Lower Kananaskis Lake's Famous Resident

 

Fish #279

Her tag reads #279 and she is a Bull Trout.  Over 1300 bull trout returned last year to spawn in Smith-Dorrien Creek, but a mere nine years ago the population in this creek was nearly wiped out.  One of the original spawners, of only 60 fish to make the run in 1991, she has made it through the traps and spawned out at least 10 times since then, making her the most documented and studied fish in Alberta.   She is responsible for supplying approximately 50 000 eggs to this system.  In fact, some of her grandchildren will be old enough to spawn just as she is reaching the end of her life span.

Kyle McNeilly, an avid angler in the area, has followed #279 through the years.  He has caught and released this fish several times, and has formed a personal attachment to her.  Kyle has recorded her weight and length each time he has caught her.  In 1996 he notice she had actually lost half a pound from 1995.  She slightly regained in 1997, and had a great year in 1998, when #279 reached a whopping 11.25 lbs, and 31 inches in length.

The Traps On Smith-Dorrien Creek

Bull Trout After the Spawn On Smith-Dorrien Creek

 So the next time you are fishing Lower Kananaskis Lake, remember it's famous resident.  #279 has helped to provide a lot of information about Bull Trout, and has provided numerous off-spring, making this trophy fishery what it is today.

If you would like to know more about Bull Trout in the Smith-Dorrien Creek, have a look at our story on the Lower Kananaskis Bull Trout Recovery Program