Declining Steelhead - Ontario

[Markus]

Shure makes sense Aaron. I hope you're right because I released a ton this year on Erie! I was hoping they'd have a high survival rate, but I'm really not able to tell. Only twice did we have to cicle back and scoop em up.

[SALMON]

Time to rent a mini sub and check the lake bottom! Reduced bait fish populations are having an impact on all great lake species. When the cycle comes round again to large numbers of bait..the fish will grow with them.

[Aaron Shirley]

You should all read this from the MNR. They know there has been a serious decline of steelhead, it's in this report.

Aaron

http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/fishing/lk_ont_rainbow.html

[Markus]

Shure makes sense

My god....my spelling is getting worse and worse!

Aaron, thanks for keeping us up to date with your research. When you're in the position that numbers of concerned anglers can somehow help you and make a difference, please let us know.

I think it is obvious that we are all concerned with the future of our fisheries.

[Aaron Shirley]

I have just spoken to Chris Brousseau of the OMNR today, and I have great news. The steelhead daily catch limits are currently under review for a reduction to a 2 fish limit on Lake Ontario and the tributaries that flow into Lake Ontario.

There will soon be a time when the public may voice their concerns and opinions regarding the reduction in daily catch limits. They are currently considering a 2 fish limit for sportfishing licence holders and a 1 fish limit for conservation licence holders on Lake Ontario and the tributaries that flow into Lake Ontario.

This public input period will start approximately around the new year, and concerned anglers may voice their opinion at the website link below by doing a search through "Search Notices" for "rainbow" around the holidays or later:

I will be eagerly following up with this, and I will post a detailed link as soon as the public may voice their concerns through this website.

Aaron Shirley
http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/env_r ... /index.htm

[FLOATFISHIN]

Do to not having a pc because of our recent move, I have wanted to voice my opinion on this for some time now, and dont have alot of time to do so right now, but will put a small blab in.

1st off Aaron, my biggest thanks for presenting this information to some who werent aware of our decline of the Steelhead population!!!!

I have followed many reports along with a conservation group I am part of, and our voices have been heard as recent as the 1st of Oct while doing a "Rehab" project on Bowmanville Cr, funded by the Ministry and Valleys 2000. MNR staff along with V2000 staff were on hand for both days and the limit reduction was spoken of by myself and 15 or so other FFCG members, and we were told that it was to be presented.

I pray this limit reduction can be introduced as quickly as posible, and hope the decline will change.

I have not been able to follow all reports on this (Links given by Aaron) but plan to take a few now, and will report back hopefully by tomorrow, and give a better amount of feedback on my part, and possibly get a few FFCG members to offer thier thoughts on this aswell.

Once again, my huge thanks to you and your dedication on this matter Aaron, for sure your efforts are not going un noticed!!!!

Tight Lines, Kevin (F.F)