the salmon river watershed - Learning Centre

The extensive marshes of Salmon Arm Bay are utilized by numerous waterfowl, shorebirds,
herons, passerines and other bird species both during migration and the breeding season. The
area is known to be a hotspot for migrant 'rarities' and is visited regularly by birdwatchers (Tom
Plath, BCE, Surrey, pers. comm., 1995). A western grebe breeding colony near the river mouth
is of particular interest to naturalists because of the western grebe's red-listed designation (i.e.,
threatened and endangered) in British Columbia (Harcombe et al. 1994) and because Salmon
Arm Bay boasts the largest breeding colony in British Columbia (i.e., approximately 60
successful breeding pairs in 1995). Because of limited accessibility, additional opportunities for
nature observation are more restricted within the watershed. However, deer are common
throughout the watershed and can be seen from trails and roadways, especially during the
winter. Monte Lake and more remote wetland areas such as Rush and Salmon Lake provide
excellent nature viewing opportunities but are not often visited by the general public.
Sports Fishing
Because of the topography and geology of the Salmon River watershed, fewer angling
opportunities (i.e., lakes) exist than in nearby watersheds such as the Nicola River watershed.
The Salmon River watershed falls within management units 3-12, 3-20 and 3-26 in Region 3,
Thompson-Nicola. Salmon, Spa, Bolean, Blair, Monte, Jimmy and Blackwell Lakes are the
larger lakes within the watershed, receiving varying degrees of fishing pressure. Salmon Lake
likely receives the heaviest angling pressure because it is easily reached by most vehicles and
has cabin facilities operated by the Douglas Lake Ranch. Douglas Lake Ranch is currently in
the process of constructing additional cabins. Some angling for trout also occurs on Salmon
River, Bolean Creek and other tributaries to the Salmon River. General restrictions on streams
include a spring closure from January 1 to June 30 with only single barbless hooks permitted.
Special angling restrictions apply to the Salmon River where: a) all rainbow trout and char
caught below the Hwy#97 bridge at Falkland must be released; b) bait is banned below the
Hwy #97 bridge; and c) a chinook and coho closure is in effect above the CPR bridge near the
river's mouth. Special restrictions applying to other waterbodies within the watershed include:
a) Blackwell Lake - closed between December 1 and April 30; b) Bolean Lake - trout/char daily
quota of 8; c) Jimmy Lake - closed between December 1 and April 30, trout/char daily quota =
1 (none under 50 cm), single barbless hook and bait ban; and d) Salmon Lake - closed
between December 1 and April 30, artificial flies, single barbless hook. For further information,
see BCE (1994a).
Hunting
Hunting for mule and white-tailed deer, moose, black bear, wolf, coyote, cougar, bobcat, lynx,
racoon, snowshoe hare, ducks and other gamebirds is permitted within the watershed. Deer
are by far the most common wildlife species pursued by hunters. Healthy populations of deer,
particularly mule deer exist throughout the watershed. No hunting or shooting is permitted on
the foreshore of Shuswap Lake near the town of Salmon Arm between the wharf and a white
marker further to the north (i.e., at north boundary of N.W. 1/4 of S.24, Tp.20, R.10). See BCE
(1995a) for further information on bag limits and other restrictions.
Forest Recreation Sites
The Ministry of Forests, through the three Forest Districts, manage 15 forest recreation sites in
the watershed (Figure 4). The Vernon Forest District manages thirteen recreation sites in the
watershed and the Salmon Arm Forest District manages two sites. There are no recreation
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