KERROBERT — Each year the Saskatchewan Fish Hatchery stocks millions of fish throughout the province including fishing ponds in our communities. Trout ponds in Kerrobert, Luseland and Scott offer the angler, whether seasoned veteran or rookie, an opportunity to fish near their home as part of their summer experience.
Both residents and visitors have found these venues a great opportunity to take part in a fishing experience close to home. Dads have brought children to these places to learn how to cast a line and the patience sometimes required for a fishing excursion, while others use the location for an opportunity to spend a leisurely summer morning or afternoon in nature while hoping to catch a fish.
The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation and local wildlife federations partner with Sask. fisheries to bring the angling experience to local communities.
Unity Wildlife Federation dedicates to Scott Dam Reservoir
Kurt Elder of the Unity Wildlife Federation says their organization has looked after Scott Dam Reservoir for as long as he can remember.
“We promote the Scott Dam through continued fundraising efforts every year at our annual supper and awards. It is one of the main reasons we fundraise, to keep this fishery alive and well.”
Unity Wildlife Federation pays for all the power and upkeep of the dam while the provincial government supplies stocking fish every spring. A fishing licence is required, and limits are to be followed through the provincial fisheries regulations.
“In the fall of 2022, we spent approximately $30,000 on a new aeration system to improve water quality in the dam,” UWF says.
“We also pay the power bill to run this new system and previous operational systems.”
Kerrobert Reservoir, a recreation venue since 1993
Outgoing Kerrobert Recreation Director Bobbi Hebron said the Kerrobert became a widely used outdoor recreation option during COVID-19 as it was a safe place to stay active and engaged. It has been around since it was developed in 1993 notes Rob Cholin.
The Kerrobert Wildlife Federation takes care of the reservoir, which is almost entirely volunteer-run.
Cholin is the go-to guy for the Kerrobert Reservoir saying he maintains the area and it is funded by Kerrobert Wildlife Federation.
“Fundraising for the ongoing upkeep and maintenance at this recreation location comes from the annual KWF awards ceremony and banquet. We also receive small grants and donations along the way,” says Cholin.
Cholin says they stock the fishing area every spring with approximately 700 fish. The KWF purchases 20 six-to-seven-inch fish while the province provides 500 fingerlings every year. All fishing ponds are under Sask. Fisheries regulations meaning anglers need a licence and frequent conservation checks. All fisheries rules apply, including the two-fish limit.
Cholin said some anglers take part in ice fishing at this location in the winter.
“At present, we have solar aeration, but we have also just installed a windmill aerator to have an alternate source of energy, now utilizing both wind and solar power. The windmill aeration was set for a future project, but we found it necessary due to excess snow and fog this winter inhibiting solar power,” says Cholin.
KWF also looks after the Canada Geese nesting pods at the location.
Cholin says yearly visitors are split half and half between locals and visitors. He and the KWF organization have developed it over the years to the way it is today. They will be upgrading the old fishing dock platform, but that project is in the discussion phase as it will cost a few thousand dollars to complete.
SWF, Tourism Sask and community town offices help promote these area fishing venues to visitors, but all keepers of these angling spots say word of mouth is of great benefit to promote increased use of the fishing spots.
Cholin says they are grateful to donors who have provided in-kind work with gravel, big equipment and labour as everything at this place is done by volunteers.
“The Town of Kerrobert provides a small amount of funding to assist the reservoir with their activities,” adds Hebron while Cholin said memorial donations and other donors who love the facility are of great assistance.
“The reservoir is always busy,” Hebron also says.
“My family goes out there often (at least weekly, used to be daily) and anywhere from two to 25 people can be seen fishing, walking, snowmobiling, tobogganing, skating, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. We are so fortunate.”
Luseland has two trout ponds for anglers
Luseland also has the benefit of not one but two stocked trout ponds.
Matt Rumohr, who is tasked with caring for the community's fishing spots says, “One pond is by the RM shop, east of town on Highway 31, and there is one at the golf course.”
Rumohr says the ponds are stocked with about 300 fish every spring, funded by Sask. Fisheries with help for the Sask. Wildlife Federation in the release efforts.
“We do need better signage along Hwy 31 as the sign has aged out and needs replacement. Our ponds provide dock and shore fishing, and the feedback is always positive on this summer past time.”
Cast away your troubles, tackle fishing and you might enjoy meals on reels from a community near you.
