Submitted by PATERSON MEDIA
A community group that’s stocked sports fish since the sixties in Grey-Bruce has announced an appeal to spring rainbow trout anglers. The Bruce Peninsula Sportsmen’s Association (BPSA) is urging them to “release any large females and males during the spring spawning run.”
This message is aimed at anglers along the shores of Colpoy’s Bay which is part of south west Georgian Bay. New signs posted along the bay remind anglers that spawning rainbow trout represent our future fish. This volunteer based club stocks more than 100-thousand rainbow trout annually to Colpoy’s Creek and Gleason Brook, trying to beef up our recreational fishery.
The club says “It is imperative to allow adult fish to spawn, thus increasing natural reproduction. Yearling stocked fish have the adipose fin clipped to identify them as being stocked.” BPSA Fish Committee Chair Ray Marklevitz reports “Our last fish population survey completed at Colpoys streams showed that 63% of spawning fish were fin clipped. So, our many years of stocking efforts are paying off”.
Over the years fewer rainbow trout have returned to Colpoy’s Bay streams to spawn. One reason for the decline is that they are vulnerable to increased angler pressure as they stage at two narrow creek mouths preparing to spawn. Since the sixties BPSA volunteers have stocked more than 4-million fish.
Anglers are reluctant to return spawners as they often use rainbow trout eggs as bait. Those I talked to at the Colpoy’s dock said they appreciate the work of BPSA. Several anglers said they will “try to remember to release spawners because we understand the importance of natural trout reproduction.”
To continue monitoring our rainbow trout program, BPSA is asking anglers to record their catch and add details on creel census forms found at the Colpoy’s Creek dock. You are asked to return these completed forms to BPSA at the end of the year. The BPSA angler survey author Jerry Beaver has offered to answer questions you may have on this study at 519-534-5725.
BPSA Clubhouse Closed
Until further notice the BPSA clubhouse is closed. The only club activity that’s continuing is daily fish feeding.
“I hope everyone is well and staying safe during this COVID-19 crisis. All club activities are on hold. Our clubhouse and our gun range remain closed to all activities! We will be regularly checking the clubhouse. We cancelled our March monthly meeting and postponed our Annual General Meeting until Thursday, April 30, 2020 at 7:30 P.M. at the clubhouse. This may change.
Our fish do not care if there is a corona virus. They want to be fed. You can help our hatchery by volunteering to feed the fish. Please contact Al Sutter at 519-375-0774. You must be a BPSA member to feed our fish.
Our club activities are on hold, but many of our members are working behind the scenes to ensure that our club continues to prosper and we are ready when the crisis ends. A big thank you goes out to these members.
Stay safe and keep healthy so we can all get together again soon!”
Bruce Beacock President – Bruce Peninsula Sportsmen’s Association”
Please check the BPSA Facebook page and our site for updates.
