Mike W. Bryant
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Aug 03/01) - A habitat study and user survey currently being conducted on Prelude Lake is indicating that the local fishery there is in trouble.

Steve Chaffee, a survey technician for the North Slave Metis Alliance, takes a creel census from a fisher on Prelude Lake. An ongoing study being conducted by the Alliance shows fish stocks in the lake falling dramatically. - photo courtesy of Rick Palmer

Last year, the North Slave Metis Alliance conducted a habitat assessment of the lake using underwater cameras, as well as a water quality study. This year's plan included a creel survey of fishers visiting the lake.

The general consensus arising out of it seems to confirm that the fishery there, particularly for lake trout, has only worsened.

"I think our study will show that the lake will never recover on its own," says North Slave Metis Alliance president Clem Paul.

"We're just past the midway point of our user survey and a lot of people are saying they're really frustrated."

Paul says he is worried visitors to the North will be left with a bitter impression of their fishing experience on the Ingraham Trail, especially at Prelude Lake, which generally draws the heaviest traffic.

"For tourists, it would be a great lake to fish if only there were fish," Paul says, referring to the lake's natural beauty and easy access.

"The government has been so slack-ass about implementing rules and regulations. They were having fishing derbies there just two years ago."

As a result of the constant pressure on the lake, anglers would be hard-pressed to catch anything more than a few small pike, Paul says. The Metis Alliance feels drastic steps may have to be taken if there is to be any hope that Prelude Lake may one day recover.

Moratorium a possibility

Such steps may include a moratorium on fishing as well as the establishment of a fish hatchery on the lake to help increase depleted stocks. Carlos Gonzalez, who works as an outfitter and guide on Prelude Lake, agrees with the Metis Alliance's assessment of the fishery there. He says time is running out, and the time for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans as well as the GNWT, to act is now.

"A decision must be made fairly quickly in terms of relieving pressure on the lake," says Gonzalez.

"The most effective case scenario is to put a moratorium on it. People won't be happy about it, but what can you do? That's the good, the bad, and the ugly of it."

Next year, the Metis Alliance will continue its study, which will include actually catching and counting fish.

A final report will then be drafted and sent to Fisheries and Oceans and the GNWT with a list of its recommendations.

Officials at Fisheries and Oceans and the GNWT were not available for comment.