November 1, 2022, Renfrew, Ontario – Since 2000, the Muskrat River in Renfrew County, Ontario has seen various stages of rehabilitation completed to help the once thriving walleye population. In recent years, it suffered a flooding event which silted out the walleye spawning bed. Since that event, spawning numbers have drastically decreased. Because walleye is a very sensitive fish species, siltation negatively affects their spawning beds. Silt covers the eggs, preventing them from being adequately oxygenated. This increases embryonic (early-stage development) walleye mortality.
“I know that walleye is very important on the lake”, said Sue Ward of the Olmstead Jeffrey Lake Association (OJLA). “Because we cannot stock the lake, the only way we can help the fish is through maintenance. Maintenance, beauty, and health of the lake is at the centre of OJLA’s mandate.”
“In 2021, we had the best walleye spawning I’ve seen in a long time”, said Janet Springer, a local resident and volunteer who monitors the spawning beds each year for activity. “What’s important during spawning is to see a mix of small and big walleye which indicates a healthy, reproductive population. In 2022, we saw no activity on the bed.”
This fish habitat enhancement project was possible thanks to a grant from the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, and strong community support and involvement from Olmstead Jeffrey Lake Association, Muskrat Watershed Council, OFAH Zone F, Algonquin College – Environmental Technician Program from the Pembroke Campus, and Watersheds Canada.
“This community-led project benefits the walleye and other fish that live on this lake, as well as the people who visit and enjoy these lakes”, said Melissa Dakers, Habitat and Stewardship Program Manager at Watersheds Canada. “This project was a great way for people to get involved and help the very thing they care about in their community.”
With approval from the Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry, the restoration of the historic walleye spawning site was completed in two steps in fall 2022. First, community members and staff swept the bed to stir up the silt. Next, volunteers came through with a power hose to push the silt downstream into a silt curtain. The gas-powered water pump and hoses were lent thanks to Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) – Zone F.
This project will restore the local walleye spawning bed, allowing for a population increase over the next few years. Monitoring of the spawning bed will continue by volunteers and staff in early spring 2023.
About Watersheds Canada
Watersheds Canada is a national non-profit charitable organization that works with landowners, communities, students, and organizations to enhance and protect lakes and rivers through developing effective and transferable long-term solutions. Watersheds Canada envisions people caring for their waters, resulting in clean, healthy lakes and rivers to support humans and wildlife for years to come. Learn more at Watersheds.ca
About the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund
Under the visionary leadership of founder Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s is leading North America’s largest conservation movement. Together with its partners in conservation, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s is positively shaping the future of the outdoors through donations, grant-making and advocacy. The Outdoor Fund is a 501c3 non-profit that unites more than 200 million passionate sportsmen and women rounding up their purchases in Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s stores and online.
