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For 20 years the Clearwater Trout Hatchery has been raising fish, stocking lakes and introducing people to the pleasures of freshwater fishing.
On Saturday, Aug. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the public is invited to celebrate this milestone at the hatchery’s 20th anniversary open house.
In addition to tours that highlight the hatchery’s recent upgrades, the public is invited to try fishing for free and a slice of birthday cake at noon. Staff will take visitors through the hatchery and showcase how the hatchery works and the most recently completed upgrades.
The upgrades have reduced energy usage and improved the hatchery’s operating efficiency.
The improved tank design constantly moves waste out of the system, reducing time required to clean the tanks. With better access to feed throughout the tank, fish are better able to convert food to body mass, reducing variance in fish size.
The result is more consistent, better conditioned, healthier fish to be released into rivers and lakes throughout the province. “The hatchery looks quite different than it did 20 years ago. Two of us have been here since the early days and we are looking forward celebrating with the community and sharing stories about the hatchery’s journey. We are hoping people will share their experiences with us,” says Geoff Giesbrecht, assistant hatchery manager. “As a long time part of the community we expect there are many great memories people have of the hatchery.” Visitors will also be able to fish at Dutch Lake Resort, which is just down the road from the Clearwater Hatchery.
Rapala rods and tackle will be available to borrow for free and Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC Learn to Fish staff will be set up to provide advice and tips to people at all levels of fishing experience. Children under 16 do not require a fishing license.
The hatchery is located at 40 Old North Thompson Highway Rd. E. in Clearwater. For more information call 250-674-2580.
Clearwater Trout Hatchery, one of six hatcheries owned and operated by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, raises rainbow trout, brook trout and kokanee.
The Clearwater and Kootenay trout hatcheries are the only facilities that stock kokanee salmon in B.C.
Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC was created in 2003 as a private, not-for-profit organization, funded mainly through freshwater fishing license revenues.
In partnership with the province, the society annually stocks eight million trout, char and kokanee salmon in 800 B.C. lakes. It also manages special hatchery programs for endangered species including white sturgeon, conducts fisheries research, education and conservation programs and works to make angling more accessible for all.
As of April 1,2015, under a new agreement with the provincial government, the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC receives 100 per cent of fishing license revenue to invest in infrastructure and services to support freshwater fishing in B.C.
With the increased revenue, the society is investing in additional research and infrastructure projects across the province. To find out more, visit gofishbc.com.
