Since 2015, the section of the river from Revelstoke Dam to the power line crossing approximately 300 metres upstream of the Illecillewaet River confluence has been closed to fishing. This area of the river is along the banks of the City of Revelstoke.
The change means fishing from the shoreline in Centennial Park or along the Big Eddy Greenbelt is prohibited.
However, there is a proposal to reopen that section of river.
READ MORE: To fish or not to fish: proposal to reopen Revelstoke Reach to angling
Prior to 2015, this section was open to angling. The proposal says that the area was closed based on the Revelstoke Rod and Gun club concerns for excess bull trout harvesting, compliance and enforcement as there is no conservation officer in Revelstoke.
READ MORE: New fishing regulations in effect for Revelstoke area
George Buhler, the current President of Revelstoke Rod and Gun Club confirms that the club did have some concerns at the time.
“There was some illegal fishing going on. Particularly in the spawning season,” says Buhler.
Of particular worry, says Buhler was Dolly Varden trout. Lake Revelstoke has held a world record for Dolly Varden at over 25 pounds.
Buhler says the club originally suggested that angling along that section of river be closed during spawning season, such as July, August and September.
However, the area became closed year round.
Buhler says the club supports this new proposal.
“As long as it’s well posted everywhere what the fishing regulations are and a suggestion of catch and release for Dolly Varden.”
Current regulations include a daily quota of two trout/char and no bull trout under 60 cm and only one bull trout over 60 cm. Only single barbless hooks can be used.
Public feedback on the proposal closed Jan. 11th: https://apps.nrs.gov.bc.ca/ahte/content/re-open-revelstoke-reach-columbia-river-angling?fbclid=IwAR1pWPaHdilaDVJEPdazFtuPmgtMT4gb8uYDoQFiZekVPloAfNt96OCFIGY
The Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development say they will release an update on the proposal sometime later this year.
