A migratory population of large salmonids in the Similkameen. Wouldn’t that be wonderful!

Presently, the small rainbow trout and Rocky Mountain whitefish provide some good fishing. For larger trout we go to the local lakes. But imagine catching 8 lb. steelhead, or maybe a 20 lb. Spring salmon. Or perhaps a nice 4 lb sockeye in our Similkameen.

In part one of this column I described reasons why I think this possible.

Now for some other thoughts. The US and Canada, both in B.C. and Washington state, would  benefit.

The first benefit would be increased recreational fishing along the whole length of the Smilkameen on both sides of the border! What with an increasing population of fishermen in both countries, especially fly fishermen/women, it would be a very popular destination for anglers.

The second benefit would be increased food production. We all know how valuable the runs of sockeye, steelhead, Spring and Coho are on the Fraser and its tributaries. Predictions are being made, which I believe are very valid, that soon there will be worldwide shortages of food. This would be in countries besides those present African countries having food shortages.

Land and waters that can produce food will be very precious as human populations increase. As realtors say, “No more land or waterways such as rivers and lakes are being made.” So we had better use what we have wisely. It would be fantastic to see thousands, perhaps tens of thousands, of salmon and steelhead coming up our Similkameen! And they would be good eating! Is their anything  better than a freshly caught sockeye?