The McIntyre River projects are cooperative ventures between the North Shore Steelhead Association (NSSA) and the Ministry of Natural Resources. The main objective of the work involved on this system is to monitor the status or health of the rainbow trout population.

Background

Two projects had been ongoing for a number of years. One of the projects was the Adult Rainbow Trout Fish Counter Project, which was utilized until 2008, when the counter was determined to be unreliable. The other project is the YOY Rainbow Trout Monitoring Project,  which has been performed sporadically over the last few years.

Current Efforts

Population Study

To continue to determine the changes to the fish population the NSSA decided to attempt to perform a mark and recapture survey for the next five years starting in 2008.

Anglers from the NSSA took to the stream to collect scale samples and biologically sample adult steelhead during the spring spawning migration. Over the spawning run (mid April to the end of May), anglers catch (using normal angling practices) and biologically sample (length, sex, scale sample) each steelhead. In addition, a unique fin clip is also applied each year. Life history information (stream and lake years, age at maturity, total age and number of spawning events) is obtained by analyzing scale samples. Population size is calculated using a Petersen Population Estimate. Fish are marked (fin clip) in one year, and based on the proportion ofclipped fish captured the following spring, population size can be estimated.

Results of efforts in 2008

Steve Bobrowicz from the Upper Great Lakes Management Unit, stated that a total of 148 fish were captured, with 144 of them collected by the team members, and 4 collected by other anglers on the McIntyre River. Interestingly, only 11 of the fish were recaptured, indicating that the fish moved quickly through the traditional fishing areas, and were not captured time and time again, as was feared. These results are encouraging, however, an estimate of the population cannot be determined based on only 1 years data.

Results of 2009 Study

Seven members of the NSSA lead by Randy Beamish once again attempted to capture and sample as many fish as they could this spring. The final confirmed numbers are 161 fish clipped (includes 11 2008 AD recaptures) plus 8 2009 RV recaptures. Thanks to everyone who participated

Peterson Estimate calculation

and

Fin Clip Protocol

Click here for more detailed information

Results for 2010

This year the run started extremely early (April 9th) and in very low water conditions. Every effort is being made to handle captured fish in as gentle a fashion as possible. Randy reports that numerous larger fish are being captured which are likely the 2004 year class, but that other smaller fish are also being sampled.

The dry spring allowed for a large number of fish to be captured this year. A total of 279 fish were captured of which 26 were recaptures from 2009, and 17 recaptures from 2008. The population is estimated to be 1255 + or - 412 (95% confidence) is . See attached information

This is the third year for this 5 year study