As salmon begin to stage for the autumn runs on the Great Lakes tributaries, see what scientists are saying about the social behavoirs of salmon. http://ift.tt/2adlffD

Scientists investigate social patterns of salmon
Each summer, millions of fish return to Bristol Bay, and then swim on to the stream where they were born to spawn, and die. Exactly what compels them to return to the right spot is unknown. But scientists think that some hatchery-raised steelhead in Oregon might hold a clue.
More info: http://ift.tt/2adlffD

A Call For Directors

Recently our News & Media Director resigned his position, which has left us in need to fill this position as soon as possible. This position requires the ideal candidate to act as the principal person responsible for Newsletters, Website Updates, Press Releases, etc. Additionally our Derby and Social Events Director will be retiring his position at the end of his term, which would coincide with this years’ fall derby. This position would involve being responsible for organizing, promoting and hosting club derbies. If anyone is interested in either of these positions, please contact Karl Redin Using the contact form

Saugeen River Steelhead Spring Release

Al Wilkens wanted to say a few words to the Ontario Steelheaders:

As Manager of the Lake Huron Fishing Club’s Kincardine Trout Hatchery I want to express my sincere appreciation to all the Ontario Steelheaders who gave up a major portion of “opening day” weekend to move the rainbows out of the Kincardine and Port Elgin fish hatcheries. Your enthusiasm and professionalism ensured that all of our releases went smoothly and all fish were delivered to their new homes safely and in good health. Without the help of the Ontario Steelheaders we would be taking a week or more to release all our fish rather than the day and 1/2 that it took this year. I don’t have the final numbers from Port Elgin yet but from Kincardine you helped move 18 loads of fish that totaled 56,324 fish weighing a total of 4,761 pounds. Not bad for a day’s work! Thanks!

Al Wilkens
Lake Huron Fishing Club

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Spring Saugeen Steelhead Transfer Complete

The Ontario Steelheads in cooperation with Lake Huron Fishing Club has completed a another mobile transfer of adult steelhead trout up river. The transfer is conducted with custom aquariums on wheels and travel over 50 miles upriver, aiding the steelhead (rainbow trout) overcome many of the obstacles such as the 20+ dams on the Saugeen River. The fish were really moving over the past week, one thousand adults steelhead rainbow trout averaging 10-15lbs each were lifted at Denny’s Dam and transported in 3.5 days!

The Saugeen River Steelhead transfer program has come to a close and we will not be transferring fish. It is undetermined if the program will be re-implemented in the future. The hard work and resources poured into this program by the hard working volunteers of the LHFC and Ontario Steelheaders is remarkable to say the least. Thank you to everyone involved.

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Friends of the Saugeen: Update

Here is the latest newsletter from the newly formed conservation efforts, Friends of the Saugeen:

Spring Newsletter


April 2016 - HAPPY EARTH DAY
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Welcome to the Friends of the Saugeen!

The Friends of the Saugeen (working name only, this group is NOT official yet and its name WILL be changing) is a new volunteer-driven organization looking to be formally accepted by river users from the headwaters of the Saugeen to Lake Huron. Started in Brockton by several Walkerton residents, the group also includes representation from the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority, Grey Bruce Sustainability Network, Stewardship Grey Bruce, the Municipality of Brockton and the Walkerton BIA & Visitor Information Centre. These volunteers hope to formally establish the Friends of the Saugeen this spring and, with your input, will establish a name that encompasses all they want to achieve in the coming years.

You are receiving this newsletter because you expressed an interest in the organization at an earlier date. If you wish to unsubscribe please follow the link at the end of this newsletter.

In the weeks and months to come, the Friends will draft a mandate and begin creating a project wish list consisting of short- and long-term goals. Please stayed tuned for more information!

PLEASE JOIN US!

New fish consumption signs to be erected

Eight signs showing which fish are safe for consumption on a regular basis will soon be installed in Brockton. The provincially-supplied signs will be erected by volunteers in the next few weeks. Watch for them at all five river access points within Brockton, as well as three other high-traffic locations in Walkerton.

Quench Buggy to be featured at Walkerton Homecoming

Walkerton Homecoming 2016 will be held from Thursday, July 28 to Monday, August 1. Many events and activities are in the works to entertain and educate those who will be in town for this milestone celebration (www.walkertonhomecoming2016.com). The steering committee has reserved a Quench Buggy to be parked on the festival grounds for the weekend in an effort to reduce the number of plastic bottles that might otherwise find their way onto the ground or into the river. Please watch for this featured attraction, sponsored by the Walkerton Clean Water Centre, and bring your re-usable water bottle to the event! Cold municipal drinking water will be available at the buggy free of charge.
 

Help us spread the word

Do you know someone who would be interested in joining this volunteer group? Please pass this newsletter on to them and invite them to subscribe to future mailings by sending us an email: info@walkertonbia.ca.
 
Do you have a question or comment for the Friends of the Saugeen?
Please send correspondence through the Walkerton BIA:
info@walkertonbia.ca
101 Durham Street, Box 1344, Walkerton, ON N0G 2V0
T: 519-881-3413    F: 519-881-4009
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2016 Annual Spring Steelhead Derby

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April 30, 2016, the Ontario Steelheaders is hosting the annual spring 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’s will 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.