Due to ongoing public pressure from various interest groups, the stocking strategy for
Lafarge Lake has been revised and newly developed plans are in effect immediately.
Currently, the
Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC stocks several thousand Fraser Valley rainbow trout at catchable sizes (250g to 500g) between March and June (
see stocking database). After conducting creel surveys since fall 2008, angling success appears to be relatively low. Young shoreline fly anglers have done well over the seasons, by landing 20 to 40 fish per outing, while less seasoned anglers average one or no fish per outing.
To improve this catch per angling effort ratio, a trial stocking program will introduce several new species to Lafarge Lake. These species, including goldfish, koi and channel catfish, are known to take bait more readily, therefore they are more suitable for entry-level anglers.
Large koi (2,000 fish) and channel catfish (500 fish) in the 5 to 10lb range will be introduced. These are at catchable sizes, therefore anglers can enjoy them immediately. 5,000 goldfish at 5 to 10g size range will be stocked. These juvenile specimen will spend up to two years to reach their adult phase, which can be enjoyed by anglers who prefer their unique taste in soup or steamed pot.
Biologists believe these three species will cater the wide diversity of anglers who utilize Lafarge Lake, which is part of the Fish in the City program. Channel catfish are widely targeted by anglers in US, koi are the preferred species in Asia while goldfish are often targeted in Europe by coarse anglers. By combining the four species in one lake, it effectively represents British Columbia's multiculturalism.
Due to their foreign species status, there are currently no legal size limit and daily quota for all three species. That being said, this management strategy will be revised on a regular basis to ensure the stock remains at a level that can sustain this growing urban angling effort. Please remember, the current daily quota of four trout is still in effect. Current freshwater fishing regulations can be found on
this page.
If becoming successful, this program can eventually be expanded to other lakes in Region two and possibly at urban lakes in other regions across British Columbia.
Juvenile goldfish, ready to be stocked on April 1st, 2009
Koi
Channel catfish
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Topic: New lafarge lake stocking strategy, in effect immediately (Read 7636 times)