Ontario Steelheaders

NEW! Check out our bulletin board!

The Ontario Steelheaders, in its fourth decade, is a not-for-profit organization of dedicated volunteers with the following objectives:

To improve access and habitat for migratory rainbow trout.

To provide young rainbow trout with suitable nursery habitat.

To provide relevant and appropriate input to government, agencies and other organizations consistent with our mandate.

To educate members and the public on relevant issues, conservation practises and proper angling techniques.

We have seen many changes in our fisheries over the past thirty plus years and there will be many more in the future. The Ontario Steelheaders, in partnership with local organizations, government bodies, and agencies can positively affect the fishery resource. We highlight the concerns of some of North America's foremost scientists, with respect to Great Lakes biological pollution on our News and Views page.

The Ontario Steelheaders spearheaded the drive on the Saugeen River to construct the Walkerton Fishway to assist migratory rainbow trout reach more productive spawning areas. Thousands of adult rainbow trout have been trapped and manually transported in our trailers, "The Steelhead Express," beyond barriers to naturally reproduce. This volunteer work allows the steelhead to spawn successfully in our rehabilitated streams. Hundreds of thousands of rainbow trout fry are stocked each year through an egg incubation program. The Saugeen River's run of steelhead has increased from a low of 700 to over 6000 as a result of the Ontario Steelheaders' volunteer effort in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Owen Sound.

The Ontario Steelheaders have rehabilitated several streams, within the province of Ontario, to create new spawning and nursery habitat and improve stream conditions. This ongoing work improves water quality and the quantity of fish.

The Ontario Steelheaders have earned a very credible reputation with Government bodies and agencies as a result of our stream improvement commitment and also from our rational contribution to policy and planning issues.

We would welcome you joining our growing membership and look forward to receiving your application (see Membership.)

Make sure you read the Currents Winter 2007 magazine from Trout Unlimited Canada. The article on Saugeen is of particular interest!