The Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada closed numerous areas within Zone 3 and 4 on July 19 and July 20. Zones 5 to 9 were closed completely on July 21, with closures also taking place in areas of Zone 10 and 11.
At the time, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans advised anglers that due to extremely low water levels and extremely high water temperatures, several rivers in central Newfoundland would be closing.
And there’s been no word on when the areas will reopen.
“We continue to monitor conditions on the rivers that were recently closed due to environmental conditions,” read a DFO’s statement issued today.
“Any change in river status will be communicated via Notice to Anglers. Anglers are reminded to always check the In Season River Status report before heading out www.nfl.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/NL/River-Status/In-Season”
Examining areas
Terra Nova National Park’s Northwest River remains closed to anglers as well.
According to the river’s conservation group, the population targets are being met – 1,099 as of July 25 – at the counter. However, maximum water temperatures from the day before were 21 degrees, and the water depth at the monitoring station was 18 centimeters.
Parks Canada will monitor conditions closely and updates will be provided daily.
“We have enough population target going through the fence, but we don’t have the conditions,” said a Parks Canada official.
“We’ll be continuing to monitor, and as conditions become more favorable, accordingly we’ll be reopening the river.”
The main stem of the Exploits River – Red Indian Lake (Millertown) to the ocean – is still open as environmental conditions deem it suitable to continue fishing, but low water levels and high water temperatures have brought about closure’s on the river’s tributaries.
It’s a decision Salmonid Interpretation Centre manager Fred Parsons feels is justified.
“Some of these little brooks haven’t seen a good bit of fresh water for two weeks or probably longer,” said Parsons, adding maximum daily water temperatures are hovering around 21 degrees and some of the smaller systems can reach up to 24 to 25 degrees.
To turn things around, Parsons said, “The tributaries are going to need rain and some cooling.”
