Stoney Creek

Stoney Creek is situated on the south bank of the Nechako River just upstream of Riverside Park in the community of Vanderhoof. Stoney Creek was once a thriving rainbow trout and chinook salmon creek. At one time (account is from 30 years ago), juvenile Nechako white sturgeon were caught as bi-catch of the chinook fishery in the creek. Stoney Creek is also an important traditional area for Saik'uz First Nation.

UPSTREAM VIEW OF ONE OF THE SERIES OF FALLS ON STONEY CREEK. PHOTO BY MICHELLE ROBERGE.

Stoney Creek flows out of Nulki Lake, roughly 20 km south of Vanderhoof. The creek flows through the Saik'uz First Nation Reservation, north toward the Nechako River. There is a series of natural falls on Stoney Creek that cascade over the steep valley wall of the Nechako River valley. Below the falls, Stoney Creek flows through agricultural, forested and residental landscapes. The lower roughly 5km of Stoney Creeks flows within the municipal boundary of the District of Vanderhoof. The riparian zone is heavily altered along much of its length within the municipal boundary.

The Vanderhoof Community Trail loop follows the lowest section of Stoney Creek - named the Stoney Creek Nature Trail. There is a foot bridge over Stoney Creek. This location is a great place to see trout. There are interpretive signs along this section of the creek that speak to invasive species, cottonwood trees, floodplain habitat and fish habitat.