Home »
Fisher catches 18’ Kingfisher boat thanks to KLAIP
On June 9, the West Arm Outdoors Club and B.C. Wildlife Federation announced the winner of the grand prize draw of the Kootenay Lake Angler Incentive Program (KLAIP).
The grand prize winner of the Kootenay Lake Angler Incentive Program final draw is Eugene Volokhov of Balfour. He has won a sleek 18’ Kingfisher boat equipped with a 115hp Yamaha engine, valued at over $50,000, from Jones Boys Boats & Marina.
On his big win, Eugene said: “Winning the grand prize was a big surprise. I hope that the Kootenay Lake Angler Incentive Program will be a significant step to improve the fishery and attract more people of all ages to the most calm and enjoyable sport! Thanks to the West Arm Outdoor Club, BCWF, and all sponsors for such a well-run program.”
The draw marks the successful completion of the first year of the Kootenay Lake Angler Incentive Program. The program, a tremendous local success, has been extended for a second year with a new youth program and a set of fantastic prizes for fishers of all ages.
Tom Roper of Wynndel, winner of the $1,000 May monthly draw prize, has fished all over B.C. Tom says, “The best tasting fish in the area come from Kootenay Lake. The rainbow trout are exceptional. I don’t even need a prize – the fish are so good!”
Casey McKinnon, Operation Manager of Jones Boys Boats & Marina, grand prize sponsors said: “We really appreciate how the Kootenay Lake Angler Incentive Program has supported local businesses. We want to send a huge thank you to Kingfisher Boats, EZ Loader trailers, Yamaha Motor Canada, Ultra Deck Flooring, Scotty Fishing Products and Lowrance electronics for contributing to an amazing boat package to get one lucky winner out on the water!”
Participating in this program means fishers like Eugene and Tom are actively contributing to the conservation of iconic Kokanee salmon.
“This program reduced rainbow trout and bull trout abundance faster than any other recovery action implemented to date. In the absence of these predators, Kokanee will likely have a better opportunity to survive to maturity and reproduce. We anticipate this last year has made significant steps towards the goal of recovering Kokanee and the Kootenay Lake trophy trout fishery,” said Molly Teather, Fish Biologist, Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations, and Rural Development.
So, get outdoors and help save B.C.’s iconic Kokanee salmon while hooking yourself a delicious dinner and maybe even some great prizes in year two of the Kootenay Lake Angler Incentive Program.
The Kootenay Lake Angler Incentive Program is managed by the local West Arm Outdoors Club with support from B.C. 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 from around Kootenay Lake.
Photo submitted
B.C. Wildlife Federation
