Great comment Steve, I think people would enjoy reading this more than my blog post 🙂 Seriously, I always enjoy reading your thoughts on the Credit. Well said!

Steve

Back then the fish were often shipped in wooden barrels much like a wine or whiskey cask. Brown trout almost dissapeared for good in the seventies from over harvest. The MNR tried stocking them in large numbers during that time but the low fitness levels of the hatchery raised fish and the demand for fish for the pan ensured they were quickly fished out.

In the eighties when proper catch and release regulations were established (harvest limits section) the remaining wild stock took off with shocking numbers of both Brook and Brown trout in the same sections of river. It didn’t happen by a accident, many conservation groups worked together to improve and repair habitat during this time.

The list of excuses why this doesn’t happen in modern times is longer than the Credit river! The main reason is that it’s difficult to bill the taxpayer for something that is self sustaining and belongs to everyone, especially with the pressures of contract renewals that are the reality for those working in resource mangagment.

Hatchery raised fish billed to the public under the guise of an endangered species however is brilliant. Most people will never know or care, no matter how much it fails or costs. The best part is that because of their dismal survival rate even the next generation will have to stock them.

Do your knee exercises…we need you around.

Steve Noakes

Thanks PR!

If you’re persistent, you’ll get into some trout soon, especially the brookies. If you only do two things, first make sure you’re in the presence of trout (seeing them or knowing for fact they are there). Next, make sure you’re stealthy (keep out of sight and sound as much as possible). If you then put a fly in front of them, you’ll be extremely likely to have lots of hook-ups.

Steve