Dave H
I’m sorry to have ruffled your feathers with my other note. My appologies. Back in those days I do remember another angler with the initials D.B. who identified himself as a member of the said group. We talked for a bit one day exchanging feelings about jet boats and me guiding there. He explained that he and his friends were totally against roe, jets and guiding. He said felt that the river was too small of a resource to allow commercial activities and that there motions were nothing personal. He did make some sense. Anyways, It was late the other night, I was a little burned and emotional as I had just finished reading these proposal responses:
To whom it may concern
CONGRATULATIONS on the proposed modifications to the current steelhead fishing regulations. After years of diminished opportunity and lack of vision someone has finally come up with some COMMON SENSE changes with the AVERAGE RECREATIONAL ANGLER IN MIND!!!!!!!! I will give feedback on the proposals that I am familiar with and I think it is important to give a background of my experiences and knowledge as a current steelhead angler, former guide, former broodstocker, always fanatic.
After suffering through the dark ages of reduced opportunity and an increasingly skewed playing field (guides, jetboats, decreased access, blanket closures, gear restrictions) it is very refreshing and encouraging to see proposals designed to help enhance population concerns while simultaneously addressing the increasing frustration of dwindling numbers of recreational anglers, especially weekend bank anglers such as myself. If these proposals are endorsed you may even see some displaced anglers return to angling as well as hang on to the anglers already in place, otherwise I fear the trend of decreasing participation will continue.
It has been very frustrating watching measures on the Stamp be put in place that entrenched the "rights" of a select few (but well connected) guides, while simultaneously ignoring the growth of the phony "assistant guide" phenomenon allowing the "locals" with the resources to "test fish" using restricted equipment with impunity while excluding everyone else from this same opportunity. The previous leadership overseeing steelhead management did an admirable job with respect to habitat and to a lesser extent conservation measures but stubbornly refused to take any responsibility whatsoever over their mandate to maintain equitable access and quality angling opportunities for all anglers. This "head in the sand approach" ignoring the angling experience itself, particularly on the Stamp and to a lesser extent on the Cowichan and Gold is, in my opinion, largely responsible for where we are and why so many people have quit steelheading. Blanket closures, guides, phony assistant jet boat guides fishing with their buddies and decreasing public access have made it more and more difficult for the average recreational angler to get out and enjoy a quality day of fishing on the river. I used to fish with 12 other "fanatical fishing partners", there are now only 3 that still buy a license, the rest have quit in disgust and those of us that still fish are only fishing a fraction of what we used to.
Having fished steelhead on Vancouver Island since I was 16 years old (for the past 29 years) it saddens me to see how few opportunities are now available to the average recreational steelhead angler on Vancouver Island. As a result of my keen interest in steelhead fishing I used to fish from July to May on various streams on the island. Island streams that I fished on an annual basis included the Cowichan, Chemainus, Nanaimo, Englishman, Little Qualicum, Big Qualicum, Gold, Salmon, and the Stamp Somass system. Others that I fished periodically included the Sooke, San Juan, Harris, Nitnat, Kokisilah, Ash, Heber, Quinsum, Oyster, Puntledge, Campbell, Adam, Eve, Nimpkish, Cluxuwe, Kokish, Marble, Toquart, French and Haslam creeks. On the mainland I have fished the Thompson, Seymour, Squamish, Chekamas, Veddar, Bulkley, Morice, Susquaw, Copper, Kispiox, Kalum, Lakelse, Fraser, Skeen
Kitimat, and Gitnadoix rivers. Vancouver Island used to be a steelhead mecca with opportunities throughout. I am now reduced to fish for Steelhead from December to March on 3 Van Isle rivers, predominantly the Cowichan with on occasional trip to the Stamp and Nimpkish and recently the Nanaimo.
As you can see I have been around, chasing steelhead in over 46 watersheds in British Columbia. I guided steelhead on the island for 3 years (in the mid 1980's), was involved in the broodstock capture program on the Nanaimo River as a volunteer and was subsequently hired by the Ministry of Environment to capture brood stock throughout Vancouver Island (mid to late 1980's) and continue to be an avid recreational angler as time and opportunity permit. I have witnessed first hand the degradation of habitat, questionable expansion of fish farms, results from decreased ocean survival, decline in recreational angler participation and the intensifying of guide pressure on the few remaining viable populations of steelhead. I would like to think that I have a broad base of knowledge and considerable experience to draw upon when commenting on the proposed regulation changes.
The rationale accompanying the proposals is solid and is a very good summary and with this in mind I FULLY ENDORSE ALL OF THE PROPOSALS as presented with only two suggestions for modifications.
-the proposed fly only area above Skutz falls be open to all gear types RATIONALE
-to help spread pressure on the river
-provide opportunity above the clay banks in high water
-it is not very good fly water even in low flow situations
-the stamp proposal go through as presented or ideally extended downriver to the rifle range
-eliminate or reduce "assistant guide privileges" RATIONALE
-almost no access to shore angling below the rifle range
-increase quality of angling experience for shore anglers
-increase number of anglers on stamp river
-guides can still fish after they get out of the boat
-guide etiquette poor when not confronted face to face on the bank
-guides very aggressive in fishing water occupied by shore anglers
-mid river boon dogging very aggravating to listen to all day
-guides already have huge equipment advantage in the rest of the river
-guides have access to vast amounts of water inaccessible to shore anglers
-phony assistant guides are the predominant users of this portion of the river "test fishing" with their buddies
-guides take disproportionate amount of fish already
Murphy bragging about catching 1500 fish one season
-guides race to occupy water other anglers are heading to
-guides never accessed the upper portion until recently
-guide pressure above falls increases pressure on wild fish
-guides already had closure reduced by one month above the ash
-guides pound summer runs holding at hatchery area
-guides catch and release many fish making them harder to catch
-public hatchery paid for by all and used by select few
-guides responsible for boat access closed atp22 ——[place
Thank you for looking at the current regulations for areas that can be revised to allow for more access to our rivers. I look forward to the outcome of these proposals and am looking forward to next steelhead season.
Sincerely ^
Dolighan. Randy ENV:EX
From: p22 |
Sent: Tue, July 25, 2006 3:22 PM
To: Fishreg Review ENV:EX
Subject: Steelhead Sport Fishing Regulation Proposals
My comments re regulation proposals: Total bait ban on Vancouver Island. PERIOD.
Cowichan System 1 thru 5 - Agree
Englishman R. - Great proposal
Gold R. Introduce boat ban. Limited pressure does not warrant closure above Heber R. Consider total closure after April 1 to July
Haslam Ck. - Agree Little Qualicum R. - Agree Nanaimo R. - Agree
Oyster R. - Agree Puntledge R. - Agree Quatse R. - Agree Quinsam R. - Agree
Stamp R.
The Stamp/Somass System is a disaster!! The Stamp R. offers the worst Steelhead fishing experience in B.C. BAN MOTORS AND BAIT!! Curtail the" Murphy Monopoly".
If federal legislation restricts boat bans than safety issues should be introduced. Irregardless motorized boats should be restricted to below the gun club. Bait should be
banned throughout the system. If there is a surplus of fish transport them back downstream as the hatchery does in the Vedder/Chilliwack R. system. Bait is not the solution.
The stretch of water between the gun club and bucket(Gir) Guide Falls) offers an accessible unrestricted fly fishing opportunity.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to respond to the regulation proposals. Regards,
| Director BCFDF (Island Chapter) Castaways Fly Fishing Club Coast Steelheaders
Hooton, Bob ENV:EX
From: Hooton, Bob ENV:EX on behalf of Fishreg Review ENV:EX Sent: Thu, May 1 8, 2006 8:54 AM
__
To:
Subject: RE: Vane Island Proposed Regulation changes. My thoughts,^"
From:
Sent: Wed, May 17, 2006 10:01 PM To: Fishreg Review ENV:EX
Subject: r-w: vane isiana proposed Regulation changes. My thoughts
My thoughts are centered on the 3 major rivers.
GOLD RIVER - great proposal. Give the fish a safe haven Dec-May.
STAMP RIVER - anything to do with less/no motors on the river is welcome. The bait proposal seems to give the feeling that too much hatchery influence is present and may be affecting wild steelhead. I am assuming the wild fish transit through the Girl Guide- Stamp falls Park area quickly. Your guidance is trusted here. BAIT must only be used to target hatchery fish, or progeny of hatchery steelhead. PLEASE EXTEND ENGINE BAN INTO THE MONEY POOL and ASH CONFLUENCE AREAS. There is no reason for a boat to go upriver. However considerate a jetboat driver may be does not compensate for the noise and disturbance a jetboat makes. This activity directly leads to less enjoyable fishing , and less people on the river.
COWICHAN RIVER.
I applaude the extension of the flyfishing zone to Skutz falls and Greendale trestle, and a closed season on the river
above 70.2 mile trestle from Dec-April. This will protect the steelhead and trout populations. The bait ban all year is a tremendous step for conservation of fish in the Cowichan River. I assume this extends up to the weir in Lake Cowichan.
The proposal obviously has had a lot of thought put towards the protection of steelhead. Thanks to the Ministry Staff for placing fish ahead of political forces that may exist.
Please acknowledge receipt of my comments by email. Sincerely,
Doliqhan, Randy ENV:EX
From: _______________
Sent: Sat, May 6, 2UU6 b: l b AM
To: Fishreg Review ENV:EX
Subject: Steelhead proposed regulations
Dear Sir/Sir
I am writing in response to your call for input on proposed regulation changes for streams in Region 1. In particular I would like to address your proposals for the Gold River. If I am reading your intent correctly then I believe that the proposals for the management of the Gold are twofold, one is to reduce the number of Steelhead hooked repeatedly (often by the guiding community) and to protect Steelhead during thier spawning time. I am both appreciative and respectful of these intents and agree that both issues should be tackled. However, I believe that there may be less restrictive measures than total closures to effect the same results and keep angling oppourtunites open for anglers both guided and local .
I have watched over the last ten years as the guiding community has taken to the tactic of keeping thier sports in boats while angling. This practice has served guides in keeping thier clients from getting wet more often but in addition it has certainly increased thier number of hook ups with Steelhead in two ways. Firstly, this practice has allowed guides to cover more ground and ground not covered by shore anglers; and secondly it has opened the door to backtrolling with plugs which is a very effective method. So my recommendat 49" is to flatly ban ancflir^y ^nTn h"fltg- This has been a very ettective measure on the Thompson
River and would also be highly effective in reducing the number of fish hooked by guided parties on the Gold. There is no doubt that such a measure would profoundly reduce the number of fish hooked by guide boats.
As for protection of fish in spawning areas I would rather see The Ministry adopt gear restriction methods of management rather than total closure as this would greatly effect the guide community which is largley a gear based fishery but it would retain angling oppourtunity for the local angling community. BC residents should never have to suffer for a guide industry than is at times out of control and over bearing, and it has been long proven that once rivers have closures in effect it is a very long time indeed before those closures are
Dear sirs,
I fish the Stamp River from shore for steelhead frequently every winter and I used to fish the Englishman River quite often as wftii All I can sav as to your proposed regulations concerning these two rivers is - THANK YOU.
22 ~~~
From: Sent: To: Subject:
August 9, 2006
Fisheries Regulation Review Vancouver Island Region Ministry of Environment 2080-A Labieux Road Nanaimo, B.C. V9T 6J9
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing this letter in support of the majority of the proposed regulation changes for Steelhead Sport Fishing in the Vancouver Island Region.
Most of the facts that are given in the report by the Ministry I believe to be true and the intention to maintain a steelhead fishery with minimal impact on the steelhead justified. The proposed regulation changes would be beneficial to all. I fly fish for winter steelhead on the the Cowichan River, on a regular basis, and have personally seen a steady increase in angling pressure. In particular, the amount of guiding has visibly increased and put negative pressure on steelhead stocks. I fully support the Ministry's attempts to protect spawning steelhead in the upper reaches of the river by closing the river December 1st through April 15th. The extension of fly fishing only, from the 70.2 trestle downstream to Skutz Falls all year, would be a positive move as fly fishing only is the best conservation tool to reduce the mortality rate effect that gear fishing has on steelhead.
I fish the Stamp River for both winter and summer run steelhead. I agree with the fact that angling from a boat, either jet or drift, is a major concern on this river and fully support the Ministry's attempt to reduce the amount of pressure on the river with the proposed restrictions. I do not support the Ministry's proposal to allow the extension of the use of bait on this river or any river. However, I did support the Ministry's attempt to impose a bait ban provincially wide on all rivers in British Columbia and I believe that this issue needs to be re-visited.
I would like to propose that the Ministry spend more time and effort meeting with the various user groups to explain the rational behind these proposals and gather more information from the experience of the people that fish these rivers. I believe that there are many misconceptions surrounding these issues and that many people are being misled on what the true purpose of these proposed regulation changes are intended for. With the increasing decline in steelhead stocks on Vancouver Island and most other rivers in B.C. more effort needs to be placed on reducing the mortality rate that angling has and a stronger focus on public awareness is imperative.
P.O Box 2442 STNMain, 349 Georgia Street West, Vancouver, B.C. Canada V6B 3W7
WEBSITE
www.bcjff.ca
Fisheries Regulations Review Vancouver Island Region Ministry of Environment 2080-A Labieux Road Nanaimo, B.C. V9T 6J9
To Whom It May Concern:
The British Columbia Federation of Fly Fishers appreciates the opportunity to respond to the Angling Regulation Proposal 2007 Vancouver Island Region. Our response is listed below within a spread sheet. BCFFF is in agreement with the majority of the proposed regulation changes, with the exception of the proposed closure on the Cowichan, the proposed closure on the Gold, and the removal of the bait ban on the Stamp. The most contentious issue in the package of proposed changes is the closure on the Cowichan from Dec. 1 to Apr. 15. Our membership was extremely divided over this issue. During the discussion period many clubs and individuals focused exclusively on the Cowichan closure. Regarding the proposed closure on the Gold, we feel that angling methods designed to reduce catch efficiency should be
to have material that showed the pros and cons, as appropriate, for each proposal. If the reasoning for a proposal is made on a best assumption; we need to know that as well. We recognize that it isn't always possible to do the science needed, but the well-being of a fishery may be at stake, so it is better to err on the side of action than inaction.
We take commenting on proposals very seriously, since proposals can have a far reaching and
dramatic effect on fisheries. We welcome the opportunity to participate in the decision making
process, particularly when we have the appropriate information.
Note: "N" = BCFFF does not support the proposal; WY" = BCFFF does support the
proposal
Proposals
Upper Cow.
Cow. Fly Fishing
Cow. Fly
Cow. Bait
Cow. Catch &
GoldR. Angling
Stamp R. No angling
Stamp R. Remove
Htslam Creek
9 Rivers
(open
R.
Only
Fishing
b»n-
release
closure
from boats
bait ban
(closure)
lower)
angling
from
Only
whole
for all
upstream
(Stamp
(Stamp
closure
Greendale
(70.2 to
river;
wild
from
Falls Park
Falls Park
(weir to
trestle
Skutz
all
trout/char
HeberR.
downstream
downstream
70.2)
nearLk.
falls)
year
for all
confluence
to "Girl
to "Girl
Decl
Cowichan
reaches
(Decl to
Guide
Guide
to April
down to
of the
May 31)
Falls" -all
Falls" -all
15
70.2
river that
)
year)
year)
(April 16
are open
to Nov 30
to
inclusive).
angling
BCFFF Position
N
Y
Y
Y
Y
N
Y
N
N
Y
on each
proposal.
BCFFF
Vice President and Fisheries Chair
From: S22 ——I
Sent: Sat, June 1 /, ^uue iu:^t> AM
To: Fishreg Review ENV:EX
Subject: sport fishing regulations proposals
Minister of Environment
Chemainus River No comment
Cluxewe
Cowichan 1. O.K.
2.
3.
4.
5. Excellent idea
Gold River Do not agree with permanent closure from Heber River confluence Dec1. to May 31 .Keep closure above Muchalet confluence. Possible closure of river from Apr. 1 to May 31. with fly fishing only from Heber confluence upwards to Muchalet confluence.
Haslam River O.K. Little Q. Nanaimo River
Puntledge River No comment Quatse River O.K. Quinsam River O.K.
Stamp River All power boats should be eliminated from entire river. Bait ban all rivers !!
Try influence more anglers that steelhead are a fish comparable to Atlantic salmon and should be treated as a trophy to be caught and released to fight again and hopefully spawn again.
Yours for saving steelhead
33
0
Re: Steelhead Regulations Proposals - Vancouver Island. April 1/Q6
The Mid-Island Castaways Fly Fishing Club is a non-profit society formed in 1996 by a group of
anglers in the Parksville/Qualicum area. The Club has become the largest membership Fly
Fishing Club in British Columbia, numbering approximately 100 members. We would submit the
following proposals for Vancouver Island steeiheaci tivers.
1) Complete Bait Ban on ALL RIVERS, no Exceptions
2) No Power Boats on"""" /?,} Rarbless Hooks
4) An increase in fees for Non-Residents of B.C. Referring to your Proposals:
Chemainus River - Cluxewe River - Cowichan River - No Comment -Englishman River - Fly Fishing Only CioSjfifS-before May 31s1 -
Gold River -We feel your proposals are far too severe. We have never seen a boat fishing be tween the Gold/ Muchalat confluence and Tashis Bridge. We see no reason to close the Gold Rivnr upstream from the Hober Rivsr confluence from December 1st to May 31st for the following reasons:
a) The area is not fished heavily and takes some pressure of the lower river.
b) We see no indications that there is a great spawning area, certainly no more than the area between the Lims Campground one! Heix* wn'l'.ioow
c) Close the area above Gold/Muchalat confluence
d) Close all the river April 1st to May 31S|
HasiflRi rrpf»k - Nr. r.rsrnrnent !..Q. River - l.esve present regulations in effect
Oyster River - Closure April 1st Puntledge River - No Comment Quatse River - No Comment
Quinsan River - Closure April 1st Salmon River - Open Kay Creek to Big Tref. Stamp River/
Somass - Bait ban on entire river
- Complete ban on Powei Buaia. We feel iiiai your rccuiiimuiiduiivi; w Transport Canada wouW
receive their approval of the ban.
Tsitake River - Fly-fishing only on entire river - closure Dec 1st
Aririitinngl Rivers:
Caycuse River - Fly-fishing only; closure Dec 1st Gordon River - Fly-fishing only; Closure Dec 1st
Heber River - closure Dec 1S|
Nahmint River -"" Closure for entire river. This might eliminate rumored infractions on Upper
River during winter.
Tsitaka River - Fly Fishing only; Closure Dec 1s
We would be pleased to hear from you.
Thanking you,
Ken Fyfe President
Mid Island Castaways Fly Fishing Club
Parksvilie, B.C.
keD@fyfedrilling.com
Sincerely Yours
Does anybody think that these people helped in the forming of those proposals last summer?
Fishmyster
