When in balance, the number of predators caught each year averaged about 25,000.” These numbers are based on the FLNRORD Ministry update from January 2021. The return of Rainbow trout to Gerrard spawning area averaged 350-450 spawners per year and kokanee returns averaged 0.5 -1.2 million. Gordie Grunerud, President of the West Arm Outdoors Club summarizes: “Prior to 2010, Kootenay Lake fisheries were in balance. What is the background of the predator-prey imbalance in the main Kootenay Lake Fishery? The BCWF and local WAOC idea for the Kootenay Lake Angler Incentive Program (KLAIP) was based on the Lake Pend Oreille science. Wildlife Federation (BCWF) and member of the West Arm Outdoors Club (WAOC), Andrusak, says, “Yes – the Kootenay Lake fishery can be brought back in balance within a few years if we base our approach on the successful fishery recovery program in Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho.”Ī major part of the Lake Pend Oreille Fishery Recovery Program was reducing the population of predatory trout significantly. Scientists and experts agree that the low numbers of kokanee are the main reason why the trout are so small.Ĭan we get large Gerrard Rainbow trout back in Kootenay Lake? Past President of the B.C. The principal prey of the trout are kokanee, which are at historic lows in the main body of Kootenay Lake. Local fishers frequently comment on the smaller size and poor health of the Kootenay Lake trout in comparison to ten years ago. “Kootenay Lake was a world-renowned sport fishery for decades because of the large (15 to 25- pound) Gerrard Rainbow trout – just like everybody else, I don’t want to fish for a 2-pound trout anymore,” says former Director of Fisheries for the Province of British Columbia, Harvey Andrusak. Wildlife Federation and West Arm Outdoors Club
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