Effective 4/1/12 (now): New Skeena Regulations

We've been a bit remiss on an update here.  In short, there are B.C. resident and non-resident variences. For U.S. based Skeena lovers, here's some language that you'll be interested in:

Options for non-Canadians during Restricted Times and Zones

As a result of regulation changes to steelhead fishing in the Skeena Region, nonCanadian anglers are subject to restrictions that did not formerly exist. These restrictions generally occur on weekends during Canadian resident-only times and zones, meaning that non-Canadian anglers are able to fish for five days a week on most rivers. During off days, visiting anglers are encouraged to take a look around at all the region offers. There are many opportunities to continue river fishing, go lakefishing or partake in regional activities of interest. The following information is intended to help by providing ideas on things to do.

River Fishing

In the Skeena watershed, there are a number of steelhead fishing opportunities where non-Canadian anglers can fish seven days a week without restriction (see map on page 8). For example, the Skeena River can be fished seven days a week with the exception of the two zones identified by Map 4 and 5 (see page 9). The many Skeena River tributaries below Terrace are also open seven days, including the Exstew, Zymagotitz, Exchamsiks, Ecstall, Gitnadoix, Kasiks and Khyex rivers. For anglers in the Terrace area, the Kitsumkalum River is open on Saturdays from Glacier Creek to its confluence with the Skeena River as well. Anglers looking for alternate fishing options may want to consider the Nass watershed. It offers fall steelhead fishing opportunities and a Classified Waters license is not required.

A complete synopsis of all the new regs. (PDF)

Skeena Steelhead Rules to Change

Earlier this year, it looked like changes wouldn't be introduced until at least 2013, but they're now set to take effect next spring.

A news release says, as of April 1st, 2012, river classification changes will hike fees for non-resident Canadian and foreign anglers, and classified waters licences and steelhead conservation stamps will be required through more of the season.

LINK (Via: CFTK-TV Terrace)

Skeena steelhead regulations to stay the same for time being

That whole Quality Waters fiasco up in BC has been put on hold for the time being.

LINK

Skeena Quality Waters? - The Ministry has Spoken

This will be the last year for non-resident, non-guided anglers to fish without restrictions on some of the planet's best steelhead water.

All Non-Resident Non-Guided Alien Anglers [NRNGAA] will be restricted to fishing only on Monday to Friday from Sept. 1-Oct. 31 on the Morice, Bulkley, Suskwa, Babine, Kispiox Rivers. On the Zymoetz [Copper] River, NRNGAA will be restricted to fishing on Monday-Thursday from July 24-May 31 in both the Class 1 and Class 2 waters. On the Skeena, 1 section around the Kispiox and another upstream from the Zymoetz will be restricted to fishing on on Monday-Friday.

From the Ministry:

This document presents final recommendations of the Working Groups for Skeena Angling Management Plans and the response from the Ministry of Environment. The ministry response indicates which recommendations were endorsed, those that were not endorsed, and those which were deferred for consideration in the future. The rationale for these decisions is also presented. The ministry response document brings to a close the extensive consultation process as part of the Skeena Quality Waters Strategy.

To view the response (PDF), visit  http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/skeena/qws/