The objective of this project was to increase spawning productivity and natural walleye populations of Dalhousie Lake by adding substrate and structure to existing and new spawning areas.

Walleye, also known as pickerel, are a highly prized sports fish and an important part of the biodiversity in many waters of Ontario. If you have walleye in your lake or river, you may be able to help strengthen their populations by enhancing walleye spawning beds.

Tons of oversized cobble stone were used to rehabilitate the spawning beds. In order to minimize effects on lake levels and river flows only one layer of rock was placed on the bottom.

This “how to” video features three different spawning bed projects undertaken by the Lanark County Stewardship Council in partnership with the Lanark County Stewardship Council in partnership with the Lanark Fish and Game Conservation Club, Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority, Dalhousie Lake Association and Watersheds Canada.

Before starting your own project you may want to consult our step by step protocol on Walleye Spawning Bed Enhancement in Ontario, available here . It includes everything you will need to know, from planning and developing the project through to carrying it out successfully.