Classified Waters

Ahnuhati River

Class II · MU 1-15

Class II water Apr 1-Oct 31; Steelhead Stamp mandatory Apr 1-June 30

Kakweiken River

Class II · MU 1-15

Class II water Apr 1-Oct 31; Steelhead Stamp mandatory Apr 1-June 30

Kingcome River

Class II · MU 1-14

Class II water Apr 1-Oct 31; Steelhead Stamp mandatory Apr 1-June 30

Seymour River

Class II · MU 1-14

Class II water Aug 15-Oct 31; Steelhead Stamp not required unless fishing for steelhead

Wakeman River

Class II · MU 1-14

Class II water Apr 1-Oct 31; Steelhead Stamp mandatory Apr 1-June 30

Thompson River

Class II · MU 3-13, 3-14, 3-18

No Fishing Oct 1-May 31

Trout/char daily quota = 2 (none under 35 cm)

Additional opening from the CNR Bridge downstream of Deadman River to CNR Bridge upstream of Bonaparte River, May 1-31; trout/char catch and release and artificial fly only, May 1-31

Upstream of boundary signs 1 km downstream of Martel: bait ban

No angling from boats

Downstream of signs at Kamloops Lake: Class II water Oct 1-Dec 31 and Steelhead Stamp mandatory Oct 1-Dec 31 (when open)

Abruzzi Creek

Class II · MU 4-23

No Fishing Sept 1-Oct 31; trout/char catch and release and bait ban, June 15-Aug 31

Class II water when open, including tributaries

Alexander Creek

upstream of the easternmost Hwy 3 bridge · Class II · MU 4-23

No Fishing Sept 1-Oct 31

Trout/char catch and release and bait ban, June 15-Aug 31

Class II water when open, including tributaries - Michel Creek classified licence required for non-resident anglers

Alexander Creek

downstream of the easternmost Hwy 3 bridge · Class II · MU 4-23

No Fishing Sept 1-Oct 31

Trout/char catch and release and bait ban June 15-Aug 31

Class II water when open, including tributaries - Michel Creek classified licence required for non-resident anglers

Bighorn (Ram) Creek

MU 4-2

A tributary of Wigwam River; see Wigwam River

Bull River

Class II · MU 4-22

Trout/char catch and release from Galbraith Creek to Van Creek, Aberfeldie Dam to Tie Mill Damand Quinn Creek

Other parts: trout/char daily quota = 1 (none under 30 cm), June 15-Oct 31

Bait ban, June 15-Oct 31

Class II water when open, including tributaries

Cadorna Creek

Class II · MU 4-23

No Fishing Sept 1-Oct 31; trout/char catch and release and bait ban, June 15-Aug 31

Class II water when open, including tributaries - Elk River classified licence required for non-resident anglers

Elk River

upstream of Elko Dam · Class II · MU 4-2, 4-23

Bait ban, June 15-Oct 31

Trout/char catch and release June 15-Oct 31: from Lower Elk Lake to Forsyth Cr, from Line Creek Bridge to CPR Bridge at Sparwood, from Hwy 3 bridge at Hosmer to the northern Hwy 3 bridge at Fernie, and from the bridge at Morrissey to Elko Dam

All other parts: trout/char daily quota = 1 (none under 30 cm), June 15-Oct 31

Bull trout catch and release

Electric motor only - max 7.5 kW

Class II water when open, including tributaries

Elk River

downstream of Elko Dam · Class II · MU 4-2

Trout/Char daily quota = 1 (no cutthroat under 30 cm, no bull trout under 75 cm) and bait ban, June 15-Oct 31

Electric motor only - max 7.5 kW

Class II water when open, including tributaries

Elk River’s Tributaries

see exceptions · Class II · MU 4-2, 4-23

No Fishing Sept 1-Oct 31

Trout/char daily quota = 1 (none under 30 cm) and bait ban, June 15-Aug 31

Bull trout catch and release

EXCEPTIONS - SEE SEPARATE LISTINGS FOR: Abruzzi Cr., Alexander Cr.upstream of the easternmost Hwy 3 bridge, Bighorn (Ram) Cr., Cadorna Cr., Fording R. downstream of Josephine Falls, Forsyth Cr. from Connor Lk. downstream 3 km, Line Cr., Grave Creek, Michel Cr., Morrissey Cr., Wigwam River

ALL tributaries (EXCEPT Coal Creek downstream of old MF&M Railway Bridge 7 km upstream of Elk River) are Class II waters when open

Fording River

downstream of Josephine Falls · Class II · MU 4-23

Trout/char catch and release, June 15-Mar 31 and bait ban, June 15-Oct 31

Class II water when open, including tributaries - Elk River classified licence required for non-resident anglers

Fording River

upstream of Josephine Falls · MU 4-23

No Fishing

Forsyth Creek

Class II · MU 4-23

No Fishing from Connor Lake downstream 3 km

For remainder, see Elk River’s tributaries

Class II water when/where open, including tributaries

Hellroaring Creek

Class II · MU 4-20

No Fishing downstream of Angus Creek

Class II water when/where open, including tributaries - St. Mary River classified licence required for non-resident anglers

Kootenay River

upstream of Koocanusa Reservoir · Class II · MU 4-2, 4-21, 4-22, 4-24, 4-25, 4-35

Bait ban all year

Trout/char catch and release, Nov 1-Mar 31

Burbot catch and release upstream of the Montana border

Upstream of Koocanusa Reservoir to White River: EXEMPT from Apr 1-June 14 closure; trout/char daily quota = 1 (no trout under 30 cm and no bull trout under 75 cm), Apr 1-Oct 31

Upstream of White River: trout/char daily quota = 1 (no trout under 30 cm and no bull trout under 75 cm), Jun 15-Oct 31

Upstream of White River, including tributaries: Class II water when open

Lodgepole Creek

downstream of falls near the km 26 post on Lodgepole Road · Class II · MU 4-2

No Fishing Sept 1-Oct 31

Trout/char catch and release, June 15-Aug 31

Bait ban

Class II water when open, including tributaries - Wigwam River classified licence required for non-resident anglers

Lodgepole Creek

upstream of falls · Class II · MU 4-2

No Fishing Sept 1-Oct 31

Trout/char daily quota = 1 (none under 30 cm) and bait ban, June 15-Aug 31

Class II water when open, including tributaries - Wigwam River classified licence required for non-resident anglers

Michel Creek

upstream of the easternmost Hwy 3 bridge · Class II · MU 4-23

Class II water when open, including tributaries

Trout/char catch and release, June 15-Mar 31 and bait ban, June 15-Oct 31.

Michel Creek

downstream of the easternmost Hwy 3 bridge · Class II · MU 4-23

Class II water when open, including tributaries

Trout/char daily quota = 1 (none under 30 cm) and bait ban, June 15-Oct 31.

Morrissey Creek

Class II · MU 4-2

No Fishing Sept 1-Oct 31

Trout/char catch and release and bait ban, June 15-Aug 31

Class II water when open, including all tributaries - Elk River classified licence required for non-resident anglers

North (Fork) White River

Class II · MU 4-24

Trout/char catch and release; bait ban; Class II water when open, including tributaries

Perry Creek

Class II · MU 4-20

Bait ban

Cutthroat trout and bull trout catch and release; brook trout daily quota = 20

Class II water when/where open, including tributaries - St. Mary River classified licence required for non-resident anglers

Quinn Creek

Class II · MU 4-22

Trout/char catch and release; bait ban, June 15-Oct 31

Class II water when open, including all tributaries - Bull River classified licence required for non-resident anglers

Skookumchuck Creek

Class II · MU 4-20

No Fishing from a point on the creek closest to km 38 on the Skookumchuck Forest Service Road to Buhl Creek, Sept 1-Oct 31 (mainstem only)

Trout/char catch and release; bait ban

Class II water when/where open, including tributaries

St. Mary River

Class II · MU 4-20

Trout/char catch and release

Trout/char daily quota = 1 (none under 30 cm) on all tributaries, June 15-Oct 31, see tables for exceptions

Bait ban

Class II water when open, including tributaries (except Joseph Creek)

White River

see also east White & North White Rivers · Class II · MU 4-24

Upstream of and including North White River; trout/char catch and release

Bull trout catch and release on all parts, Sept 1-Oct 31

Trout/char daily quota = 1 (none under 30 cm) downstream of North White River, June 15-Oct 31

Bait ban on all parts, June 15-Oct 31

Class II water when open, including tributaries

Wigwam River

downstream of the access road adjacent to km 42 on the Bighorn (Ram) Forest Service Road · Class II · MU 4-2

Trout/char catch and release

Bait ban

Class II water when open, including tributaries

Wigwam River

upstream of the Forest Service recreation site adjacent to km 42 on the Bighorn (Ram) Forest Service Road · Class II · MU 4-2

No Fishing Sept 1-Oct 31

Trout/char catch and release; bait ban

Class II water when open, including tributaries

Atnarko/Bella Coola Rivers

EXCEPT: Burnt Bridge Creek upstream of Sitkatapa Creek, Hunlen Creek upstream of Hunlen Falls, and Young Creek upstream of Hwy 20 (see separate entries for these three waters) · Class II · MU 5-6, 5-8, 5-11

No Fishing upstream of Tweedsmuir Provincial Park plus Tenas Lake, Apr 1-June 30

No Fishing from Tenas Lake to fishing boundary signs near Atnarko Park campsite

Trout/char daily quota = 1 (none under 25 cm and all cutthroat trout catch and release) EXCEPT: on Bella Coola R. MAINSTEM ONLY, trout/char daily quota = 2, of which only one may be a trout (cutthroat or rainbow) and none may be under 25 cm, no cutthroat may be over 33 cm, and no rainbow may be over 50 cm), Apr 1-May 31 ONLY, EXCEPT: char catch and release (on TRIBUTARIES ONLY), Sept 1-May 31

Bait ban downstream of eastern boundary of Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, Sept 1- May 15

No angling from powered boats on mainstems of Atnarko River and Bella Coola River

No powered boats on Atnarko River, from Goat Creek to the confluence with Talchako River

No Fishing for steelhead

Class II water downstream of Young Creek, Mar 1-May 31. NOTE: Classified Waters Licence or Steelhead Stamp not required until reopened to steelhead fishing

Burnt Bridge Creek

upstream of Sitkatapa Creek · Class II · MU 5-11

Bait ban; No Fishing for steelhead

Class II water Mar 1-May 31. NOTE: Classified Waters Licence or Steelhead Stamp not required until reopened to steelhead fishing

Downstream of Sitkatapa Creek: see Atnarko/Bella Coola Rivers

Chilcotin River

Class II · MU 5-12, 5-13, 5-14

No Fishing upstream of Chilko River, Apr 1-June 30

No Fishing downstream of Chilko River, Oct 1-June 10

No trout/char under 30 cm downstream of Chilko River

No hooks greater than 15 mm from point to shank, Oct 1-May 31; bait ban

No angling from powered boats

Downstream of Chilko River: Class II water Oct 1-May 31 and Steelhead Stamp mandatory Oct 1-May 31 (if opened for fall or spring fishing; see Notice on page 42)

Chilko River

Class II · MU 5-5

No Fishing Nov 1-June 10

Trout/char catch and release; bait ban

Fly fishing only upstream of Brittany Creek

No angling from powered boats upstream of bridge at Henry’s Crossing, Sept 11-Sept 30; speed restriction (5 km/h) on part

Class II water upstream of Brittany Creek, June 11-Oct 31 (Steelhead Stamp not required)

Chuckwalla River

Class II · MU 5-7

No Fishing entire river, June 1-Aug 31; No Fishing between fishing boundary signs at Ten Mile Pool

Class II water Apr 1-May 31 and Steelhead Stamp mandatory Apr 1-May 31

Dean River

Class I · MU 5-9

No Fishing upstream of Iltasyuko River, including upstream of Anahim Lake, Apr 1-June 14

No Fishing from Iltasyuko River to Crag Creek

No Fishing from Crag Creek to fishing boundary signs approximately 500 m upstream of canyon, Oct 1-May 31

No Fishing from fishing boundary signs approximately 500 m upstream of canyon to signs 100 m downstream of canyon

No Fishing from fishing boundary signs approximately 100 m downstream of canyon to tidal boundary, Oct 1 - May 31

Trout/char daily quota = 1 (none under 35 cm)

Bait ban all parts

Fly fishing only from (a) Anahim Lake to Iltasyuko River, June 15- Mar 31, and (b) Crag Creek to fishing boundary signs approximately 500 m upstream of canyon, July 15-Sept 30

No powered boats between signs 0.5 km and 3.5 km upstream of canyon, Aug 1-Aug 31

From Crag Creek to signs 500 m upstream of the canyon: Class I water June 1-Sept 30 and Steelhead Stamp mandatory June 1-Sept 30; see map below (Non-residents see notice on page 42)

From signs 100 m downstream of canyon to tidal boundary: Class I water June 1-Sept 30 and Steelhead Stamp mandatory June 1-Sept 30: see map below

From Anahim Lake to Iltasyuko River: Class II water June 16-Oct 31 (see map below); Steelhead Stamp not required

NOTE: "canyon" means lower canyon 3-5 km from river’s mouth

Horsefly River

from Quesnel Lake to Horsefly River Falls · Class II · MU 5-2

No Fishing Nov 1-May 31

Trout/char catch and release; artificial fly only, bait ban

No angling from powered boats from Woodjam Bridge to Quesnel Lake

Class II water June 1-Oct 31; Steelhead Stamp not required

Kilbella River

Class II · MU 5-7

No Fishing June 1-Aug 31

Class II water, Apr 1-May 31; Steelhead Stamp mandatory Apr 1-May 31

Nekite River

Class II · MU 5-7

Class II water Apr 1-May 31; Steelhead Stamp mandatory Apr 1-May 31

Babine River

MU 6-8

Angling prohibited for non-guided non-resident aliens on Saturdays and Sundays from the juvenile fish counting weir located at the outlet of Nilkitkwa Lake to the Nilkitkwa River confluence, Sept 1-Oct 31 (See map page 56)

No Fishing between fishing boundary signs approximately 100 m upstream of and 80 m downstream of the adult fish counting fence, located approximately 1.8 km downstream of Nilkitkwa Lake

Open all year in the stream channel known as “Rainbow Alley” located between Babine and Nilkitkwa lakes (see map 2 page 51)

Fly fishing only (a) from the Fort Babine Bridge downstream to signs 100 m upstream of the adult fish counting fence (including Nilkitkwa Lake), during open times and (b) from signs about 80 m downstream of the adult fish counting fence to Nichyeskwa Creek, June 16-Sept 30; includes "Rainbow Alley"

Bait ban

No angling from boats from the adult fish counting fence (described above) downstream to the Babine River’s confluence with the Skeena River

Class 1 water Sept 1-Oct 31; Steelhead Stamp mandatory Sept 1-Oct 31 from the juvenile fish counting weir located at the outlet of Nilkitkwa Lake downstream to the Babine River’s confluence with the Skeena River (See map page 56)

Bulkley River

Class II · MU 6-9

Angling prohibited for non-guided non-resident aliens on Saturdays and Sundays, Sept 1-Oct 31

See Suskwa River and Telkwa River

No Fishing upstream of Morice/Bulkley River confluence

Bait ban

No angling from boats from Morice River to CNR Bridge at Barrett, Aug 15-Dec 31, and in Moricetown Canyon or within 100 m downstream, all year

Class II water Sept 1-Oct 31 and Steelhead Stamp mandatory Sept 1-Oct 31

Copper Creek

Class II · MU 6-12

No Fishing from Skidegate Lake to signs at second bridge 6 km upstream of tidal boundary, Feb 1-Apr 30

Bait ban Nov 1-Apr 30; cutthroat trout catch and release

Class II water Sept 1-Apr 30; Steelhead Stamp mandatory Dec 1-Apr 30

Damdochax Creek

Class II · MU 6-17

Bait ban

Class II water Sept 1-Oct 31; Steelhead Stamp mandatory Sept 1-Oct 31

Datlamen Creek

Class II · MU 6-13

Bait ban Nov 1-Apr 30; Class II water Sept 1-Apr 30; Steelhead Stamp mandatory Dec 1-Apr 30

Deena Creek

Class II · MU 6-12

No Fishing upstream of fishing boundary signs at second bridge approximately 5 km upstream of the tidal boundary; Feb 1-May 31; Cutthroat catch and release;

Bait ban Nov 1-Apr 30; Class II water Sept 1-Apr 30; Steelhead Stamp mandatory Dec 1-Apr 30

Ecstall River

Class II · MU 6-11

Bait ban

Class II water all year; Steelhead Stamp not required unless angling for steelhead

Gitnadoix River

Class I · MU 6-10

Bait ban

Class I water all year; Steelhead Stamp mandatory Apr 1-May 31

Honna River

Class II · MU 6-13

Bait ban Nov 1-Apr 30; cutthroat trout catch and release

Class II water Sept 1-Apr 30; Steelhead Stamp mandatory Dec 1-Apr 30

Kispiox River

Class II · MU 6-30

Angling prohibited for non-guided non-resident aliens on Saturdays and Sundays, Sept 1-Oct 31

Bait ban

No angling from boats, no powered boats

Class II water Sept 1-Oct 31; Steelhead Stamp mandatory Sept 1-Oct 31

See Skeena River/Kispiox River confluence

Kitseguecla River

Class II · MU 6-9

Angling prohibited for non-guided non-resident aliens on Saturdays and Sundays, all year

Bait ban

Class II water all year; Steelhead Stamp mandatory Sept 1-Oct 31

Kitsumkalum (Kalum) River

Class II · MU 6-15

Angling prohibited for non-guided non-resident aliens on Saturdays from the outlet of Kitsumkalum Lake to Glacier Creek confluence all year (See map page 56)

Angling prohibited for non-guided non-resident aliens on Sundays for the entire river all year

Class II water all year; Steelhead Stamp mandatory Aug 7 - May 31

Bait ban

Kitwanga River

Class II · MU 6-30

Angling prohibited for non-guided non-resident aliens on Saturdays and Sundays, all year

Bait ban

Class II water all year; Steelhead Stamp mandatory Sept 1-Oct 31

Kluatantan River

Class II · MU 6-18

Bait ban

Class II water all year; Steelhead Stamp mandatory Sept 1-Oct 31

Ksi X’anmas River

Class II · MU 6-14

No Fishing upstream from the lower bridge abutments, July 1-Aug 20

Class II water Apr 1-Sept 30; Steelhead Stamp mandatory Apr 1-May 31

Kwinageese River

Class II · MU 6-30

Class II water Sept 1-Oct 31; Steelhead Stamp mandatory Sept 1-Oct 31

Bait ban

Kwinamass River

MU 6-14

See Ksi X’anmas River

Lakelse River

Class I · MU 6-10

Angling prohibited for non-guided non-resident aliens from the outlet of Lakelse Lake to the power line crossing, located 3.5 km upstream of the Lakelse River mouth, all year (See map page 55)

Fly fishing only between Lakelse Lake and CNR Bridge, Mar 1-May 31

Bait ban, no powered boats

Note: The mouth of the river is designated by signs 1.7 km downstream of Lakelse River logging road bridge

Class I water all year; Steelhead Stamp mandatory Sept 1-May 31

Mamin River

Class II · MU 6-13

Class II water Sept 1-Apr 30; Steelhead Stamp mandatory Dec 1-Apr 30

No Fishing upstream of fishing boundary signs on third bridge approximately 10 km upstream of the tidal boundary, Feb 1-Apr 30

Bait ban Nov 1-Apr 30

Morice River

Class II · MU 6-9

Angling prohibited for non-guided non-resident aliens on Saturdays and Sundays, Sept 1-Oct 31

No Fishing from fishing boundary signs near outlet of Morice Lake (UTM: 602539.02E, 5997165.96N) to the fishing boundary signs approximately 2 km downstream (the "Dunes", UTM: 603741.00E, 5998628.00N)

No Fishing Jan 1-Sept 30 from fishing boundary signs approximately 2 km downstream (the "Dunes", UTM: 603741.00E, 5998628.00N) of Morice Lake to Gosnell Creek

No Fishing from Gosnell Creek to Lamprey Creek, Jan 1-Aug 31; Fly fishing only from Gosnell Creek to Lamprey Creek, Sept 1-Sept 30

Bait ban

No angling from boats, Aug 15-Dec 31 (all parts)

Class II water Sept 1-Oct 31; Steelhead Stamp mandatory Sept 1-Oct 31

Pallant Creek

Class II · MU 6-12

Bait ban Nov 1-Apr 30; Class II water Sept 1-Apr 30; Steelhead Stamp mandatory Dec 1-Apr 30

Skeena River (mainstem only)

Class II · MU 6-10

There are two separate Class II waters on the Skeena River (non-residents and non-resident aliens require separate licences describing which section they are fishing): (a) from Exchamsiks River to 1.5 km upstream of Kitsumkalum River (known as “Skeena River 2”), July 1-Sept 30; and (b) 1.5 km upstream of Zymoetz River (known as “Skeena River Section 4”), July 1-Dec 31; Steelhead Stamp not mandatory for Skeena River 2 unless fishing for steelhead. Steelhead Stamp is mandatory in Skeena River Section 4 during the Classified Waters period from July 1-Dec 31

Angling prohibited for non-guided non-resident aliens in Skeena River Section 4 on Saturdays and Sundays in two zones: (a) Shegunia River confluence to Sedan Creek confluence July 1-Dec 31 (See map page 54), and (b) Chimdemash Creek confluence to 1.5 km upstream of Zymoetz River confluence, July 1 - Dec 31, (See map page 55)

Stellako River

Class II · MU 6-4, 7-12

No Fishing Nov 15-May 14; Class II water when open (Steelhead Stamp not required)

Rainbow trout catch and release

Fly fishing only between fishing boundary signs approximately 250 m and 4 km downstream of the bridge near the François Lake outlet

No powered boats from François Lake to the falls

See restrictions for François Lake’s outlet area

Suskwa (Bear) River

Class I · MU 6-8

Angling prohibited for non-guided non-resident aliens on Saturdays and Sundays, all year

Bait ban

Class I water all year; Steelhead Stamp mandatory Sept 1-Oct 31

Sustut River

Class I · MU 6-18

No Fishing upstream of BCR Bridge at Bear River mouth

Bait ban

Class I water Sept 1-Oct 31; Steelhead Stamp mandatory Sept 1-Oct 31

Telkwa River

Class II · MU 6-9

Angling prohibited for non-guided non-resident aliens Sept 1-Oct 31

Bait ban

Class II water Sept 1-Oct 31 and Steelhead Stamp mandatory Sept 1-Oct 31

Tlell River

Class II · MU 6-13

Bait ban Nov 1-Apr 30; Cutthroat trout catch and release

Class II water Sept 1-Apr 30; Steelhead Stamp mandatory Dec 1-Apr 30

Tidal waters regulations apply to waters downstream of tidal boundary sign located 1.5 km upstream of Hwy 16 Bridge

Yakoun River

Class II · MU 6-13

No Fishing from Yakoun Lake downstream approximately 13 km to fishing boundary signs, Oct 1-Apr 30

Bait ban Nov 1-Apr 30

Cutthroat trout catch and release

No powered boats

Class II water Sept 1-Apr 30; Steelhead Stamp mandatory Dec 1-Apr 30

Zymoetz (Copper) River

Class I · MU 6-9

No Fishing from McDonell Lake downstream approximately 3 km to fishing boundary signs

No Fishing between fishing boundary signs in Zymoetz Canyon

No Fishing upstream of fishing boundary sign at the transmission line crossing (located downstream of Zymoetz Canyon), Jan 1-June 15

Bait ban

Upstream of Limonite Creek (Zymoetz River A): Class I water Jul 24 - Dec 31; Steelhead Stamp mandatory Jul 24 - Dec 31;

Angling prohibited for non-guided non-resident aliens on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays Jul 24 - Dec 31

Downstream of Limonite Creek (Zymoetz River B): Class II water Jul 24 - May 31; Steelhead Stamp mandatory Jul 24 - May 31;

Angling prohibited for non-guided non-resident aliens on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays Jul 24 - May 31

Stellako River

Class II · MU 7-12

No Fishing Nov 15-May 14; Class II water when open (Steelhead Stamp not required)

Rainbow trout catch and release

Fly fishing only between fishing boundary signs approximately 250 m and 4 km downstream of the bridge near the François Lake outlet

No powered boats from François Lake to the falls

See Region 6 tables for restrictions applying to François Lake’s outlet area