THE FISH OF PORT HOPE

WHAT'S IN THE WATER WHEN?

GET ACQUAINTED WITH THE FISH THAT SWIM FROM LAKE ONTARIO UP THE GANASKA RIVER

SALMON

Fish trivia: Chinook and silvery coho salmon migrate from Lake Ontario and swim up the Ganaraska River anytime from mid-August to early October. About 5,000 to 10,000 migrate to their spawning grounds every year. These beauties can weigh from 2 lbs up to 40 lbs and have a natural lifespan of two to five years. And they're natural reproducing, so there's no hatchery salmon in the river. For both species, they die after spawning, having contributed to the new and thriving fish population.

TROUT

The other species you'll find here are rainbow trout and steelhead trout that also migrate from Lake Ontario and swim up the Ganaraska River to spawn every year from late March until early May, or through October until mid-December. These fish can weigh from 2 lbs up to 20 lbs, and as many as 18,000 in a year have migrated up the river to the delight of biologists and visitors. They live about 10 years and can spawn annually once they mature. Rainbow trout spawn four to six times in their lifetime.

WHERE TO WATCH THE FISH

Pick up our fish brochure or go to our website for more details.

FISH LADDER

The fish ladder at Corbett's Dam, the Ganaraska River Fishway, has the best vantage point for seeing these fish in action against the current. Locals and visitors come every weekend.

FISH POOLING

You'll also see the pooling locations for fish in the shallow water at various points along the Ganaraska River in town. Follow the ramps to get down lower for a look up close.