History of the Haliburton Lake Trout

Geologists tell us that 100,000 to 10,000 years ago most of Canada was covered by a vast sheet of ice some 2 – 4 km thick. Pre-glacial fish populations were either destroyed or pushed into ice-free areas called refuges located at the southern edges of the ice sheet. As the earth warmed and the glaciers retreated fresh water fish re-invaded the large, newly formed glacial lakes.

An exciting discovery has recently been made. A unique stain of lake trout distinct from other lake trout in Ontario and thought to be a glacial relict has been found in at least 4 lakes located in the Heart of the Haliburton Highlands.

This lake trout has been named the “Haliburton Lake Trout”.

Dr. John Casselman, a senior scientist with the MNR, has been studying the Haliburton strain of natural lake trout for many years, and has done much historical work on this glacial relict. Dr. Casselman’s findings have discovered that it appears to be one of the oldest and purest strains of lake trout in the world. Therefore, it is extremely important to protect its genetic integrity. The Haliburton strain of lake trout is well known for its torpedo shape, compact size, strong fighting ability and excellent taste. Other unique characteristics of this strain include rapid growth and early maturity.  Some of these attributes allow them to withstand more fishing pressure and higher harvest levels than other strains of lake trout.

The MNR is very interested in the potential this strain may have for culture and stocking initiatives and will be tested as a product for supplemental rehabilitation and put, grow and take stocking in local lakes. The MNR has identified the Haliburton Lake Trout Project as a “Pilot Project” and is committed to a long-term partnership arrangement with the HHOA and OFAH. The HHOA has the primary role of culturing and developing the Haliburton lake trout at the Haliburton Fish Hatchery. In the fall of 1998 the HHOA and the MNR conducted the first wild egg collection from Halls Lake. Eggs are obtained from female lake trout, fertilized and transported to the Haliburton Fish Hatchery. The Haliburton lake trout will are raised at the hatchery for 18 months and stocked out in the spring. The stocking of this glacial relict is a significant achievement for the Haliburton Highlands Outdoors Association and for the community and partners that inspired the development and implementation of the Haliburton Lake Trout Project.