News Release Archive
FISHERIES--WINTER SPORTFISHERY
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Fisheries Minister Jim Barkhouse has announced the opening
of two new winter sportfishing areas in the province, and
the reopening of rainbow trout fishing in the Bras d'Or
Lakes.
For the first time, Cameron and Gillis Lakes in Pineville,
Antigonish County, will open for rainbow trout fishing. The
season runs from Jan. 1 to March 31, 1996. Anglers are
allowed to keep two trout per day.
Anglers will also be able to fish chain pickerel for the
first time on Seth, Bonaventure and Eel Lakes, located near
Meteghan, Digby County. The season will open January 15 and
run until Feb. 29. There is no bag limit for this species.
Mr. Barkhouse said that the department has decided to reopen
a winter fishery for rainbow trout in the Bras d'Or Lakes
following an evaluation of last year's pilot project. The
season will run from Jan. 1 to March 31, 1996. The daily bag
limit is two fish.
Anglers will be able to fish the Bras d'Or Lakes, Great Bras
d'Or Lake, St. Patrick's Channel, St. Andrew's Channel, and
Sydney River (between the dam and a line drawn between Point
Edward and Liscomb Point).
Trout anglers should note that two areas are closed: the
area inside the East Bay sand bar and the areas above the
Baddeck River highway bridge on Highway 105. "This action
has been taken to protect brook trout populations," said the
minister.
"We learned a good deal from last year's winter sportfishing
project in the Bras d'Or. There was good participation from
anglers, and we are pleased to offer them the same
opportunity this year," he said.
The minister noted that the winter angling seasons were
developed through consultation with the federal Department
of Fisheries and Oceans, the Cape Breton Sport Fishing
Advisory Committee, and the provincial Recreational Fishery
Advisory Councils. "We depend on input from our federal
counterpart and user groups to ensure that anglers can enjoy
their sport and that stocks are protected."
Mr. Barkhouse also pointed out that angling is a popular
outdoor activity for Nova Scotians and visitors to the
province. "The fishery helps the economy in many rural
communities. Anglers spend money on everything from fishing
line and hooks to accommodations and food. It helps a lot of
small businesses in these rural communities especially
during the winter months."
The minister urged anglers to exercise caution while fishing
and to ensure ice conditions are safe. He also urged fishing
enthusiasts to abide by regulations to do their part in
keeping the environment clean. "If you pack it in, pack it
out," he said.
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Contact: Murray Hill 902-485-7021
Diane Kenny 902-424-0308
trp Jan. 02, 1996
