An Ontario Government report released last week indicates that the health of Ontario's Lake Simcoe is improving. The lake's phosphorus levels are decreasing. This means more oxygen for cold-water fish species.
According to the Innisfil Scope, the provincial initiative specifically targets phosphorus levels that have been decreasing since 1980's from 100 tons per year to the current level of 72 tons.
This reduction in phosphorus has lead to conditions that have allowed lake trout (and other cold-water species like whitefish, cisco, and sculpin) to naturally reproduce. When this happens, there is less dependence on lake stocking programs. Read the Ontario Government's report on Lake Simcoe. The angling details are on page 11.
Did You Know:
-Lake Simcoe is the most intensively fished inland lake in the province. In 2005, anglers spent over 700,000 hours ice fishing on Lake Simcoe from the end of January to the middle of March.
-Recreational activities are estimated to inject more than $200 million annually into the local economy.
(Source: Ontario Government's report on Lake Simcoe)
