An Evening on the Water: Watching Walleye in Bobcaygeon

The air was mild for late April, carrying the soft scent of rain with it as we gathered near the Bobcaygeon Dam. On Friday night, April 25, 2025, the temperature hovered around 10°C - warmer than usual for this time of year - while a gentle breeze from the southeast stirred the water’s surface. The sky threatened rain, but only scattered showers touched down as we prepared for a night that promised something special: the Bobcaygeon Dam Walleye Watch initiative.

I joined Kawartha Conservation Water Quality Specialist Tanner Liang and Matthew Wilson, Assistant Watershed Resources Technician, to take part in the Walleye count, a collaboration between Kawartha Conservation and Parks Canada. For the past couple of weeks, teams have been working near the Bobcaygeon Dam during the Walleye spawning season, counting fish as they make their journey upstream.
Walleye, or Pickerel as many locals call them, are more than just a prized catch - they are a vital economic driver for our region. Supporting a thriving recreational fishing industry, Walleye attract anglers from near and far, contributing to local tourism, businesses, and the broader economy. Monitoring their numbers helps ensure healthy fish populations, sustaining the economic benefits they bring to communities throughout the watershed.

That night, the sound of rushing water filled the air as we waited for the last light to fade. Walleye prefer the cover of darkness to begin their spawning rituals, and once the sky darkened fully, we set out with our headlamps, scanning the river for the telltale flashes of silver and gold beneath the surface.

There’s something awe-inspiring about watching these fish return, year after year, driven by instinct and the rhythm of the natural world. Each one we counted was not just a number, but a sign of life, of resilience, and of the importance of the work we do. The data collected here informs everything from habitat restoration to water quality programs, ensuring that these vital species - and the ecosystems they depend on - remain strong.

On this particular night, our walleye count was noticeably lower than in previous evenings, a sign that the spawning season is beginning to wind down. The fish had done their part, and soon the river would settle back into its usual rhythm.

Being part of this project reminded me why I love this work. It’s not just about numbers or reports; it’s about standing by the water, feeling connected to something bigger. The Walleye Watch brings together science, community, and conservation in a way that’s tangible and real.

As the night wore on, and the chance of rain stayed just that - a chance - I felt a deep sense of gratitude. For Tanner, for Matthew, for the dedicated teams at Kawartha Conservation and Parks Canada, and for the opportunity to witness this natural spectacle first-hand. Protecting our lakes and rivers starts with understanding them, and nights like this make it all worth it.

- John Chambers