Strawberries and Trout
Well,
DFO has finally announced the 2011 salmon angling seasons. All Nova Scotia streams are closed to salmon angling EXCEPT Northumberland
Strait rivers and some Cape Breton streams. All angling and conservation groups that were consulted requested a live-release
salmon angling season for Guysborough County rivers like the St. Mary’s, but DFO once again refused.
As I write this on Monday, June 6, we’ve heard nothing more re trout fishing restrictions on Guysborough
County salmon streams. Is no news good news? Could closure advocates have realized the seriousness of their mistake? Could
our prayers have been answered? We’ll see.
Wild strawberries are blossoming,
thunder showers have given us ideal water conditions in our streams and it’s time to start angling for sea trout.
Don MacLean, in his book Discover Nova Scotia Sportfishing, 2003, Nimbus Publishing Ltd, Halifax,
writes, “Sea Trout! Two words that stir the heart of any angler.”
“In
Nova Scotia, the term “sea trout” refers to brook, brown, and rainbow trout which spend part of their life cycle
in the sea before returning to fresh water. Biologists use the term “diadromous” describe fish that spend part
of their life cycle in the sea, returning to fresh water to spawn. Sea-run brook or speckled trout are especially prized among
Nova Scotia anglers. These sea-run brook trout usually head into fresh water in distinct runs, often triggered by a rise in
water levels. Historically, this run of sea trout has coincided with the appearance of wild strawberries – hence the
anxiously awaited “strawberry run”. “
“While
sea-trout runs are found in many coastal rivers of the province, not all trout go to sea. Many live their lives strictly in
fresh water. The factors which trigger to decide to move to the sea are often related to habitat and food. Trout may leave
the hot, low water found in many of our rivers to take advantage of the cooler waters of the bay. There is also an abundance
of food available to fish in salt water. While in the sea, it is believed that most brook trout stay close to their home rivers.”
“Much early scientific work on sea-run brook trout was carried on in the 1930’s.
Researchers working on Moser River, on the Eastern Shore, investigated when trout ran in the river, what they ate, and so
on. They found that the majority of sea-run brook trout returned to the river in July, with the run following a rise in water
levels. Analysis of stomach contents provided interesting insight into the trout’s diet, with young eels, sand worms,
and shrimp the most common prey.”
“Once in the ocean, trout can
grow rapidly, returning as large, strong, sea trout. We are indeed fortunate that eastern Nova Scotia and Cape Breton continue
to have healthy sea trout runs in many rivers, but habitat loss, acid rain and overfishing have reduced numbers in other areas.
So, when the rains come and you hit your favorite river for the strawberry run, remember how fortunate we are to experience
this, and limit your catch – leave some for the future.”
The 10th Annual Fishing Derby, sponsored by the Sea Shore
Volunteer Fire Department was held on June 4th at Fisherman’s Harbour Lake. Glen Bingley caught the biggest
fish, 18” long. Cole Acker won the prize for smallest. The community project was a success, with 58 anglers participating.
Here’s a local shrimp pattern that works well on all sea trout that feed on shrimp in tidal waters.
Slim’s
Shrimp
Hook –
Partridge Saltwater Shrimp, size 4 - 8
Thread –
Black
Tail -
Pearl Krystal Flash
Rib -
Black thread
Body –
Light grey soft fur dubbing, pearl Krystal Flash on top
Eyes
-
Black Groovy Eyes
Shrimp Tail -
Short pearl Krystal Flash
Head -
Black thread finished with ProLac head cement
Please send
comments and suggestions to slim@rivermagic.ca
Please stay on the line
…