Thank you to all who provided input during our public discussions, webinar, and via our survey. Just over 490 people responded to our preference questionnaire and 117 provided input to the four key questions listed in the word clouds to the left.
Interpreting
a word cloud graphic: the larger the word, the more frequently the word was mentioned in the open-ended responses. To be considered the word must have have been present in at least 3 responses. For most of these graphics the largest words were mentioned in over 80 responses.
Summarizing the public discussion and survey input:
Most people communicated that a “good day of fishing” involved being out on a nice day, surrounded by clean and high quality conditions. Catching was also important, however, not a deal breaker for having a good day of fishing (beats a bad day of work – right?). When catching was part of the criteria - large beautiful looking fish, either hold-over or stocked were desired and many suggested they would prefer catching a wild fish.
Most respondents communicated that the Fisheries Division has done very well at providing a diversity of opportunities to trout and salmon anglers. They feel the fish are getting a bit larger and the quality is increasing. This despite their indication that the Fisheries Division does not have adequate resources. They were pleased with the level of effort put forth by the Fisheries Division especially with stocking, communication of information, presence on social media, and continually seeking input from anglers.
Areas where the Fisheries Division could improve included; spreading the fish out more so that they are not all stocked in a single place (and easily fished out quickly), enforcement of the rules and regulations was a very common concern (especially prevalent at the face-to-face discussions), doing more to preserve and conserve wild populations, changing regulations to have year-round fishing, and increasing the amount of areas covered by catch and release rules.
Finally, many felt increasing effort to engage with youth and families through a variety of efforts is critical to encouraging the next generation of anglers. A fair number of people indicated that there are too many anglers currently and attempts to create more would only further exacerbate the crowding issue.
The feedback obtained is very helpful as the Fisheries Division plans actions related to Trout and Salmon fishing over the next 5-10 years. We will continue to engage with our anglers to ensure our decisions and policies are relevant for as many as possible.
