Several local kids have won great prizes in the Kootenay Lake Angler Incentive Program (KLAIP) Fall Children’s Derby Draw.

Youth submitted heads of Rainbow Trout or Bull Trout that they caught on the main part of Kootenay Lake and were eligible to win Pelican Magna Kayaks, Kokanee Mountain Zipline Tour Packages or fishing equipment.

Ty Walker from Fruitvale, who fishes with his grandfather, won a children’s kayak.

Lemon Wyttig from Wynndel also won a kayak. Other winners are currently being contacted.

The Kootenay Lake Angler Incentive Program (KLAIP) has been extended through May 2022 with monthly prizes and grand prize draws for Kootenay Lake anglers. Anglers of all ages are encouraged to fish for rainbow trout and bull trout in the main part of Kootenay Lake, then turn to one of the four depots to participate in the monthly prize draws. a value of $ 1,000 and the draw for the final grand prize.

The next Grand Prize draw for a Polaris Sportsman Quad and the 3 night stay for two at the Coastal Springs Float Lodge will take place in early November. Trout heads must be submitted by October 31, 2021 to be eligible.

The reason for KLAIP is to support the return to a healthier predator-prey balance in the lake. KLAIP encourages anglers to fish to help reduce the overabundance of rainbow and flathead trout, promoting a healthier balance between the endangered prey fish, the kokanee, and its predators, the trout.

Populations of Rainbow Trout and Gerrard’s Bull Trout have increased so much in Kootenay Lake that their predation has forced Kokanee to near extinction; as a result, predators have dramatically decreased in size and condition.

The Kootenay Lake Angler Incentive Program is managed by the local West Arm Outdoors Club with support from BC Wildlife Federation, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNORD), Jones Boys Boats of Woodbury Creek and several local merchants around Kootenay Lake.

More information on the Kootenay Lake Angler Incentive Program: https://bcwf.bc.ca/kootenay-lake-angler-incentive-program/

Ty Walker of Fruitvale stands next to his new kayak after winning the Kootenay Lake Angler Incentive Program. – Photo submitted