Itching to Fish

The C/TRRC and a consortium of organizations and Governments are working together to deliver an angler outreach and education campaign to support vulnerable spring fisheries in the Southern Lakes.

Yukoners love to fish and eagerly anticipate the spring, ice-off, recreational fisheries. The C/TRRC is well aware of the interest in the popular spring fisheries in the Southern Lakes. Given their proximity to Whitehorse, these areas have seen an increasing amount of fishing pressure over the last decade. Some specific populations of grayling and lake trout are of notable concern and have been subject to regulation changes in order to address this increasing pressure.

Given covid-19 there is anticipated to be increased recreational fishing this spring and the C/TRRC is concerned that some of the more vulnerable, Southern Lakes spawning populations may struggle with this stress. Fish such as grayling, gather and spawn in the spring and are targeted by catch and release recreational fisheries. This stress from catch and release can affect their ability to spawn, which can impact future generations.

Through signage posted in the Southern Lakes, the C/TRRC and partners are sharing best practices in fish handling: minimizing air exposure, eliminate contact with dry and hard surfaces and reduce handling time.

We want anglers to enjoy themselves while limiting angling effort, including catch and release, and treat fish with respect.

The C/TRRC thanks the following partners in this campaign: Carcross/Tagish First Nation, Kwanlin Dün First Nation, Yukon Fish & Game Association, Ta'an Kwäch'än Council, Taku River Tlingit First Nation, Respect for Fish, Government of Yukon, Keepemwet Fishing, and the Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board.