Eels were once very common in the Ottawa and its tributaries. But the buildup of hydro dams has nearly decimated this fish in Ontario. The eels are also important, because they only feed on dead fish. So they may play a role in eliminating dead fish that may spread diseases to other fish.
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources is interested in learning more about the current and historical distribution of American eel in the Ottawa River.
Locations, dates, photos/videos, and traditional knowledge of past occurrences are all of interest. Recent occurrences above Chenaux dam and any dead eels below hydrodams very important.
Please send emails of your Ottawa River eel catches, observations, and knowledge to kirby.punt@ontario.ca a biologist with the MNR in Pembroke.
We were fishing for catfish using dead minnows and the second time we caught one we were using a chunk of stewing beef. Good luck, if that's what you call it.
Caught some of those near Rockland too on the Ottawa, I agree, never want to see another one again. I go out of my way to make sure they don't get in my boat
Belive it or not I caught a sencond American Eel this summer and this one was easily 4 feet long. My daughter was on the boat so once I got the thing up to the boat, I let the tension off the line and it unhooked itself. Slippery as an eel, eh?
Just off the Brittania Yacht Club, near Brittania Beach in about 28 feet of water. On the bottom while going for catfish. Good Luck, but I don't ever want to catch one of those again.
Eels were once very common in the Ottawa and its tributaries. But the buildup of hydro dams has nearly decimated this fish in Ontario. The eels are also important, because they only feed on dead fish. So they may play a role in eliminating dead fish that may spread diseases to other fish.
canmoore 3 weeks ago
The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources is interested in learning more about the current and historical distribution of American eel in the Ottawa River.
Locations, dates, photos/videos, and traditional knowledge of past occurrences are all of interest. Recent occurrences above Chenaux dam and any dead eels below hydrodams very important.
Please send emails of your Ottawa River eel catches, observations, and knowledge to kirby.punt@ontario.ca a biologist with the MNR in Pembroke.
bullfrogbabe 1 year ago
Did that eel fight alot when you were reeling it in?
corvetteguy1980 1 year ago
@corvetteguy1980
They fight Big Time!
SidZork01 1 year ago
what kind of bait or lure were u using?
Walahiguy123 2 years ago
We were fishing for catfish using dead minnows and the second time we caught one we were using a chunk of stewing beef. Good luck, if that's what you call it.
SidZork01 2 years ago
we were using dead minnows and also chunks of stewing beef
SidZork01 2 years ago
Caught some of those near Rockland too on the Ottawa, I agree, never want to see another one again. I go out of my way to make sure they don't get in my boat
fisherguy33 3 years ago
Belive it or not I caught a sencond American Eel this summer and this one was easily 4 feet long. My daughter was on the boat so once I got the thing up to the boat, I let the tension off the line and it unhooked itself. Slippery as an eel, eh?
SidZork01 3 years ago
honestly??4 feet??
Eekkbob 2 years ago
Yup, the second one was a lot bigger than the one in the video, 4 feet easily!
AwakeningPotentials 2 years ago
holy crap
Eekkbob 2 years ago
They are protected because they are highly endangered in Ontario. Hydro Stations and over fishing have really hit there numbers.
In actual fact though, the meat from American Eels is extremely tasty! although, it is illegal to keep one.
canmoore 3 years ago
Holy shit I've never seen one of those... Must fight like hell. What part of the ottawa river were you on?
looneyspoon 3 years ago
Just off the Brittania Yacht Club, near Brittania Beach in about 28 feet of water. On the bottom while going for catfish. Good Luck, but I don't ever want to catch one of those again.
SidZork01 3 years ago