Ontario Steelheaders

Greetings Everyone,

As you are aware, Rehabilitation on Dennys Dam has started. I understand there may be several questions regarding what is being done, and timing of the work.

Denny’s Dam Rehabilitation Project

Facca Inc. has been contracted by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission (GLFC) to carry out rehabilitation work for Denny’s Dam. The details are as follows:

WHAT WORK IS BEING DONE:

The rehabilitation work will include:
● construction of access roads to the north and south ends of the dam <>br ● repairs to the fishway, the north overflow weir, the north wingwall, and the dam toe and abutments
● installation of anchors
● placement of new concrete and downstream erosion protection.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE:

The work will take two seasons:
● 2017, August 28th until October 31st
● 2018, June 15th until October 15th

The Great Lakes Fisheries Commission (GLFC) has additionally posted information about the project on their website and the importance of Dennys Dam to controlling the population of sea lamprey. This article can be accessed at https://www.glc.org/dailynews/2017829-sea-lamprey

A component of the project involves dredging of accumulated sediment around the fish way. Sediment testing, and fate of sediment disposal is scheduled to begin September 11, with sediment removal beginning September 18 with completion by September 22. It is unlikely there will be sufficient water through the fish way during dredging to pass fish. We anticipate sediment removal to take 2-3 days based on previous experience at the site.

I understand there may be concerns pertaining to fish migration, MNRF and the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission are working collaboratively to ensure there are no significant effects. We have confirmed that water is currently running through the fishway and will continue until dredging starts. Dredging will occur as quickly as possible with appropriate mitigation measures being utilized. Water through the fishway will be re-established once dredging is completed. We recognize the importance of this resource.

If there are any significant changes I will ensure the clubs are notified.

Have a wonderful day,

Tracy Allison
Resources Management Supervisor
Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
Midhurst District- Owen Sound Field Office
Tele (519) 371-6751 cell: 226-668-1072
Email: tracy.allison@ontario.ca

Sadly we report the passing of one of our long time Steelheaders and friend, Stan Batog on August 23rd. A private family service has been held. A memorial service is planned for Stan and will be held Sunday September 17th, 1-4 pm at the “Polish People Home Association,” 1275 Langlois Ave., Windsor ON N8X 4L6. Stan is remembered for his sense of humour and gentle nature – anyone who knew Stan would say, “he was a good man.” We will miss him.

It is with profound sadness that I must inform our Steelhead community of the passing of Jocelyne Campbell on June 15, 2017 in her 59th year.

Maya Angelou stated “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Jocelyne was a pioneer with respect to fishing the Saugeen as a woman. If it weren’t for Jocelyne I believe that there are many women who may not be as active in fishing this river – I certainly can say that is true for me, as it was Jocelyne who made me feel comfortable to stand there; elbow to elbow with several anglers. 

Jocelyne was a dear friend and loved by many and as such, I have full confidence that through us her beautiful spirit will always live on. I will always envision her fishing on HER rock on the Saugeen.

A Celebration of Jocelyne’s Life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion, Dunsdon Branch, 9 Tollgate Road, Brantford on Monday, July 3, 2017 from 1:30 – 5:00 p.m.  Letters of condolence may be received by the family at www.mccleisterfuneralhome.ca and I would like to encourage everyone to visit the site and share their thoughts. 

The family would like to encourage everyone to attend the Celebration of Life and visit the above website to leave a message that the family can cherish forever.

OFFER OF HELP

To all who have been asking how you may help with any part of the Celebration of Life for Jocelyne Campbell, please contact Marlene Topper who is coordinating the event.  She will let you know how anyone may help. Call cell/or 519 7706875 or email topper_2020@yahoo.com

Just a reminder: Night fishing above the south side of the 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: if sunrise is 7:00 am, fishing is not allowed before until 6:30am. And, if sun set is 7:00pm fishing is allowed until 7:30 pm. Please keep in mind, as winter approaches daylight hours quickly shorten. Please respect the regulations as they are put in place for protecting our fishery.

Denny’s Damn Meeting Announcement

Denny’s Damn is hosting the 2017 spring “King of the Drift” derby on April 15th. As in the past, donations for the dessert table are requested.

The height of spring is quickly approaching; everyone is eager to cast that first line – if you haven’t already. Denny’s Damn Conservation area is open a week early to vehicle traffic.  Just a gentle reminder the grounds may still be water logged in areas – please exercise caution.   The month of April is a busy one at Denny’s damn with 4 Derby’s booked and we welcome back: April 8th – Drift Kings. April 15th – King of the Drift. April 22nd – Is opening weekend;  the CAW derby. April 29th – Ontario Steelheaders Spring Derby.

Watch members of Lake Huron Fishing Club and Ontario Steelheaders work hard to clip the adipose fin on the Hatchery-raised steelhead trout which will be used for research to identify the released trout after they’ve been released in the Saugeen River later this spring.