Saugeen River MNR Steelhead Trout Survey

Notice to all fisherman: The MNR is conducting a survey Saugeen River until spring 2016.

Saugeen River MNR Fish Survey Study

Surveyors will be interviewing fisherman and asking simple questions such as:

  • Are you local or did you travel to Saugeen River?
  • How many fish have you caught today?
  • What time did you start fishing?

Additionally when being interviewed, the MNR staff may ask to take a scale sample and scan the fish for a digital chip/tracker. Its been reported, some have refused these types of requests.

Please consider cooperating with this study. Your honest answers are valuable information and only benefits the efforts of the Ontario Steelheaders and its partners.

Thanks in advance for your cooperation.

Ontario Steelheaders

Fall 2015 Saugeen River Steelhead Transfer

The annual fall steelhead rainbow trout transfer on the Saugeen River is underway and currently in progress. We will try to update the daily transfer numbers as the project progresses. Each year, Ontario Steelheaders uses custom-made aquariums on wheels to transfer adult steelhead to Hanover, Ontario, bypassing many of the dams that exist on the Saugeen River for a better chance at survival. The transportation trailers are also used and release stocked steelhead (rainbow) and brown trout in the Saugeen River at other times of the year.

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2015 Fall Annual Derby Results

Thanks to everyone who came out to our annual fall derby this year. We hope to see all of you and more at the spring derby in May 2016.

Winners of Fall Steelhead Derby 2015

1st Place – Greg Allen – 9.7lb
2nd Place – Jeff Byrne – 9.5lb
3rd Place – Barry Pieta – 7.5lb

Catch and release went to Brian Watson – 28.5″ & Junior division goes to Cory Munro with 4.6lb.

OS 2015 Fall Steelhead Derby - 1st Place
OS 2015 Fall Steelhead Derby – 1st Place
OS 2015 Fall Steelhead Derby - 3rd Place OS 2015 Fall Steelhead Derby - 2nd Place OS 2015 Fall Steelhead Derby Winning Trout Entry

2015 Annual Fall Steelhead Derby

Owen Lee - Spring 2012 Derby Winner
Owen Lee – Spring 2012 Derby Winner

This coming weekend, Saturday October 17, 2015, the Ontario Steelheaders is hosting the annual fall steelhead trout derby at the Denny’s Dam Park located on the Saugeen River. 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 spent fishing with family and friends.

Derby Details

Cost: $10 per adult (juniors are free)
Derby Start Time: 7AM
Derby End Time: 5PM
Prizes are awarded for:
  • Heaviest Steelhead Trout (1st, 2nd and 3rd places)
  • Juniors (Under age 16)
  • Live Trout Release (Derby director verifies length, girth and weight)

After the Derby

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:
  • Large Potluck Dinner
  • Awards
  • Club Updates
  • Guest Speakers
  • Draw Prizes
  • Winner Ceremony
  • Prize Awards To Top Placing Entrants
  • Campfire and Overnight Camping

More Information

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 prizes or need more detailed information.

Spring Creek Invertebrate Study

Spring Creek Study

Dr. Jim Hamilton, his wife and fellow professor Katherine, and 8 students (2 graduate, 6 undergraduate) from Wilfrid Laurier University conducted invertebrate studies in the upper and cedar rapids, in Spring Creek on September 27, which will serve as a baseline for measuring the oxygenation impact resulting from the oxygen generator project currently underway at Spring Creek.

Oxygen will be provided to 3 major springs as required, in late summer/early fall, to maintain an optimum dissolved oxygen level in the upper portion of of Spring Creek.

Best regards,

Bill Nafziger
Hepworth Anglers Club