chance for some of the pike lakes to rebound and it might be worth the drive again. I'm looking forward to catching some big cutties at the K lakes! The last time I went, between 3 of us we caught one so I'm also looking forward to a higher catch rate.

Cool. I read it differently. It was 3 over 30 cm before. Now 1 over 20 inches. Sweet. I can hardly wait till the size range goes up!

[HunterDave]

At first glance, with a few exceptions, it sounds like the common theme throughout the proposal is to reduce limits, increase the keep sizes and make the no keep dates longer.



I would have liked to see a keep limit introduced for pike in Lac Ste Anne.

Regarding burbot in Lac Ste Anne "Considerable interest/harvest from anglers" and Lac Lanonne "evidence of considerable interest/harvest from anglers".

Really?

[Sundancefisher]

Originally Posted by HunterDave

At first glance, with a few exceptions, it sounds like the common theme throughout the proposal is to reduce limits, increase the keep sizes and make the no keep dates longer.



I would have liked to see a keep limit introduced for pike in Lac Ste Anne.

Regarding burbot in Lac Ste Anne "Considerable interest/harvest from anglers" and Lac Lanonne "evidence of considerable interest/harvest from anglers".

Really?

What is the current reason for no harvest of Pike in Lac St Anne? Is there a study done on pike population here? What would you suggest? I loved fishing that lake so it is sad it is having problems.

I suspect the general theme about increasing sizes in natural water is to allow replenishment of the species through natural reproduction. Lower limits due to ever increasing angling pressure and longer catch and release dates to protect spawners as the season lengths change with climate change.

[Gust]

I thought it was great that Burbot got a limit put on them but that should have been lowered by half,, but it's great to see that it's inching up the respect ruler.

[HunterDave]

Originally Posted by Sundancefisher

What is the current reason for no harvest of Pike in Lac St Anne? Is there a study done on pike population here? What would you suggest? I loved fishing that lake so it is sad it is having problems.

I have no idea why there is no limit on pike in Lac Ste Anne nor have I checked any studies about it. I do know that there appears to be plenty of them in there though, and some very big ones as well. There doesn't seem to be any problem in the lake with the number of pike as far as I'm concerned but I have nothing but firsthand experience to back it up. Instead of netting, etc maybe a more scientific approach would be for the scientists to send 10 anglers out on the lake to fish for them and come back and report what they caught.

[chubbdarter]

Originally Posted by HunterDave

I have no idea why there is no limit on pike in Lac Ste Anne nor have I checked any studies about it. I do know that there appears to be plenty of them in there though, and some very big ones as well. There doesn't seem to be any problem in the lake with the number of pike as far as I'm concerned but I have nothing but firsthand experience to back it up. Instead of netting, etc maybe a more scientific approach would be for the scientists to send 10 anglers out on the lake to fish for them and come back and report what they caught.

Dave from what ive been told....SRD does random netting and nets can and are sometimes set in areas that may not contain high volumnes of the targetted species.

[HunterDave]

Originally Posted by chubbdarter

Dave from what ive been told....SRD does random netting and nets can and are sometimes set in areas that may not contain high volumnes of the targetted species.

I believe that. Putting nets out in open water when the pike are in the weeds probably won't give you an accurate indication of how many are in there. I'm sure that they know what they're doing though.

[Sundancefisher]

Originally Posted by HunterDave

I have no idea why there is no limit on pike in Lac Ste Anne nor have I checked any studies about it. I do know that there appears to be plenty of them in there though, and some very big ones as well. There doesn't seem to be any problem in the lake with the number of pike as far as I'm concerned but I have nothing but firsthand experience to back it up. Instead of netting, etc maybe a more scientific approach would be for the scientists to send 10 anglers out on the lake to fish for them and come back and report what they caught.

Do they still commercial fish it? If so...there must be reams of historical catch data to show population trends.

[HunterDave]

Originally Posted by Sundancefisher

Do they still commercial fish it? If so...there must be reams of historical catch data to show population trends.

Not commercially that I know of and I don't think that the natives on the reserve there do either. The only nets that I have ever seen or heard about are the ones that SRD use.......last spring for example.

[chubbdarter]

First Thank you TM for posting this info
Second can i ask how you obtained the data.

Thirdly and with respect- not directed at the OP.

Im confussed at the process of regulation changes to AB water ways. Not long ago several of us attended a meeting about purposed changes to waters in our area.
My opening question to Terry Clayton was.....what is the process in how a meeting like this is annouced to the public, we all found out about the meeting from Blackdog on AO?
The answer i got was.....yes it was annouced on AO
After some discussion we never were told who blackdog was or is.
My second question was.....are the issues on the sheet we recieved open for discussion or are you just annoucing what is already written in stone?
The answer i got was.....no im here to annouce these are the changes but we can discuss possible changes for 2013.

Now to the meat of the subject.
These changes that TM has posted are different than what was presented to us at the meeting. I must agree some are for the better and are welcome. Many of the changes appear to be from the discussion at the meeting we attended. My concern is why the confussion in the process. I would like a clear and precise guidline on how this all works.

We were also advised the netting test done in Travers was less than good but those results were not yet complete and just recently were told not available to us yet. Although im for the changes....how did SRD come to this conclusion without a completed file?

I would like a better way to inform the anglers of important meetings, so meetings arent attended by 8 people. More notice and more info on its adgenda. Im not complaining about blackdog or troutmountain, my beef is with SRD's process.

The claresholm meeting was slightly tainted with mystery and not so good thoughts. The way it was annouced and the location choice made several people who attended...think it was done as to attract as few people as possible yet conform to the rules.

Those are the main issues i have, I will draft a letter to srd soon and hopefully get some answers.

[Sundancefisher]

Originally Posted by HunterDave

Not commercially that I know of and I don't think that the natives on the reserve there do either. The only nets that I have ever seen or heard about are the ones that SRD use.......last spring for example.

So...do you know of any place on the web that lists current commercial fishing allowed lakes?

Just curious. I think it is fair to know...as commercial fishermen know our regs.

[chubbdarter]

Originally Posted by Sundancefisher

So...do you know of any place on the web that lists current commercial fishing allowed lakes?

Just curious. I think it is fair to know...as commercial fishermen know our regs.

If your willing to dig a bit.....its public info lakes and dates.
I just got off the phone with someone who obtained the info you want but it took him alot of emails last year

[HunterDave]

Originally Posted by Sundancefisher

So...do you know of any place on the web that lists current commercial fishing allowed lakes?

Just curious. I think it is fair to know...as commercial fishermen know our regs.

No I don't. Where are you going with this?

[Eddy62]

Originally Posted by chubbdarter

First Thank you TM for posting this info
Second can i ask how you obtained the data.

Thirdly and with respect- not directed at the OP.

Im confussed at the process of regulation changes to AB water ways. Not long ago several of us attended a meeting about purposed changes to waters in our area.
My opening question to Terry Clayton was.....what is the process in how a meeting like this is annouced to the public, we all found out about the meeting from Blackdog on AO?
The answer i got was.....yes it was annouced on AO
After some discussion we never were told who blackdog was or is.
My second question was.....are the issues on the sheet we recieved open for discussion or are you just annoucing what is already written in stone?
The answer i got was.....no im here to annouce these are the changes but we can discuss possible changes for 2013.

Now to the meat of the subject.
These changes that TM has posted are different than what was presented to us at the meeting. I must agree some are for the better and are welcome. Many of the changes appear to be from the discussion at the meeting we attended. My concern is why the confussion in the process. I would like a clear and precise guidline on how this all works.

We were also advised the netting test done in Travers was less than good but those results were not yet complete and just recently were told not available to us yet. Although im for the changes....how did SRD come to this conclusion without a completed file?

I would like a better way to inform the anglers of important meetings, so meetings arent attended by 8 people. More notice and more info on its adgenda. Im not complaining about blackdog or troutmountain, my beef is with SRD's process.

The claresholm meeting was slightly tainted with mystery and not so good thoughts. The way it was annouced and the location choice made several people who attended...think it was done as to attract as few people as possible yet conform to the rules.

Those are the main issues i have, I will draft a letter to srd soon and hopefully get some answers.

txs chubb from all and me for always contributing your knowledge and hard work,,,, cheers

[Daceminnow]

Originally Posted by HunterDave

Not commercially that I know of and I don't think that the natives on the reserve there do either. The only nets that I have ever seen or heard about are the ones that SRD use.......last spring for example.

dave,

i know of a guy that lives at alberta beach that has been netting st.anne and selling whites for the past few seasons. to my knowledge there is some still going on.

Dace

[HunterDave]

Originally Posted by Daceminnow

i know of a guy that lives at alberta beach that has been netting st.anne and selling whites for the past few seasons. to my knowledge there is some still going on.

I still don't understand what commercial fishing has to do with anything?

[whitetail Junkie]

#1 Pine coulee is polluted with starving,\dink walleye...Time to flush some out and allow a 3 fish\per day any size limit!!!

#2 Newell lake is polluted with walleye allow a one fish per day limit,slot size limit.

#3 Forty mile lake has gone down hill bad,catch and release only!

JMO...but I'm sure the Government knows how to run the fishery more efficiently than us anglers.....

[whitetail Junkie]

Originally Posted by walking buffalo

Will there be a commercial fishing closure during the burbot spawn?

What's the point in limiting Recreational Anglers who will eat burbot while commercial operations continue to let tonnes of burbot rot.

Burbot will not recover through reduced recreational limits if the commercial slaughter and waste continues. .

I have to agree to disagree on this one my buffalo friend!I did see the thread with the rotting burbot caught and left by the commercial fisherman.I'm guess it was in northern alberta somewhere? eitherway it was bad.

My uncle is a commercial fisherman and after many years of pulling nets,he is lucky to catch one burbot every year in southern alberta.He does about 12 lakes per year...

[Gust]

This is from 2008 if you didn't find it and if you scroll down on this page you might find more info;

http://www.srd.alberta.ca/FishWildli...ote-Jul-08.pdf

http://www.srd.alberta.ca/FishWildli...oundtable.aspx

[Sundancefisher]

Originally Posted by chubbdarter

If your willing to dig a bit.....its public info lakes and dates.
I just got off the phone with someone who obtained the info you want but it took him alot of emails last year

Crazy don't you think... Why should that not be public. It is our fishery and if you are not open about it...that bothers me. I would love to know how many lakes...how many fish...value of fish on the market...all in a nice spreadsheet.

When you make public information difficult to obtain...it is bad politics.

I also would love to see the government track total licences by category...revenue and provincial F&W budget stats over the last as many years as possible. I asked...and was refused the info.