1998 B.R.L.A. Summer Projects

A 3 year bass tracking and displacement study was initiated on Big and Lower Rideau Lakes in 1996 by Vicki Stevenson, in cooperation with Mark Ridgway of the Harkness Fisheries Research Station (Ministry of Natural Resources) in Algonquin Park. The study is being done to determine the effect of catch and release angling practises on the movement of nesting large and small-mouth bass populations. Both sonar and radio tags have been used to follow over 50 large-mouth bass and 10 small-mouth bass, some of which have been caught, implanted and released in their home territories, and some of which have been displaced up to 15 km away.

In its last year, this study, which has been supported by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Big Rideau Lake Association, Rideau Lake Environmental Foundation, and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, is already producing results. It is becoming evident that bass caught and released in their home ranges prefer to return to the same site every year, and that the further the fish are displaced, the less likely they are to return. The information generated by this project will be used to educate anglers, especially those in tournaments, about the importance of releasing fish at the site caught. Progress on this study is ongoing; stay tuned for further details.

Purpose: The purpose of the loon monitoring project is to study the effects of human activity and its unnecessary disturbance of habitat. The information gathered will be used to protect loons from further interference.

Background: The Big Rideau Lake Association pontoon boat is used to locate both loon pairs and single loons beginning in late May on the Big and Lower Rideau Lakes. We cover all sites from Narrows Lock to Poonamalie. To Locate nesting pairs we use data from previous years as well as doing a complete search of the mainland and island shorelines. We also check on reports from residents and boaters. Once the nesting sites have been established they are monitored weekly for behavioral trends throughout the nesting, hatching and growth of the young. This process continues until the end of August. This study is being done in conjunction with the Canadian Lakes Loon Survey, created in 1989 to look at the effects of acid rain and human disturbance on loon populations. If you would like to help, CLICK HERE

In June of this year, we had a loon on the Big Rideau die of lead poisoning. An autopsy at the Avian Care and Research Centre in Verona, discovered a lead jig in the bird's stomach. As a result of the above incident, the BRLA is developing a proposal for a SWAP program. Anglers will be able to trade in their lead tackle for non-toxic tackle at no charge. Pending funding, this program will be running at boat launches around the lake on the August long weekend. Call or e-mail the BRLA for more information. Non-toxic tackle may also be purchased at Dry Dock.

On May 14 of this year, the Big Rideau Lake Association began monitoring largemouth bass nesting sites in Bellow's Bay. Over the study period, which lasted until June 26, twenty-eight sites were recorded. Open season for bass began on June 27 of this year and our June 26 inspection revealed that none of the guard bass were still on their nests. Similarly, smallmouth bass were visited on a weekly basis just south of Howell Island. Twenty-six sites were found in our study area. As of June 26th, the guard bass were off their nests. Only three of the sites had small groups of fry still in the proximity of the nest. This is unusual owing to the early spring.

You can help monitor water quality next year by joining the Big Dipper's Program. This involves a simple water clarity test using a Secchi Disk to determine the health of your lake. It is easy, fun and the information you gather will help us determine trends and identify changes in nutrient levels in the lake. Please contact the BRLA (613-272-3629) for more information on how you can become involved. Kits will be mailed next spring.