Fish Handling
When fishing in the Fernie area, please practice sustainable, catch and release techniques.
Sustainable Fishing Practices: What's Best for Anglers and Fish
Barbed hooks are illegal and drastically increase the negative impacts of fishing. Buy single barbless hooks only, or de-barb hooks with pliers/forceps.
Make sure your hands or gloves are wet before touching the fish. This helps keep the protective mucous layer on the fish.
Using a net with rubber weave reduces stress on the fish.
Research shows that exhausted and stressed fish have higher mortality rates with increased air exposure.
Never throw a fish back. Hold one hand on the tail and the other under the belly. Hold the fish underwater, facing upstream, and wait until it swims away.
If the fish hook is too deep to remove it safely, snip the line and put the fish back.
Have your camera and ruler ready to take a picture to reduce handling time. Make sure fish stay in the water.
Fishing season on local rivers goes from June 15 until March 31, please respect the seasonal closure as well as any temporary ones that may arise.