Garnet Lake closed to angling after illegal fish introduced

Illegal fish in Garnet Lake

Photo: Contributed

Largemouth bass have been illegally introduced into Garnet Lake near Summerland, leading to the provincial government closing the lake to angling.

The closure comes into effect April 21, 2021, and will last until further notice.

In a news release, Tyler Hooper with the Ministry of Forests, Lands Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development said the closure is an "unfortunate loss of angling opportunity," but necessary to discourage future introductions.

"Invasive species are a significant threat to native fish, their ecosystem, and the recreational opportunities they support," Hooper wrote. "The Province's policy of prohibiting the use of fisheries where illegal introductions have occurred removes the incentive for anglers to transport fish between waterbodies."

Hooper said the the lake will be used for research in the interim.