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Huge Muskie Hooks Crowd at Massey Fair!
At almost 4 ˝ feet long, a beautifully preserved Muskellunge fish featured
by the "Friends of the Spanish River" and the Ministry of Natural
Resources was a big hit with young and old at the Massey Fair.
Over 7000 Muskie fingerlings and yearlings produced by Chamberlain Fish
Culture Service of Lindsay, Ontario for the "Friends" and the MNR have
been "seeded" throughout the lower Spanish River over the last six
years. The mighty Muskie, absent for many years due to over fishing and
industrial degradation is once again part of the lower Spanish River aquatic
community signaling that the river is healthy.
Many people were surprised to learn that at 54" long, this preserved
fish represents the smallest Muskellunge that can be caught and kept in the
North Channel, Georgian Bay and Lake Huron. The size limit on the lower Spanish
River is still 36", however the "Friends" and the MNR request
that anglers practice catch and release on the river until that Muskie fish
population stabilizes.
This large female Muskie died from lamprey eel wounds while being live
trapped by the MNR in MacGregor Bay, North Channel last spring for egg
collection to create new Muskies.
Bill McKenna, spokesman for the Friends of the Spanish River, stated,
"This highly experimental Muskie restocking project is showing signs of
success. People are starting to catch and release small Muskies in the lower
Spanish River!" He went on to say, "This is an environmental ‘good
news’ story made possible through partnerships with industry such as Domtar,
Falconbridge & Inco, government such as The Great Lakes Sustainability Fund
and the MNR, and our many volunteers who work tirelessly toward the worthwhile
goal of a healthy Spanish River!"
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