Lethbridge residents can catch goldfish in Chinook Lake this this weekend. The city is hosting Goldfish Derby days to teach residents about invasive goldfish and koi in local ponds. Anyone with a fishing license can attend and catch the fish.
“Goldfish and koi are non-native, provincially listed invasive species introduced into storm ponds that cause problems for the native species and habitat, so they must be removed to create a balanced and healthy ecosystem,” the city says. “Full removal of the goldfish and koi will occur at Chinook Lake and Elma Groves Pond in September with the use of Rotenone, a naturally occurring complex that is not hazardous to human, pet or wildlife health, only gilled species.”
Goldfish Derby Days will be hosted twice this summer at Chinook Lake (265 Bluefox Boulevard North), the first on July 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the second on Aug. 3 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
