05/04/2026
NOTICE: CULTUS LAKE BOAT ELECTROFISHING PROGRAM HAPPENING THURSDAYS AND FRIDAYS BETWEEN APRIL 30 AND JUNE 15, 2026
The B.C. Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship (WLRS), in partnership with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is going to conduct boat electrofishing surveys at Cultus Lake from April 30 to June 15, 2026, as part of the Cultus Lake smallmouth bass suppression project. The electrofishing boat will cover the east side of the lake on Thursdays, and the west side of the lake on Fridays. This will be the fourth consecutive year of the project conducting boat electrofishing to collect data, mark fish for recapture studies and suppress the invasive smallmouth bass population.
Boat electrofishing is an effective method for removing smallmouth bass from Cultus Lake, where they are invasive and negatively impacting native fish populations, some of which are Species At Risk (i.e. Cultus Sockeye Salmon and Cultus Pygmy Sculpin). Boat electrofishing occurs in May and early June because they typically coincide with smallmouth bass spawning season (temperature-dependent), during which mature bass move to shallower waters to spawn, and they are only accessible via this removal method in shallow waters. This time frame is also the target for boat electrofishing efforts because water conductivity is temperature dependent, and the safety of lake users is the top priority. Please be mindful of this work and stay away from the electrofishing boat while it is operating at Cultus Lake.
What can you do to help?
-Learn about Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS), what fish they include and where they may occur (Download the invasive species App here).
-Where fishing regulations permit, harvest the invasive fish. Local fishing regulations and information on provincial regulations can be found at: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/recreation/fishing-hunting/fishing/fishing-regulations (AIS information p. 74)
-Where fisheries for the invasive fish are closed, you must not target these species and any incidental catches must be put back.
-If you suspect your catch is a new introduction, harvest it (or take a photo if regulations require release) and report to [email protected], or via the invasive species App.
-To report any violations, like suspected illegal introductions of fish, contact RAPP line (p. 78).
-Follow bait regulations (no fin fish alive or dead p. 8-9).
Whatever you do, DO NOT MOVE LIVE FISH! It’s illegal and threatens our aquatic biodiversity, and recreational opportunities.