Submitted
Clearwater Trout Hatchery was originally built in 1983 for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to rear salmon for release in the North Thompson drainage. It was closed down in the early 1990’s but in 1997 the Province of British Columbia purchased the facility and refitted it for trout and kokanee production. In 2003 the Clearwater Trout Hatchery became one of five Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC’s (FFSBC) hatcheries as the responsibility of the provincial trout stocking program was transferred to the Society.
The hatchery stocks fish into approximately 300 lakes annually in all regions of B.C. except Vancouver Island. Most fish stocking occurs in the Interior and the Northern lakes in BC. Over three million fish are released each year including rainbow trout, brook char and kokanee. Clearwater Trout Hatchery is one of only two FFSBC hatcheries that stocks kokanee salmon in British Columbia.
Until the late 1930’s populations of trout in B.C. flourished without trout hatcheries. The various species of trout were able to sustain their populations in the natural rearing and spawning areas of the lakes, rivers and streams. However, as human populations increased, fresh water areas near urban centres were degraded and those favoured by anglers became overfished. Natural production was often unable to keep up the fishing pressure. As the demand for fishing opportunities increased, spawning beds and important rearing areas were completely wiped out. Hatcheries became a necessity in order to restore a healthy trout population.
Each year, thousands of anglers catch millions of trout in the fresh water areas of B.C. Trout provide a good food source and create an important recreational activity. By regularly supplying trout to heavily fished areas, Clearwater Trout Hatchery helps maintain a healthy sport fishery for the most densely populated areas of BC. It also makes an important contribution to the economy of the province.
Clearwater Trout Hatchery produces rainbow trout, brook char and kokanee. These fish are liberated in the spring and fall of each year. The rainbows are released at a size of up to 60 grams (15-25cm). This species is usually released into heavily fished lakes, which are often stocked twice a year to provide an extended fishing season.
The hatchery presently produces 1,600,000 rainbow trout, 250,000 eastern brook char and 1,300,000 kokanee per year. The Ministry of Environment’s provincial regional biologists manage the lakes and determine the stocking levels, types of fish, and sizes to be released into B.C.’s lakes. Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC provides the rearing and stocking activities to meet the management goals.
