Trout hatchery open house
Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC (FFSBC) is pleased to extend an invitation to everyone to attend their open house at the Kootenay Trout Hatchery on Saturday, April 14th from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
This popular event, which occurs every two years is an opportunity for the community to spend a day at the hatchery which will be not only educational, but also entertaining.
There are about a million fish currently housed at the hatchery that are waiting to be stocked in regional lakes and throughout other parts of the province during the annual spring stocking program. This open house will give everyone access to the trough room and the pond building to view the different species of fish before they leave the hatchery for their designated lakes.
The hatchery has a renowned fishing pond that allows children an opportunity to try their luck at catching and releasing a trout. Children may bring their own rods and fishing gear, however only single barbless hooks are permitted.
For those interested in some of the fish culture educational aspects of the open house, staff will be on hand to answer your questions regarding the rearing of fish. An incubation display will show the life cycle of a fish from the egg stage to the newly hatched fry. Staff will also provide spawning and fin clipping demonstrations and a transportation tank truck will be on display to show how fish are transported.
Columbia Basin Trust - a strong supporter of our Outreach Programs and the Open House - will also have a booth at the event this year. The Outreach Program staff will be promoting our fishing and educational programs, which focus on conservation and stewardship of BC’s natural resources. In addition, there will be some new and exciting promo items for sale to the public this year, including fish and turtle pendants, and Freshwater Fisheries Society caps. Proceeds from these sales will go back to the FFSBC educational programs.
The Columbia and Kootenai Sturgeon Programs, respectively funded by BC Hydro and the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, are a large part of the overall program. Angus Glass from the Upper Columbia White Sturgeon Recovery Initiative and Society staff will be on hand to discuss both of these sturgeon recovery initiatives and you will be able to view some of these fish up close and see where they are being cultured.
Fisheries biologists and Conservation Officers from the Ministry of Forest Lands and Natural Resource Operations will also be available to answer your fisheries management and regulation questions.
Members from St.Mary’s Fly Fishing Club and Rocky Mountain Fly Fishing Club will demonstrate their well-honed fly tying skills and give assistance at the fishing pond. They would be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding their clubs, events and memberships.
Other groups that will be represented are the Fort Steele Heritage Town, Rocky Mountain Trench Restoration and Trout Unlimited.
The Bull River Community Club will also be represented holding a fundraiser for their club in the form of a concession stand. Hot dogs, snacks and drinks will be available for purchase.
Admission is free but donations are gratefully accepted and will go back to children’s educational programs.
The Kootenay Trout Hatchery is located on the Wardner-Fort Steele Road.
For more information, check the Fresh Water Fisheries website at www.gofishbc.com or call 250-429-3214.
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