Lake Huron steelhead

It was agreed by all parties that an intensive stocking program had to be undertaken. It was agreed that three important factors had to be taken into consideration: Genetics of fish stocked, size of fish stocked and location of fish being stocked. Thanks in part to some straying fish stocked by American states on the opposite side of the border, sufficient numbers of steelhead adults could still be trapped and relieved of their eggs and sperm at Denny's Dam at Southampton in the spring. The actual genetic strain of the creature was believed to be of Chambers Creek origin. The Chambers Creek steelhead enter the Saugeen from late September throughout the winter until they spawn in mid to late April. As adults they average eight to 12 pounds, but can nudge the scales over 20 pounds. Their sporting performance is excellent throughout their river stay and just as important, they prove to be exceptional open water combatants when tested with rod and reel.

Since the spring of 2005 members of the Ontario Steelheaders and the Lake Huron Fishing Club have been trapping adult-run steelhead at Denny's Dam. They set a collection target of one 100,000 viable eggs and always have met that goal. The mixing of eggs and sperm then takes place on site at the Lake Huron Fishing Club's Kincardine fish hatchery. Depending on water temperature, club members generally carry out their total egg take and fertilization over a few days.

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