Waterton Lakes National Park bans fishing in rivers and streams; no outside nonmotorized craft, either

Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada will not allow any fishing in moving waters this season. In addition, all non-motorized watercraft from outside park boundaries will not be permitted to enter waterbodies within the park, it announced in a release last week.

Fishing will still be permitted in lakes.

The park is concerned about spreading aquatic invasive species into its waterways and waterways downstream, as the park’s waters drain into irrigation and other sources downstream. The most worrisome invasive is zebra and quagga mussels, but there are other non-native aquatic plants and other species that are of concern.

Motorized watercraft are subject to a 90-day quarantine period where the craft is tagged and cannot enter other waters in that period. Glacier National Park’s motorized boat regulations are similar, but Glacier does allow non-motorized craft after a mandatory inspection.

It also allows for fishing in streams and rivers.

Glacier’s waters do close to all boating during the late fall through the winter and early spring, as there isn’t staff available to inspect watercraft.