Ontario Protecting Vulnerable Fish in Port Hope
Local waterway closing to fishing for six weeks to protect salmon as they move through the area
The Ganaraska River is a unique waterway because salmon migration is slowed down by the Corbett Dam fishway. This creates a bottleneck of concentrated fish from Lake Ontario to the dam and leaves them little room to spread out or find cover.
Due to this geography, portions of the waterway will be closed to fishing from September 1, 2024 through October 14, 2024, to provide protection for salmon as they move through the area. Closures apply from the south side of the Jocelyn Street bridge to the CNR bridge, the first rail line north of Lake Ontario. Anglers are reminded that the Ganaraska River is closed to fishing all year from the 401 south to the Jocelyn Street bridge.
Following the peak migration season, from October 15 through December 31, there will be additional opportunities for anglers to catch a variety of trout and salmon species in this area, which is new this season.
For more information visit Fisheries Management Zone 17.
As new regulations come into effect, the public is urged to exercise patience and understanding during the transition. Authorities are committed to educating the community and ensuring that everyone is informed about the updated rules. While enforcement measures will be in place, it is important to allow time for adjustments as the changes are implemented. The cooperation and consideration of all residents and visitors during this period will be greatly appreciated, contributing to a smoother and more effective adaptation to the new guidelines.
The change to the fishing regulation addresses key concerns by protecting vulnerable fish during their spawning migration and reducing issues associated with negative human behaviour and municipal concerns in Port Hope.
Background from the Municipality of Port Hope
Although the Ganaraska River is a natural resource within the Municipality of Port Hope, the Municipality does not have authority over its regulation. Governance, including fishing regulations, and fishing seasons falls under the jurisdiction of the Government of Ontario, through the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR).
In July 2024, Council received a confidential briefing on potential regulatory changes being considered by the MNR. As part of that confidential meeting, Council directed Mayor Hankivsky to engage with the Ministry to seek support for addressing the specific impacts Port Hope may face during the fall of 2024.
On October 30, 2024, the Ministry has announced the implementation of the regulatory changes.
Each year, Port Hope sees significant interest from anglers and spectators during the salmon run, with over 30,000 salmon returning to the Ganaraska River in some years. The Corbett Dam fishway slows the upstream movement of these salmon, leading to high fish concentrations. The limestone bedrock and fish volume make the salmon highly visible and vulnerable.
Since 2012, the Municipality has worked with the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH), the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA), local authorities, including the Port Hope Police Service, and other stakeholders to address historical challenges during the fall salmon run. The Ganaraska River hosts the largest migratory run in Fisheries Management Zone (FMZ) 17.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
