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Ice-Fishing Update

Despite a warm start to winter, many Interior lakes now have enough ice to be safe for ice-fishing. Plenty of anglers have been getting out there to enjoy this unique and family-friendly activity. 
 
What gear do you need to get started? At the minimum, an ice-fishing rod or short spinning rod; tackle; an ice auger for creating a hole in the ice; and warm clothes. Nice-to-have items include a chair; ice shelter fishing tent; and sled for transporting gear across the ice. For some fantastic how-to tips about ice-fishing for brook and rainbow trout as well as kokanee, check out this blog post from Brian Chan. 
 
Wondering where to go ice-fishing? Many lakes are accessible during winter where you can catch trout, char, kokanee, and other species. Check our Where-to-Fish map for ideas on stocked lakes near you. Thousands of unstocked lakes in the province have great fishing, too – use the resources in this post to learn what species are present in these lakes. To get an idea whether a lake has enough ice cover to fish safely, consider its elevation, and consistency of below-freezing temperatures in the past few weeks. Online forums and local fishing clubs can be excellent sources of information on local conditions. Research your route in advance, but remember that some roads will not be plowed. Check the Freshwater Fishing Regulations for any closures or restrictions on any water body you intend to visit.
 
Stay safe. Tell someone where you are going. Make sure that the ice is at least 10 centimetres (four inches) thick before venturing out. Be respectful of other anglers, and mindful of the COVID-19 pandemic – continue to practice safe distancing, and abide by the recommendations and restrictions of the Provincial Health Officer.
Responsible Fishing: A Guide to Angler Etiquette

We are fortunate in British Columbia to have world-class freshwater fishing, but it needs our help to remain that way. Consideration toward other anglers, and respect for the fisheries resource, are principles of good angler etiquette that can create and maintain a responsible freshwater angling community in B.C.
 
On the blog, we list guidelines every angler should keep in mind when fishing.
Have Your Say

The Fish and Wildlife Branch of the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development is inviting public feedback on a number of proposed changes to the freshwater fishing regulations. 
 
The full list of proposed changes is available on the Angling, Hunting and Trapping Public Engagement website. The deadline for submitting feedback closes on January 24, 2021. Anglers will need to log in with their BCeID account to provide feedback.
 
Questions? Contact the Fish and Wildlife Branch.
B.C. Angler Resources
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