In an effort to protect salmon stocks in the Babine River corridor, the Lake Babine Nation has decided to close a popular recreational fishery.
Effective as of today, the closure begins at the Babine Counting Fence on the Babine River, one kilometre below the outlet of Nilkitkwa Lake.
It stretches from there to the Nilkitkwa River and will remain in place until future notice.
Recent high water temperatures and low flows in the corridor are adding stress for salmon as they complete the journey to their spawning grounds.
According to the Nation, recreational fishing activities in the area are further increasing stress levels, and threatening returns.
With more than 90 percent of salmon moving up the Skeena spawning in Babine Lake tributaries, the Nation is hoping to preserve the next generation.
Recreational anglers can still fish off the shores of Babine Lake, where the fishery remains open.
