I'm on the fence about this subject...I'm a Rancher first, and Sportsman second. I understand both points of view.
Most old Homesteads where built next too water, and what most don't realize is that most lakes in the interior did not have fish in them.
Kamloops trout where introduced slowly by ranch families as a food source over the last 120 years or so. This has been proven up here in Indian Land and Fishing claims with the investigations of old diaries ,being introduced into evidence.
The private property around a body of water, is just that..It's private. Unlike the U.S., you cannot own a body or course of water, and even some creeks have setbacks, like my place, that you cannot touch, or alter...You also cannot stop anyone from walking up that watercourse...If they are a Canadian citizen.
I am familiar with this Court Case, and the Douglas Lake Ranch has used barriers to expand the lake for profit, which legally alters their property lines..Remember , the owners are American.
They have blocked in a natural species, with an unatural device, and altered a natural water course...Which I believe is illegal.
If a business owner enhances wildlife habitat on his private property..In Canada you DO NOT own the wildlife. The laws are very clear.The animals you choose to corral, and rear ,must be Domestic or Feral...In other words introduced into that environment.
Their arguement may be..the kamloops trout where introduced as a food source for the Ranch.
But that is a very grey area.
On the otherhand, the Anglers must cross private property to fish..That is against the law...Unless they walk up a creekbed, that all British Columbians own.
I've had anglers in my watercourse here a few times..And I know there is nothing I can do about it.
I think in this case there is a pissing contest between locals who are organized...And multi-millionares that are just showing everyone "Who They Are"
If they are real Ranchers and not billionares...they would know the unwritten laws of the land.
Don't mess with my Animals.
Don't mess with my Fence.
Don't ever.. mess with my Family.