FISHING continued from page 39
Once the genetic makeup was
determined, approximately 10,000 eggs were obtained from similar fish living in suitable donor lakes in the area. Since 2013, lake trout eggs have been obtained from three different lakes – Weslemkoon Lake, Round Lake and Dickie Lake. Today, the donor trout are known as the “Jewel Lake Trout” strain. In 2011, the hatchery extended the program to rearing brook trout and 2,000 fingerlings were placed into local lakes in the spring of 2013. In terms of the process, the NHCFH
is considered to be a circulatory as opposed to a flow-through fresh water system hatchery. The primary benefit of a circulatory system is the fry are raised in relatively warm water (7-12°C) as compared to a flow-through system where water temperatures range between 2-5°C. The warmer water allows the fish to be more active. As a result, they grow more rapidly than those raised in colder water. For instance, over a 16 month period
NHCFH fry are about 150 grams when released. I am told the MNRF White Lake hatchery is built on a flow-through model. The fry from this hatchery are generally raised to a 50g weigh-in class when released. Obviously, the larger fish have a greater probability of surviving after release. There are some disadvantages to
the circulatory system though. One being, the water must be meticulously filtered or it could become contaminated killing everything in the rearing tanks. Even though the system is circulatory, waste water is generated, filtered and released into a settling pond that is strictly monitored by the Ministry of Environment. Soluble waste is spread on local farm land, or trucked away. In terms of timelines, trout eggs
are collected in October of each year. The young fish are raised on a specially formulated granular feed. And, they are released 16-18 months later, when a suitable water temperature is achieved in a recipient lake sometime in April/May.
www.bounder.ca
The foundation of community
hatcheries is built upon the hard work of local volunteers who donate their time and energy to maintain a functionally safe and operational hatchery. Depending upon the life stage of the fish, tasks include cleaning tanks, filling feeders, testing equipment, weighing fish, and so on. And, the hatchery’s largest expense is its
monthly electrical bill. So, the next time you catch a
trout in your favourite lake, it may have been possible only through the efforts of people volunteering for your benefit. Remember, when you see one of these hatcheries, drop in, say: “hello” and give a little something back! Whether it be time or money, your donation will be appreciated by everyone!
BOUNDER MAGAZINE 61
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