The Hepworth Anglers Club 2018 Spring Creek Restoration Project

Hepworth

The Hepworth Anglers Club has continued its Spring Creek Restoration Project in 2018 planting and maintaining trees. Green Feet Ecosystem Services, a company specializing in drone imaging and analysis have completed their first flyover of Spring Creek to do a Digital Surface Model. This drone surface is funded in part by Bruce Power, one of the Hepworth Club’s partners in the Spring Creek restoration project. Major restoration work will begin in July including continuation of improving stream habitat and conducting biomass studies, which are used to measure and assess restoration work completed to date.

Regards,

Bill Nafziger,
Stream Improvement
Hepworth Anglers Club

Part of dam to be removed

Owen Sound Sun Times
Author: Don Crosby • May 30th, 2018

Brockton council has approved removal of a portion of the Truax Dam on the Saugeen River near Walkerton.

The dam is a barrier to fish moving up and down river and needs to be repaired.

“We are very pleased to work with the Lake Huron Fishing Club and Bruce Power on this important environmental project. The Saugeen River, running through Walkerton is one of Brockton’s natural assets providing some of the best fishing in the world,” said Brockton Mayor David Inglis. “Following the appropriate engineering studies the partial removal of the dam will support fishing enthusiasts while creating a beautiful natural public space that can be enjoyed by area residents and visitors and ensure ease of access for canoeists and kayakers.”

The project will see the eastern portion of the structure removed and the area rehabilitated to a more natural state, with a new beach. The work wil also address liability concerns Brockton has had.

Removal of a portion of the dam will allow fish to migrate through the area. It will also improve water quality and create a healthier ecosystem for fish to thrive.

“It’s an aging piece of infrastructure that no longer has a suitable or useful purpose; there are probably some hazardous and safety issues with the dam,” said Jeff Graham of GSS Engineering.

“It has also been identified as an impediment for fish migration, especially native fish like bass, muskie and northern pike that can’t get up past that dam under low flows or high flows.”

Graham told Brockton council that a portion of the dam on the south side of the river will remain. The area immediately upstream of this portion of the dam will be filled with clean concrete and covered with a fine gravel topping and will provide a public space overlooking the river. This public space will also feature new access points to the river for canoeists, kayakers and anglers.

After a public meeting on Oct. 5, 2016, where the public had the opportunity to discuss partial removal or complete removal of the dam, council decided on partial removal.

At its January 22, 2018 meeting, council entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Lake Huron Fishing Club which will work with GSS Engineering to carry out the dam removal.

Bruce Power has committed to providing up to $380,000, the estimated cost of the project.

“We are proud to be a part of the Truax Dam Removal Project, which will have important, longterm benefits to fish species in our area. We recognize the importance of our natural surroundings and are committed to assisting in various community-driven environmental initiatives,” James Scongack, vice president of corporate affairs and environment with Bruce Power, said in a news release.

Work is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2019.

“Bruce Power hopes to show the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans that there will be additional fish grown, not only at the dam site but allow access for more fish further upstream tributaries; there will be a net enhancement of fish productivity out of the Saugeen River that is used as part of (Bruce Power’s) licensing process and their agreement with DFO for operation of Bruce nuclear,” said Graham. Coun. Steve Adams raised concerns about a possible drop in water levels of the river as it passes through Walkerton once part of the dam has been removed. He also worried that the existing walking trail would be quite far away from the river’s edge with a drop in water levels.

Graham said the water levels would not be affected by the partial dam removal, with the same amount of water coming down stream once part of the dam is removed.

“The dam right now doesn’t generate any water on its own, whatever comes in at the top end flows out the bottom. So whatever you see at the bridge by Tim Hortons will be the same now as after the dam is removed,” he said. “I don’t think it will be a rock garden, it will be a river with low flows, medium flows and high flows at times.”

Graham said the walking trail is quite close to the river and during floods and peak flows the trail is covered in water.

“That trail will be more useful after the dam removal; admittedly although you will be separated further from the water than you are now. I would say it’s a pros and cons thing,” Graham said.

Graham said he is not too concerned the release of sediment one part of the dam is removed.

“This river is really big and has tremendous energy during flood flows. It’s only eight feet deep and the dam forms a very small impediment to the river when under flood… and a lot of fine silt and mud carry right through,” Graham said.

Graham said he expects tenders for the work to be let this fall and work to begin late summer of 2019.

“We’re very excited about this project and all the natural benefits it can provide. We are passionate about sport fishing and our waterways and this is a great opportunity to improve the health and integrity of the river for generations to come.” -Phil Hahn, President of the Lake Huron Fishing Club.

Is Walkerton going to get a beach along the Saugeen River?

Walkerton Herald-Times
May 29th, 2018

WALKERTON, ON – Part of the Truax Dam is coming out.

Brockton council has approved removal of the eastern portion of the structure just south of Tim Hortons on the Saugeen River.

The existing dam acts as a barrier to fish moving up and down river and the structure is in need of repair.

“We are very pleased to work with the Lake Huron Fishing Club and Bruce Power on this important environmental project. The Saugeen River, running through Walkerton is one of Brockton’s natural assets providing some of the best fishing in the world,” said Brockton Mayor David Inglis. “Following the appropriate engineering studies the partial removal of the dam will support fishing enthusiasts while creating a beautiful natural public space that can be enjoyed by area residents and visitors and ensure ease of access for canoeists and kayakers.”

The project will see the eastern portion of the structure removed, the area rehabilitated to a more natural state with a new beach and will address Brockton’s liability concerns.

Removal of a portion of the dam will benefit local fish stocks allowing them to migrate through the area and it will also improve water quality and create a healthier ecosystem for fish to thrive.

“It’s an aging piece of infrastructure that no longer has a suitable or useful purpose; there are probably some hazardous and safety issues with the dam,” said Jeff Graham of GSS Engineering.

“It has also been identified as an impediment for fish migration, especially native fish like bass, Muskie and northern pike that can’t get up past that dam under low flows or high flows.”

Graham told Brockton council that a portion of the dam on the south side of the river will remain. The area immediately upstream of this portion of the dam will be filled with clean concrete and covered with a fine gravel topping and will provide a public space overlooking the river. This public space will also feature new access points to the river for canoeists, kayakers and anglers.

“We are proud to be a part of the Truax Dam Removal Project, which will have important, long-term benefits to fish species in our area. We recognize the importance of our natural surroundings and are committed to assisting in various community-driven environmental initiatives,” said James Scongack, vice president, Corporate Affairs and Environment, Bruce Power in a media release.

Following a public meeting on Oct. 5, 2016, where the public had the opportunity to discuss the two options of partial removal or complete removal of the dam, council decided to proceed with partial removal.

At its Jan. 22, 2018 meeting, council entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Lake Huron Fishing Club which will work with GSS Engineering to carry out the dam removal.

Bruce Power has committed to providing up to $380,000, the estimated cost of the project. Work is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2019.

“Bruce Power hopes to show the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans that there will be additional fish grown, not only at the dam site but allow access for more fish further upstream tributaries; there will be a net enhancement of fish productivity out of the Saugeen River that is used as part of (Bruce Power’s) licensing process and their agreement with DFO for operation of Bruce Nuclear,” said Graham.

Coun. Steve Adams raised concerns about a possible drop in water levels of the river as it passes through Walkerton once part of the dam has been removed. He also worried that the existing walking trail would be quite far away from the river’s edge with a drop in water levels.

Graham said the water levels would not be affected by the partial dam removal, with the same amount of water coming down stream once part of the dam is removed.

“The dam right now doesn’t generate any water on its own, whatever comes in at the top end flows out the bottom. So whatever you see at the bridge by Tim Hortons will be the same now as after the dam is removed,” he said. “I don’t think it will be a rock garden, it will be a river with low flows, medium flows and high flows at times.”

Graham said currently the walking trail borders quite closely to the river and during flood flows and peak flows the trail is covered in water.

“That trail will be more useful after the dam removal; admittedly although you will be separated further from the water than you are now. I would say it’s a pros and cons thing,” Graham said.

Graham said he is not too concerned the release of sediment one part of the dam is removed.

“This river is really big and has tremendous energy during flood flows. It’s only eight feet deep and the dam forms a very small impediment to the river when under flood … and a lot of fine silt and mud carry right through,” Graham said.

Graham said he expects tenders for the work to be let this fall and work to begin late summer of 2019.

2018 Spring Derby Results

Spring 2018 winners

Ontario Steelheaders hosted their 2018 Spring Derby on Saturday May 5th. The weather was beautiful, sunny and warm; one of the best derby days in many years.

1st place, Eugene McConkey 9.2 lbs
2nd place, Jeff Lowe 8.18 lbs
3rd place, Paul Sabatino 7.4 lbs
Live release Lance Crawford 32.25 inches.
Junior winner Rhett H. 4.7 lbs.

Thank you to all the entrants, sponsors and volunteers that helped make the day a success for everyone. We hope to see you back for the 2018 fall derby October 13th.

Ontario Steelheaders still shut off by MNRF.

March 16, 2018

Greetings Darryl,

I am responding on behalf of Shawn as he is on vacation.

As discussed previously, in effort to effectively manage the Beatty Saugeen River Fishery, the MNRF is encouraging the natural migration and selection of rainbow trout to the headwaters without the manual transferring of rainbow trout. Our position on this has not changed, as such MNRF is not approving the Steelheaders to transfer adults this spring. The goal of the 50 tagged fish is to support a very specific research project.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Cheers,
Tracy

Tracy Allison
Resources Management Supervisor
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
Midhurst District- Owen Sound Field Office
Email: tracy.allison@ontario.ca


March 18, 2018

From: Darryl Choronzey

Very disappointing. Your folks ( one in particular) could only collect one fish last fall instead of 50. Great preparation and knowledge?

-Your office played with underwater cameras for two years which were a total bust.

-Your office installed a fishway that only works a very small percentage of the time.

-Your office decided to stock the Chatsworth steelhead above Maple Hill and were warned it was asinine. The turbines wasted them.

-Your office decided to count redds on the Beatty which is impossible to achiev.

-Your office only had to put one antenna on each of the two fishways at Maple Hill. Instead the powers to be were going to ‘rent’ an airplane and track the fish.

-Your office could still follow the 50 fish and still let the Steelheaders carry out an important transporting program at absolutely no cost to the MNR or the taxpayer. Approximately 4500 fish never saw the proper spawning grounds since the decision was made. Some experiment????

-I really believe the Owen Sound office cares little about the local fishery or the region’s economy and more about experiment and gaining a name on a study paper. There was absolutely no reason for cancelling or postponing this program which came to you free of charge.

-Like I’ve said in the past, I’m no longer doing any actual work with the Steelheaders, but this decision is nothing more than a wasteful joke and it will drastically affect the quality of this river and the anglers attempts to maintain and still improve the fishery.

-I’ve been around the Ontario sport fishery for more than 50 years and never witnessed anything like this problem.

-Pass this message on to Shawn that communications with the right people are still lacking in the Grey / Bruce region.

Thank you for your reply.

Darryl.

45,000 fins clipped

A big thank from myself and the board of director to the volunteers who clipped fish this weekend at the Kincardine Hatchery. Approximately 45,000 little guys were clipped.

Karl Redin,
President, Ontario Steelheaders

Fin Clipping Volunteers Needed

The Kincardine Trout Hatchery are considering the weekend of February 10th to begin annual fin clipping of the Rainbow Trout. Anyone interested in helping are encouraged to contact:


Rachel Hasson, Volunteer Coordinator – Kincardine Hatchery
519-353-8896

The fin clipping can take quite a number of days and may spill over to the following weekend, please check with Rachel during this time to see if your services are needed. Volunteering is not limited to the LHFC and Ontario Steelheaders members – anyone can participate.

Lots of Steelhead Trout
Lots of Steelhead Trout

Ontario Steelheaders Rainbow Trout Sorting Hatchery 2016

King Of The Drift Fall Derby

Winners of the Longest 2 Steelhead
Combined Length

1st Joe Sousa – 56 inches Total
2nd Chad Weir – 55.25 inches Total
3rd Max Courtier – 53.5 inches Total
4th Garrett Gardiner – 53.25 inches total
5th Douglas Keene – 53.25 inches total
6th John Kingshot – 53 inches total
7th Dan Coblentz – 52.5 inches total
8th Luca Opacic – 52 inches total

KOTD Fall 2017
Photo Credits:
Arthur Jerico Reinoso
Instagram: @angling_art