By Rosalind Russell – The Elliot Lake and Area Rod & Gun Club met on Saturday at the Moose Lodge in Elliot Lake to update the public about their hatchery program and other initiatives.
Chair Bill McNutt says they were especially excited to announce to the crowd of 55 attendees that one of the Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry fish rearing sites is one of 12 found in North America raising the rare Aurora Trout.
This Aurora trout is a colour variant of a Brook Trout which has evolved to have a different colour and physical look, while being very similar genetically.
He says the trout is so rare and difficult to raise, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry only allows ten weeks of fishing for the species every three years, so it is considered a trophy fish for avid anglers.
He adds the ministry is responsible for the stocking of the rare fish and the club appreciates all the work the ministry does to ensure the raising, release and stocking of various fish species in Ontario lakes, especially those in the local area.
McNutt says the lake is located just north-east of the city and this year anglers will get their chance to fish for one of these trout named after the Aurora Borealis.
He adds fishing is a major draw for the city and this year, they expect a boost in tourism with the Aurora Trout.
Other presentations at the seminar were presented by Paul Vieira, retired Manager of the Blue Jay Hatchery on Manitoulin Island and Don Oesch, past President of the North Shore Fisheries, who provided an overall view of the hatchery operations.
Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Bill Rosenberg was also on hand to announce that an application for the rearing pond to be opened in Elliot Lake is approaching the final steps of approval and to also lend his support to the club.
And the city’s Economic Development Director, Steve Antunes, spoke on the tourism and economic development aspects and benefits of the angling industry, and how it benefits the city.
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Photo presented by Bill McNutt
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