[1] The lower Stave valley comprises over half the surface territory of the District of Mission although it remains mostly forested mountainside.

The waters of the lower Stave are semi-tidal, as the tidal bore on the Fraser River ends farther upstream at Mission City.

The original salmon fishery was severely affected by the damming of the river but its lower stretches remain popular with sport fishermen, especially in search of steelhead.

The hydro corporation has worked in cooperation with the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans to rework the gravel bars and channels below Ruskin Dam, but this has had only marginal effect relative to the former size of the salmon runs.

The north end of the lake can not be reached by road so the only option is by boat or air charter to a small bush strip.