Hooked A Protected Fish In BC?

British Columbia is famous for its world-class fishing, drawing anglers from around the globe to its lakes, rivers and coastal waters. But if you accidentally catch a protected species, it’s more than just an awkward moment – it’s a serious conservation concern, and there are strict rules about what to do next.

 

So what should you do if one of these rare or at-risk species ends up on your line? And which fish are actually protected under BC regulations?

 

Step One: Know What You’ve Caught

The first thing an angler needs to do is correctly identify the fish. While that might sound simple, several protected species in BC look a lot like their more common cousins. For example, the green sturgeon, which is protected under federal regulations, can be mistaken for the more common white sturgeon. Similarly, certain dace and stickleback species are small and rarely seen, but they’re fully protected under the law.

 

Before you head out, take a few minutes to brush up on fish ID – especially if you’re fishing in unfamiliar waters.

Step Two: Act Fast & Carefully

If you realize you’ve hooked a protected species, you need to release it immediately and with as little harm as possible. That means:

• Keeping the fish in the water at all times.
• Avoiding unnecessary handling or photographs.
• Using barbless hooks to make release quicker and cleaner.
• Cutting the line if the hook is deeply embedded, rather than trying to remove it.

 

If the fish seems dazed or exhausted, gently hold it in the water, facing into the current, until it swims away under its own power.

 

Step Three: Know The Rules

BC’s Sport Fishing Regulations – which apply to both freshwater and tidal waters – list a number of protected species that must not be targeted, kept or even accidentally harmed. These include:

• Green sturgeon
• Charlotte unarmoured stickleback
• Enos stickleback
• Giant stickleback
• Lake lamprey
• Nooksack dace
• Salish sucker
• Shorthead sculpin
• Speckled dace
• Umatilla dace

 

Some of these fish are listed under the federal Species at Risk Act, while others are covered under provincial protection. Regardless, catching one comes with a responsibility to release it safely and report it if required.

 

Step Four: When In Doubt, Report It

Anglers are encouraged – and in some cases required – to report encounters with protected species. This helps conservation officers and scientists track populations and identify problem areas. Reports typically include the date, location, species (if known) and what happened.

You can contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada or your local conservation officer.

 

Why It Matters

Many of BC’s protected species are facing serious threats, from habitat loss to climate change. For fish like the Nooksack dace or green sturgeon, every individual matters. Responsible angling – especially careful catch-and-release – is one small but powerful way to help protect BC’s biodiversity.

 

So next time you cast your line in BC waters, make sure you’re not just fishing for fun – but fishing with awareness.