Spiel

Lake Huron level up a foot over last year April 1, 2009 Jim Moodie / www.manitoulin.ca LAKE HURON-The level of Lake Huron is a foot higher than it was last year at this time and nearly two feet higher than it was in 1964. That's quite a turnaround from just two years ago, when the lake dipped to within three inches of its all-time low and many feared a new record for shallowness might be set. As March drew to a close, Lakes Huron and Michigan had risen 31 centimetres (12.2 inches) above last year's measurement for the same date, and were 51 centimetres (20 inches) above their mid-'60s nadir, according to data from the US Army Corps of Engineers. The lakes-which function as one system, being connected by the Straits of Mackinac-are still below average, but only marginally so. As April begins, these big bodies of water are just 23 centimetres, or nine inches, shy of their long-term mean, which is as close as they've been to normal in years. Lake Superior is also on the rise, up 13 centimetres (five inches) from a year ago, and just 15 centimetres (six inches) short of its long-term average for this time of year. This also, of course, bodes well for Lake Huron, as the mighty lake to the northwest contributes a massive amount of H20 to its downstream neighbour via the St. Mary's River. The average annual outflow from Lake Superior into Lake Huron is 2,000 cubic metres-70,600 cubic feet-of water per second. Great Lakes experts credit two snowy winters for an increased supply of water to the basin and a reversal of the dwindling trend experienced through most of this decade. As promising as this is, there remain disconcerting signs that the lakes may not continue to swell over the long run, however, unless climate change and structural issues are addressed. According to a recent story from the Associated Press, scientists affiliated with the Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory in Ann Arbor, Michigan, are alarmed by shrinking ice cover on the lakes, which in turn leads to lower lake levels due to increased evaporation over the winter months. These researchers say the ice cover on the Great Lakes has shrunk by more than 30 percent since the 1970s, a development that is particularly noticeable in the deepest parts of Huron, Michigan, and Superior. The Georgian Bay Association (GBA), meanwhile, continues to bemoan what it calls "a staggering daily loss" of Lake Huron water through the St. Clair River, which has been deepened and widened by dredging and erosion. In the estimation of the GBA, six billion extra gallons are flushed from Huron each day because of changes over the past two decades to the shipping channel at the lake's outlet. "This represents a 5 percent increase in outflow!" the association charges in its spring newsletter, adding that this is a non-renewable loss of water. The International Joint Commission (IJC) has been examining the St. Clair situation as part of a five-year study of the Upper Great Lakes, and is expected to share its findings in late April, according to the GBA. A public comment period will follow, although it "looks as if there will be only one Georgian Bay public meeting, which will probably be held sometime in June," the association reports. The IJC researchers have acknowledged an increase in conveyance capacity through the St. Clair River, the cottagers' association says, and it is imperative for "everyone who cares about the bay (to) attend the June public meeting and send in written comments in support of encouraging the IJC finally, after 90 years of neglect, to do the right thing."

Well I'd think that is just 'bout everyone here, myself included. Welcome to OFC Don.

Rocket? Hmmmm doesn't look very fast, perhaps one too many birthdays.

Crooks Hollow Dam should go, board told Apr 2, 2009 / The Hamilton Spectator GREENSVILLE Hamilton Conservation Authority officials are urging the authority's board to stick with its decision to remove most of the crumbling Crooks Hollow Dam on Spencer Creek. Prompted by opposition that grew after an environmental assessment was conducted, Flamborough Councillor Robert Pasuta convinced other board members last month to ask staff for an updated report. Kathy Menyes, director of watershed planning and engineering, says in the report e-mailed to board members Monday that repairing the 96-year-old dam and removing sediment behind it would cost at least $400,000 more than removing the concrete structure. Menyes notes the plan is supported by Trout Unlimited, the Royal Botanical Gardens and the Ministry of Natural Resources. The report will be considered at a 7 p.m. meeting today at the authority's headquarters, 838 Mineral Springs Rd., in Ancaster.

Fishing Hotlines/News

LOL....you mean there's steelies dummer than Lake O fish? As for hooks, I'm on board with most here, size 12 and 14 are my go to hooks.

Then you stop fishing? Or do you carry on and possibly get a third bleeder.....then what?

Happy belated Monique. So do tell us, what did he do for you? Happy belated to you too Kemper.

Beauties, got admit though I'm liking those lakers!

I don't think you're ever over looked Roy, figuratively speaking of course.

Going around in circles makes me dizzzzzy.....

Chukkk if you're running the the graph with those little fish symbols the first thing you need to do is turn 'em off, they're meaningless! With that done it's time to adjust the sensitivity, you can in most cases set it up high enough to see the lure but with the fish I.D off you'll learn to differentiate what is fish, noise clutter and bait.

From the horses mouth, Fuji Concept

Strangest thing Joe, Brook damn near trained herself.

Well the first thing I'd ask you is, does your sonar display those neat little fish icons/symbols? Followed by, what setting did you have the sensitivity at? With the info given I'd wager you were marking baitfish.

Well Cliff, unitl I actually get out fishing I'm more like an anchor than a contributing team member.

Yes a great big THANK YOU TJ, your generousity is greatly appreciated.

Now that was an epic trip! Not a day goes by Dan when I'm not somehow thinking 'bout betting back up there.

Oh I don't know Cliff, I'm thinking it could be "epic".

I sit starboard as well. If I'm trolling rods in my right hand (did I get it right Dan?) and Camillj makes a valid point on the room issue.

Epic indeed! Well done folks and good job on the entry Cliff ( I see you lost the nail polish ), at least it was bigger than Carole's.

Sorry you weren't able to make it Jim, was a great night and as brifishrgy pointed out it was in the announcement section, perhaps next year. It was a good night and we had a packed house (SRO), Pete Bowman did a great job and hung around talking to guests afterwords. I unfortunately didn't get to talk to Pete as I was kept busy working most of the evening. I did however get to chat briefly with are own Jen, Fishmaster and Sonny, good to see yous again and I'll be out that way soon.

I'd be happy to pick you up at the Hamilton airport Roy if you can talk Wayne into picking you up and flying you over.

Pete Bowman and I will be under the same roof tonight having a cold one. If you're in the area come on out and join us. Where and When