Making a path through debris in the river for the trout to spawn upstream
Ben assessing the debris in the river. photo by Lynne Collier
One of the responsibilities we’ve taken on here at the Shire is to care for the river, making sure it runs clean and clear of debris. Partly because we have two varieties of trout who swim up our section of this river to spawn.
Each spring, and often after a storm, we survey the health of the river to see what needs doing and then decide who’s doing what. As my husband and I are getting a bit older (ahem), our son now has the task of donning waders and jumping into the murky water.
We all used to do this and I actually quite enjoyed it. I searched for a long straight branch that had fallen to help unplug the twigs and leaves that had swept downstream in the spring thaw or a summer thunderstorm.
I couldn’t find waders in my size, so I wore rubber boots (affectionately known as wellies from my childhood in England) or waterproof sandals. Now, I’m delegated to a lookout and emergency contact riverbank supervisor.
I couldn’t find a long straight stick this year, so my husband duck-taped a paint roller head onto a broom handle. I can break up a pile of debris from seven feet away!
Our son is the one who now wades waist-deep in the water and throws large tree trunks onto the riverbank.
The reward for all his effort is my squeals of joy as we see the first fish swim successfully up the river. It’s such a good feeling to be able to help nature continue to thrive here.
We have two types of trout in our river. Brook Trout and the occasional Rainbow Trout. They journey north through our woodland river from Lake Ontario to spawn in spring and some will come again in late autumn. That’s why we need to clear the river diligently twice each year.
It’s so worth the sight!
’Til next time — thank you for reading, and remember you are loved by the One who created you in His image.
~ Lynne 💜
*This story was originally published in Weeds & Wildflowers on Medium.
Lynne Collier 