Muskoka Watershed Information

FISHERIES

The Muskoka River watershed contains predominantly cool and cold-water fish species. In the upper part of the watershed, most lakes and streams are considered cold water, and support species such as lake trout and brook trout, although smallmouth bass have been stocked in a number of lakes. The large lakes in the watershed are relatively deep (50+ m) and cold, and are well suited for communities of lake trout and whitefish (cold water species). Rainbow trout and brown trout have been stocked in selected portions of the watershed. Much of the lower part of the watershed (with the exception of the large lakes) is considered cool-water habitat, supporting communities of walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, smallmouth bass, yellow perch and pan fish (black crappie, pumpkinseed, bluegill and rock bass). Many of the important fish spawning areas on the system are located below the many rapids and dams, and along shorelines of lakes. These extremely important habitats are of primary concern because they can be affected by fluctuating flows and water levels.

WILDLIFE

The Muskoka River watershed is home to a diversity of mammal, reptile, amphibian and bird species. In many cases, the life cycle of these species is directly related to the river (including its tributaries and lakes) and the land-water shoreline interface (to provide habitat and food sources). An important example of this complex linkage would be the wetland areas found along the river and in coastal areas of lakes. Some of the animals dependent on the wetlands include waterfowl for their nesting and staging areas, and furbearers (beaver, otter, muskrat, mink, raccoon) and mammals (moose) for habitat and feeding areas. Reptiles and amphibians depend on wetlands for all or parts of their life cycle, and osprey, eagles and herons benefit from the shallow water feeding opportunities.