Public feedback sought on proposed fishing regulation amendments for Little Atlin Lake

Press Release

The Government of Yukon, in collaboration with the Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board, invites the public to provide their feedback on proposed changes to the Little Atlin Lake Fishing Regulations.

Little Atlin Lake, in south-central Yukon, experiences high recreational fishing pressure due to its proximity to Whitehorse.

To safeguard the lake trout population in Little Atlin Lake, the Government of Yukon is proposing the following amendments to the fishing regulations for Little Atlin Lake.

• Lake trout between 58.5 centimetres (23 inches) and 65 centimetres (25.6 inches) in total length can be kept. All others must be released.
• Mandatory use of single-point barbless hooks.
• Implement a seasonal closure for lake trout in Little Atlin Lake from July 1 until November 30. Harvesting of lake trout can only occur between December 1 and June 30.

From November 18, 2024, to January 17, 2025, Yukoners are invited to learn more and provide feedback on these proposed changes by attending an information session or completing the Little Atlin Lake Fishing Regulation Amendments survey.

Visit EngageYukon.ca to access the survey and view dates for upcoming public information sessions.

Protections must be put in place to safeguard the lake trout population of Little Atlin Lake and support sustainable fishing. We have been working with the Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board to address the concerns of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation and the Taku River Tlingit First Nations regarding lake trout populations in Little Atlin Lake. We appreciate the Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board’s partnership as we gather valuable feedback from Yukoners on the proposed changes.

Minister of Environment Nils Clarke

The lake trout population at Little Atlin Lake is relatively small and vulnerable to overfishing due to high access and limited habitat. We recognize this lake offers valuable recreational angling opportunities while holding cultural and ecological significance for local First Nations and residents. Studies and monitoring have validated the concerns about the health and sustainability of lake trout in this lake. The proposed regulation changes aim to balance conservation objectives with angling opportunities and the local Renewable Resource Council, First Nations and the Board support these efforts. We encourage all Yukoners who use this lake to share their input on these proposed regulation changes.

Chair of Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board Michelle Dawson-Beattie

Quick facts

• A harvest slot refers to a regulation that restricts individuals from keeping fish outside a certain size range. This means that fish that fall within this “slot” – typically between a minimum and maximum length – may be kept, while fish outside of this range must be released back into the water.
• The fishery status report for Little Atlin Lake was published in 2023 and documented the population concerns around lake trout in Little Atlin Lake. The proposed fishing regulation amendments for Little Atlin Lake stem from recommendations from this report.
• Learn more and provide feedback on these proposed changes by completing the survey at EngageYukon.ca or attending an upcoming public information session.
  • November 25 from 6 to 9 pm at the Tagish Community Centre.
  • November 26 from 6 to 9 pm at the Kwanlin Dun Cultural Centre.
  • December 9 from 6 to 9 pm at the Marsh Lake Community Centre.
  • December 18 from 6 to 9 pm on Zoom (virtual).

Media contact

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca

Jake Wilson
Communications, Environment
867-334-8390
jake.wilson@yukon.ca

Diane Sheldon
Office Manager, Yukon Fish and Wildlife Management Board
867-393-6292
officemanager@yfwmb.ca

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