Steelhead Express Rainbow Trout Tanker

Steelhead Express Rainbow Trout Tanker

Adult Steelhead Fish Transfer

The Ontario Steelheaders transfer adult steelhead rainbow trout fish upstream on the Saugeen River and occurs at the same time as the steelhead trout egg collection each spring. Adult rainbow trout transfers also take place in the fall on a MNR permit-basis. The adult steelhead trout are transported in our customized trailers, The Steelhead Express, 85 kilometers upstream to prime trout spawning and nursery habitat. Steelhead rainbow trout fish transfers are dependent on water, weather and fish passage conditions.

Collecting Eggs from a Female Steelhead Trout

Collecting Eggs from a Female Steelhead Trout

Spring Steelhead Egg Collection

Steelhead Egg Collection and Adult Steelhead Transfer take place in April and May at Denny’s Dam, on the Saugeen River, Southampton. Under the direction of the Projects Chair, he and his volunteers collect and fertilize approximately 600,000 migratory steelhead rainbow trout eggs for our partner fishing clubs and their trout hatchery operations.

Denny's Dam Saugeen River Park Project

Denny's Dam Saugeen River Park Project

Denny’s Dam Park on the Saugeen River

The Ontario Steelheaders, in co-operation with the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority manages Denny’s Conservation Area. The Conservation area is managed and maintained as a campground and access point to the Saugeen River for anglers, portage for canoe and kayak enthusiasts, and RV and vehicle parking for people who want to visit the Conservation area and enjoy the river resources. Modest user-fees are charged from April to November. Any surplus funds are channeled directly into fisheries enhancement and conservation efforts.Park Fees, Map and More Information »»

Ontario Steelheaders Derby

Ontario Steelheaders Derby

Annual Fall & Spring Steelhead Derbies

The Ontario Steelheaders’ Spring Steelhead Derby is held on the Saturday following the Ontario Rainbow Trout opener while the Fall Steelhead Trout Derby is held the Saturday following Thanksgiving in October. Both derbies are held at Denny’s Dam Park on the Saugeen River in Southampton Ontario.

The derbies are social events for members, families and friends to enjoy the fishery and meet new and old friends. Cash prizes and trophies are awarded for the largest rainbow trout, juniors, and live trout release upon authentication of length and girth measurements. A Barbecue, draw prizes and Michigan Fish Boil is the highlight of the day followed by a campfire.More Information about our Fall/Spring Saugeen Steelhead Rainbow Trout Derbies »»

 Donating to LHFC Hatchery

Donating to LHFC Hatchery

Fundraising for the Cause

The Ontario Steelheaders perform many fundraising activities throughout the year. All proceeds are channeled directly back in to conservation efforts that benefit steelhead rainbow trout fisheries in Ontario. Donations to rainbow trout hatcheries, affiliate clubs, school groups for tree planting and stream rehabilitation projects are typical of the things the Ontario Steelheaders aids to support not only financially; but also with knowledge and hands-on labor. More Information On Getting Your Business Involved »»

Volunteers Performing Stream Assessment

Volunteers Performing Stream Assessment

Volunteer Work Days

On occasion, affiliate organizations call on the Ontario Steelheaders for hands-on help. Work days may include trout fin clipping, tree planting, stream rehabilitation and protection work, clean-ups and so on. Whatever the need, the Ontario Steelheaders has a reputation of always stepping up to the plate to help. See the Ways You Can Get Involved! »»

Steelhead Release

Steelhead Release

Lake Huron Fishing Club Partnership

In partnership with the Lake Huron Fishing Club, we’ve entered a co-operative stocking program. Each spring, up to 200,000 Steelhead trout eggs are diverted to their hatchery facilities in Kincardine, and Port Elgin Ontario, where they are reared for one year, then released the following spring directly into the Saugeen. This annual routine injects approximately 60,000 yearling rainbows into the streams at a critical time in their lifecycle. This project is the most significant advancement for Steelhead populations in the Saugeen in well over 30 years. The volunteers from both clubs, too numerous to name, are the real heroes in this project! Without them, the bottom line is, it just wouldn’t happen. Many, many thanks, to everyone!

The Ontario Steelheaders also received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources in Recognition of Accomplishments in Advancing Resource Management. The Ontario Steelheaders is a very active organization which has earned an enviable reputation with the Provincial and local Governments, and other groups and organizations in Ontario.Visit Lake Huron Fishing Club Website

Committee Meetings

Meetings are chaired by the President, and include status reports by each of the Directors. Reports are also received from various members with respect to the outside organizations and committees they liaise with on behalf of the Ontario Steelheaders. Meetings may also include a presentation by either a member or a representative of an outside group. These have included demonstrations, videos and verbal presentations by local fishing guides and Ministry representatives.

Other Committee Work

Many Ontario Steelheaders’ members are actively involved in other various committees of organizations in an effort to help ensure that the many projects of each are consistent with an overall plan to improve rainbow trout access, habitat, and populations.