stories

from the public

PEOPLE ARE SPEAKING UP!

As we build awareness of our efforts to save the walleye in the Kawartha Lakes, we’ve received stories from concerned citizens. They draw an alarming picture! It’s time the Ministers read our stories because the bureaucrats under them aren’t providing accurate accounts of what is going on here: bad fisheries management in Zone 17 (MNRF), and destructive water management (TSW) that’s killing life under the waterline and putting the ecosystem last.

|

John M.

I was involved with the original “Kawartha Lakes Give A Dam Committee.” We presented our plan to the MNR which decided that they would do a study to find out the walleye population in Pigeon. They hired 3 “experts” [at a cost of $40 000] to go out in the winter time on a hovercraft on probably 3 feet of ice. These “experts” determined that the lake had a healthy population of walleye. I always said that they must have had x-ray vision or something. They never came to talk to the tourist operators to get their first hand knowledge…Within a few years the organization folded, once everyone realized that working with the MNR was pointless. About 4 years ago, we tore down our rental cottages. I could see the writing on the wall. Our cottages were fully booked for the past 60 years but in the last decade we noticed a lot less bookings for the spring walleye. People were going elsewhere to fish.
|

Wade P.

I HAVE FISHED THIS AREA SINCE I WAS A WEE LAD. I NOTICED OVER THE YEARS THAT THE NOT ONLY THE POPULATION HAS GONE DOWN IN NUMBERS, BUT THE LARGE ONES ARE LESS. THERE IS A LOT OF FISHING PRESSURE ON THE LAKES. MAYBE THE MNRF SHOULD CANCEL A YEAR OF FISHING TO GET THE NUMBERS BACK WHERE THEY WERE. AS WELL AS YOUR IDEA OF IMPROVING THE SPAWNING BEDS. GOOD LUCK.

|

John M.

Why is nothing being done to remove the silt from Mariposa creek that used to have a sizeable walleye, perch, and sucker run? There have been NO fish running there since a small minority of farmers caused it to be dredged.

|

Jamie S.

I’m not sure exactly which year…I’m thinking 1987, the MNR dumped truck loads of rock on top of the natural bed [in Bobcaygeon] which, by the way, was rarely above water levels at that time and, like I said, thrived. I’m not sure if this helps but you mentioned that [the MNR] are fighting you on digging down the beds? Well, you really are not…you are just putting the natural bed back to how it was.  They made a very bad mistake back then.
|

William H.

Why are there no wardens on the lakes on Saturdays when all the fishermen are out bass fishing before opening? On Lake Dalrymple they will have it fished out within two years since they closed Lake Scugog. Let’s get with the program.

|

James M.

I’m from Lindsay. I’ve lived and fished here for 56 years. Over this time, I’ve seen the walleye population decline steadily, and I’ve watched the ministry sit on their hands and do nothing to improve the fishery. I have also seen poaching of fish at the Lindsay locks before the season opens with no game wardens in sight—it has become a joke! For 56 years, I’ve watched the spawning bed in Lindsay decline to an area that would not support the eggs or the fry. The ministry needs a wake up call! The MNRF needs to do the job they are well paid to do.

|

Phil H.

When we went fishing in my youth, we usually had no problem going out and getting 3 decent fish for our dinner a couple of times a week. Now that’s a faded memory. I need to go out 2 or 3 times, just to hopefully catch one. As I grew older, the fish populations continued to drop drastically. It finally got to the point in the late 90s, that I gave up fishing for walleye, as there was a very good chance of fishing all day without getting a bite.

Slowing or closing the hydro electric dams and raising water levels during pre and post spawning times (March to June) is a must. If these levels are achieved & water flow is right, I think the river spawning areas in Fenelon, Bobcaygeon, and Lindsay should slowly start to recover.

When there was a great walleye fishery, our region was aways busy from the opening of walleye season  until the end of Oct. Businesses did well during that period, as many fisherman descended on the area and the hotels and lodges were all full. Restaurants were very busy and local businesses benefited with the influx of fisherman and tourists. Since the early 80s, you don’t see many fishermen along the Fenelon river shore line anymore. As the fish populations dropped, so did the tourists.

Why should we (the Kawartha Lakes) lose out on all this because of poor management of our fish stocks?

Number of walleye per net in 2012

Number of bluegill per net in 2012

I have a story to share!

BOBCAYGEON SPAWNING BED, EARLY APRIL 2018

It’s time to let the Ministers of Natural Resources and Forestry and Environment know what is going on!

(Use the button above to contact the Ministers. Your email will also go to MNRF Peterborough, Trent-Severn Waterway HQ, and me, MP Jamie Schmale. I’ll keep a record and follow up on your behalf.)