Regulations

Regulations exist to protect our fish stocks and maintain an ecological balance within our environment.  Necessarily, the regulations change from time to time to reflect changes in the environment.  It is the angler's responsibility to read and understand the B.C. fishing regulations.

Understanding the British Columbia Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis is a four part process:

STEP 1: READ AND UNDERSTAND THE PROVINCIAL REGULATIONS
DOWNLOAD 2009-2011 Provincial Licensing and Fishing Regulations (PDF)

All anglers must abide by these regulations on all waters in B.C. and they will guide you on:

• Licencing requirements
• Definitions you should know
• Allowable fishing methods
• Rules on bait usage
• Quotas and size limits
• Protected species
• "No Fishing" areas
• Cleaning, transporting and exporting fish
• Reporting illegal guiding and angling violations
• Examining your licence, gear and catch
• Penalties for breaking fishing laws 

STEP 2: READ AND UNDERSTAND THE REGIONAL REGULATIONS
DOWNLOAD 2009-2011 Lower Mainland Fishing Synopsis (PDF)

This section will advise you on the regulations that apply specifically to each individual Region (Chilliwack is Region 2 - Lower Mainland) such as:

• Daily catch limits
• Possession quotas
• Annual possession quotas

This section will also detail other general Regional restrictions such as:

• Spring closures
• Species closures
• Catch and release periods
• Bait and tackle restrictions
• Special notices (such as for Steelhead fishing) 

Click here to view the latest Fishery Notices for this Region (Region 2)

STEP 3: LOOK UP THE LAKE OR STREAM THAT YOU PLAN TO FISH IN THE REGIONAL WATER SPECIFIC TABLES.

DOWNLOAD 2009-2011 Lower Mainland Fishing Synopsis (PDF)

If the stream or lake is not shown in these tables then no special regulations are in force and you will therefore follow the PROVINCIAL and REGIONAL REGULATIONS outlined in steps 1 and 2.  If the stream or lake is shown in these tables then you must follow any EXCEPTIONS OR ADDITIONS shown in the table as well as the PROVINCIAL and REGIONAL REGULATIONS in steps 1 and 2 above.  While checking the tables, take care not to overlook regulations on Tributaries and Watersheds which may be subject to special regulations. Some waters are not listed specifically by name. If you do not know which "Watershed" the lake or stream that you are fishing in is a part of, consult the B.C. Recreational Atlas, 5th edition, or check with a Fish and Wildlife Office or DFO Office. In the Regulations watch for:

• * - An asterisk indicates that a regulation applies to all tributary streams that flow into the named body of water including tributaries of tributaries.
• "Watershed" - a regulation that applies to all of the lakes and streams whose water eventually flows into the named waterbody (e.g. The Fraser River Watershed).

STEP 4: CHECK FOR ANY IN-SEASON CHANGES TO THE REGULATIONS.

Look at the Ministry of Fisheries website, for in season regulation changes or inquire at your local fishing tackle store and also watch for notices posted in the field. Remember that the regulations are there for all of us and help to keep our fish stocks and ecology in fine balance. Always follow the regulations and report those that disobey them.

SPORT FISHING CODE OF CONDUCT

1. Handle all fish with care
2. Limit your catch to ensure fish in the future
3. Leave your fishing spot cleaner than you found it
4. Respect the rights of property owners and other outdoor enthusiasts
5. Use the proper tackle and fishing methods for the species being fished
6. Promote the sport by teaching children and new participants how to fish
7. Become informed about your fishery and participate in its management
8. Report all illegal fishing activities to the Observe Report & Record Line by calling 1-800-465-4336 or 1-877-952-7277 or #7277 from a cellphone
9. Respect the space of others, and leave enough room for everyone to fish
10. Learn the fishing and boating laws and abide by them

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