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Young anglers time to get trout heads in the KLAIP game

Contributor
By Contributor
July 20th, 2021

The first Kootenay Lake Angler Incentive Program (KLAIP) for younger anglers is happening very soon, so kids are encouraged to get their trout heads in the game.

Kids must submit their rainbow or bull trout heads to one of four local depots by the end of July to participate in the August 1, 2021 draw. 

The youth KLAIP is running for the summer. By fishing for rainbow and bull trout in the main body of Kootenay Lake, kids 15 and under are actively contributing to local conservation efforts to protect the iconic kokanee. 

So far there are 30+ age-appropriate kids’ prizes, like kayaks, fishing rods and zipline adventure packets to be divided between the two kids’ prize draws – one on August 1 and one on October 1. 

Encouraging anglers of all ages to catch and retain Kootenay Lake trout gives the juvenile kokanee a chance to grow. The rainbow and bull trout are suppressing the survival of the kokanee, the primary food source of these predators.  

 In the first year of the program, more than 11,000 rainbow and bull trout heads were submitted, greatly assisting juvenile kokanee recovery in Kootenay Lake.  

 “This program reduced rainbow trout and bull trout abundance faster than any other recovery action implemented to date . . .,” said Molly Teather, Fish Biologist, Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations, and Rural Development B.C. 

“We anticipate this last year has made significant steps towards the goal of recovering kokanee and the Kootenay Lake trophy trout fishery.” 

As well as promoting local conservation and healthy outdoor family fun, the Kootenay Lake Angler Incentive Program has supported local businesses in a tough year. 

Cam Muir of Crawford Bay Market, one of the four depots storing trout heads for the program, said that the Kootenay Lake Angler Incentive Program has been great economically-the program increased their business as fishers learned that Crawford Bay Market offers gas in addition to everything else offered in the store. 

The KLAIP is managed by the local West Arm Outdoors Club with support from B.C. Wildlife Federation, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNORD), Jones Boys Boats of Woodbury Creek and several local merchants from around Kootenay Lake. 

More information on the Kootenay Lake Angler Incentive Program: https://bcwf.bc.ca/kootenay-lake-angler-incentive-program/   

About the B.C. Wildlife Federation:  

The B.C. Wildlife Federation is British Columbia’s leading conservation organization. As a province-wide member-driven charitable organization, with over 43,000 members and more than 100 member clubs, our organization represents the interests of all British Columbians who aim to protect, enhance, and promote the wise use of the environment for the benefit of present and future generations.  

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