Lake Huron Fishing Club (LHFC), like many other organizations is struggling in this time of COVID-19. When it comes to Mother Nature and her fish however, a man-made virus has little impact, except for the volunteerism that helps her out.The LHFC has recently ‘stocked out’ all of the Rainbow and Brown Trout from the Port Elgin Hatchery but salmon fry are still too small and are still being reared as volunteers practice social distancing while trying to ensure the fish stock is still ensured.
In Port Elgin (Saugeen Shores), the fish in the town’s ‘trout pond’ are being fed daily by hatchery volunteers.
“Unfortunately, we are not collecting any rainbow trout eggs this spring and we will be closing down both hatcheries in Port Elgin and Kincardine this summer,” says LHFC Treasurer Dave Myette. “It’s been a difficult decision as this work is crucial to providing knowledge of the Great Lakes fish population.”
LHFC has notified the Ministry of Natural Resources and Fisheries (MNRF) of its intention to hopefully continue operations in the Fall.
The Club of volunteers has provided vital fish statistics to the MNRF over many years to help the Ministry keep up to date with knowledge about Lake Huron and its fish habitat and livelihood.
