Keeping Steelhead Rainbow Trout in the Saugeen River For Future Generations
I ran across this article recently about scientists trying to change the genes in steelhead trout and salmon to be more likely to bite at baits, making it easier for an individual to catch a fish. Ridiculous? Maybe! Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
Full Story Here: http://bit.ly/Ow4DAX
For efforts on the Saugeen River, the Canadian Angler Hall of Fame presented a prestigious Conservation Award to Ontario Steelheaders and Lake Huron Fishing Club.
Darryl Choronzey presented the Conservation Award to Karl Redin, president of the Ontario Steelheaders and Brian Garnet of the Lake Huron Fishing Club, for the achievements both clubs have reached by stocking steelhead rainbow trout and improving the stream habitats on the Saugeen River.
Choronzey stated,
“When we started 10 years ago, I estimated the run was probably 3,000 fish. We estimate our run to be 45,000 to 50,000 fish right now. I know my waters and this is the best steelhead fishery in North America.”
Furthermore, Choronzey mentioned the hard work of the volunteers and “Old Boys” and Rod Jones joined Redin and Garnet on stage. Choronzey then challenged younger individuals in the room to match their dedication to preserving Canada’s lakes, streams and rivers.
Located on the Saugeen River, the Dennys Dam campground and park will be closed for the winter and will re-open for April 1 2014, weather and spring river flow permitting. The park is open to fishing during the winter, but please respect the following guidlines:
Enjoy the winter!
The “Ontario Steelheaders Fall 2013 Adult Steelhead Rainbow Trout Fish Transfer” has begun! We will be using three customized tanker trailers named the “Steelhead Express” to transfer adult steelhead trout upstream on the Saugeen River to Walkerton, Ontario area over the next two weeks. We are simply doing our best to ensure the steelhead rainbow 
trout reach spawning beds and natural habitats, bypassing river obstacles and 52 dams located on 85+ kilometers of the Saugeen River and its tributaries like the Beatty and Rocky Saugeen. Much appreciation goes out to the guys who get up and get wet to get this job done!
Please note: Fish will not be passing the underwater camera when the basket is down collecting fish for a lift.
If you would like to get involved helping carry, transport and release fish, or just bring your family to watch us in action, you can visit the Dennys Dam fishway in the mornings and afternoons. Fish transfers ultimately depend on water temperatures, clarity and turbulence. Due to the inconsistency in scheduling, if a fish transfer is scheduled for the next day, we will be listing the next fish lift to this page.
Denny’s Dam Fishway
Latitude: 44.503354
Longitude: -81.330805
If you have any comments on how we can better get you involved, please add a comment below or contact us.
This coming weekend, Saturday October 19, 2013, the Ontario Steelheaders is hosting the annual fall steelhead trout derby at the Denny’s Dam Park. Please join us for a great day of fishing, social event for members, families and friends who love to catch steelhead trout. Prizes are awarded for largest steelhead rainbow trout, important information updates and a cozy campfire afterwards. It is sure to be a fun day fishing with family and friends.
Cost: $10 per adult (juniors are free)Prizes are awarded for:
Derby Start Time: 7AM
Derby End Time: 5PM
A huge feast is served at the Rod Jones Pavilion in Denny’s Dam Park with a ceremony, prizes, raffle and more. Overnight camping and day use at Denny’s Dam Park is available for participants and their families. Membership applications are also accepted at the ceremonies. Consider supporting the Ontario Steelheaders by grabbing some merchandise like t-shirts, hats, jackets and more. They make great gifts for family, friends and even yourself.
Here is what you can expect after the derby comes to a close at 5PM:If you need more information, check out the Denny’s Dam Park page for directions, map and other camping and parking information. You can also contact Scott Redin, if you would like to donate raffle prizes or need more detailed information.
Just a reminder: Starting today, October 1, night fishing above the south side of the old bridge abutments up to Denny’s Dam is closed for the entire month of October for salmon spawning in accordance with the Ministry of Natural Resources regulations.
Fisherman may begin targeting fish 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset.
For example: Today, sunrise was 7:25AM, so fishing is not allowed before until 6:55AM.
Please respect the regulations as they are put in place for protecting our fishery.
We would like to inform all members and non-members who are interested:
Wilson’s Fly Fishing is presenting the “The Fergus Fly Fishing Film Festival” and it should be a great event.
Only one of seven screenings in Canada, this film will surely mashup nature’s aesthetics with the fishing action we all love and bring it the big screen.
When: 7PM Saturday, September 28, 2013
Where: Fergus Grand Theatre, Fergus Ontario
Cost: $20 in advance or $25 at the door.
Tickets can be purchased online or in person at any of Wilson’s stores.
More information about the event, visit: Fergus Grand Theatre.
To find out more details about the film being presented here: The Fly Fishing Film Tour.