Lake Timagami is described as an oligotrop'hic lake, with a low potential 

 productivity. However, creel census studies made on both the summer and 

 winter angling do not indicate the need for any restriction of the fishery at 

 the present time. Lake trout and walleye growth rates are good, while the 

 smallmouth bass growth rate is subnormal. 



A total of 6,009 lake trout, walleye and smallmouth bass were marked 

 during the period of investigation. Creel census studies will be continued to 

 obtain additional information on the distribution and abundance of the sport 

 fish populations from the tag returns and to follow the level of harvest by 

 anglers. 



6. Nicolston Dam Fishway 



In 1959, the Department undertook the construction of a fishway at the 

 Nicolston dam on the Nottawasaga River to permit migrating rainbow trout 

 access to the headwaters of the watershed. The fishway was completed and 

 placed in operation in time for the spring run of rainbow trout in 1961. 



The results from the first year of operation were most encouraging. A 

 cage which was installed in the fishway prior to operation was used to trap 

 all migrating fish using the fishway. Fish ascending the fishway entered the 

 cage, and from here they were easily collected for examination. Scale samples 

 and length and weight measurements were obtained from all of the rainbow 

 trout prior to being tagged and released above the dam. 



During the spring of 1961, the fishway was operated continuously from 

 April 19th to May 12th. During this time, a total of 574 rainbow trout were 

 captured, examined, tagged and released. 



This project is expected to provide much valuable information on the 

 rainbow trout in the Nottawasaga River and will be continued in 1962. 



7. Lake St. Lawrence Project 



This project is a fisheries and limnological survey of the recently formed 

 Lake St. Lawrence. The purpose of the investigation was to study the hydro- 

 graphic conditions of the impoundment, to examine the composition of the 

 fish population, and to assess the rate of utilization by angling. 



Initial results are not too conclusive. However, it is evident that the 

 impoundment of the St. Lawrence River has had both favourable and 

 unfavourable effects on existing fish populations. The growth rates of some 

 game fish species, i.e. largemouth bass, have increased significantly following 

 impoundment. However, the walleye population has declined steadily, while 

 some of the coarse fish species and particularly the carp have increased 

 tremendously. 



Regulations 



No major change was made in the Ontario Fishery Regulations in 1961. 

 However, two amendments of general interest were as follows: 



1. The Regulation pertaining to the use of shipping coupons for the export of 

 fish taken by angling by non-residents was revoked. Non-resident licencees 

 are now permitted to export one day's legal possession limit of fish at any 

 time during the open season for the species concerned. 



2. Provision was made for the use of one tip-up for fishing through the ice, 

 providing that the tip-up is attended. 



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