Hoy Creek

Salmon Talk Comes to Seniors at Parkwood Manor

Robbin and Anne are both board members and volunteers of Hoy/Scott Watershed Society.

On November 1, Hoy/Scott Watershed Society (HSWS) volunteers, Robbin Whachell and Anne Woosnam, brought the wonders of the local ecosystem to Parkwood Manor in Coquitlam. Engaging residents who live adjacent to Hoy Creek, the duo led a lively and informative discussion about the life cycle of salmon, the significance of their presence in the watershed, and how they contribute to the health of the local environment.

Residents of Parkwood Manor, many of whom regularly stroll along Hoy Trail and cherish the tranquil scenes of the stream, enthusiastically participated, asking insightful questions and sharing their observations. The talk not only deepened their understanding of the natural world surrounding them but also highlighted the close connection between the community and the watershed.

HSWS extends its sincere thanks to the management of Parkwood Manor for facilitating this enriching 1-hour session. We are thrilled to have already received an invitation to return next year and look forward to fostering this connection once again.

Through stewardship, community outreach, education, and advocacy, we are dedicated to protecting the Hoy/Scott Watershed, and it is opportunities like these that help strengthen our mission.

Anne answers questions after the talk.




Poaching Reported in Hoy Creek

Poaching is NOT okay! We received a report on Oct. 24 from a Coquitlam resident, of an account of poaching in Hoy Creek.

City Bylaws is investigating.

It's ILLEGAL to fish in local streams, which also includes the removal of carcasses (dead fish). Dead or alive, it is illegal to take fish. If you want to fish, you must have a license to fish, and you must know where it's okay to fish.

If you see people fishing at local streams in any way – with a line, net, or anything else, please contact "Report All Poachers and Polluters" (RAPP) and fill out this form.

Or fisheries violations, contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) at 1-800-465-4336. You can also contact your local RCMP detachment or municipal police.

Hoy/Scott Watershed Society has information on our Contact Page.

Photo sent in by a resident on Oct. 24, 2024.

Tips for Spotting Salmon in Local Streams

Can you spot the salmon? (Photo: HSWS)

Nature has its own timing…

Each year there is an increase in the number of phone calls and emails the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society (HSWS) receives about the salmon return.

We’re often asked, “Can you tell me what day the salmon are returning?” or “Is there a less busy time to see the salmon?” or “I went to look in the creek but could not see any salmon. What is the best day to come?”

Rain is the most important ingredient. Once the rains return, the salmon follow.

While we know that chum salmon generally return in early October after the first heavy rains, there is no set date, and it fluctuates year to year. Our usual response to this question is to check our website or social media pages.

The good news is, chum and coho salmon have been spotted in Hoy Creek since Oct. 14, 2024.

Wait for the rain to subside and the water levels to lower to spot salmon. Heavy rain results in fast and high-moving water making it difficult to see the salmon.

Hoy and Scott creeks run through urban. private and public lands. You can view salmon any time you like from public areas like the Hoy Creek Linear Park, or beside Guildford Way or off Lansdowne Drive for Scott Creek.

A chum salmon in low creek water on a dry day may not be seen on a heavy rain day when water is rushing and the level is higher. (Photo: HSWS)

Tips for when and how to view:

  • Check first. It’s best to go once you’ve heard that the salmon have returned and have been spotted in the creeks (check our website or social media channels: Instagram or Facebook page).

  • After a rain, or on a clearer weather day. When the rains subside, creek depths lower, and this allows for the water to be quieter and more clear to see through.

  • Listen! You may often hear a salmon before spotting it. They move over shallow waters, or up over rocks or logs by flashing their tails making a splashing sound.

  • Look carefully. Salmon, in particular chum salmon, have similar colours to the rocks or stones in the stream and are therefore naturally camouflaged. Coho are even better at hiding than the chum. If you are expecting to see bright red salmon, you’ve come to the wrong creeks.

  • Sunglasses may help. Fishermen often wear polarized sunglasses to better spot fish in the water.

  • Resting places. Salmon have an arduous journey upstream. They can often be spotted under bridges or hanging branches or fallen logs to build up strength for their next climb.

  • Patience! Salmon may be right where you are looking, but they can be very hard to spot. Take lots of time. It’s often best to stay in one spot for some time to observe before moving further up or down the creek to try another area.

  • Don’t be discouraged. Salmon may not be out every day in the exact spot you are standing during the time you are there. The creeks are long. Try to come another day. When you finally do spot a salmon, you’ll be glad you did! 



Location via Google maps.  The Hoy Creek Hatchery is located on Hoy Creek Trail, west of the City Centre Aquatic Complex at the corner of Pinetree and Guildford Way. Simply Google "Hoy Creek Hatchery" to locate.

Hoy Trail has several entrances:

- Walk-in from Princess Cres. west of City Centre Aquatics Complex
and Lafarge-Lake Douglas Station;
- Walk-in from behind Douglas College and head south;
- Walk-in from Guildford Way (between Johnson and Pinetree) and head north;
- Walk-in from Walton Avenue, or behind Walton Elementary and head south;
- Walk-in from the foot of Lasalle Place and head northeast.

Salmon of Hoy and Scott Creeks:

Chum salmon begin to arrive in early to mid-October through to early November.  Generally, the peak of the run is around the 3rd week of October. They have dark red and black stripes.

Coho salmon arrive in late October through to late December.  Typically, the peak of the run is the 2nd or 3rd week of November.  There are very few fish around into December but there has been the occasional year with good numbers of fish in the stream through to mid or late December.

During odd-numbered years (e.g. 2021), Pink salmon may be found in Hoy and Scott creeks from September to early October.  They are not typically found in large numbers.

Although they don't favor smaller streams like Hoy Creek and Scott Creek, occasionally, Chinook salmon from the Coquitlam River find their way into the creeks.  This may happen under heavy rainfall conditions when the water levels in our streams and rivers are high.  The occasional fish find the current in the creek attractive and detour away from the heavier flows in the Coquitlam River.

Learn more about the lifecycle of the salmon.

Enjoy your salmon spotting!


"The salmon runs are a visible symbol of life, death and regeneration, plain for all to see and share ... The salmon are a test of a healthy environment, a lesson in environmental needs. Their abundant presence on the spawning beds is a lesson of hope, of deep importance for the future of man."
-- Haig-Brown, 1974 (The Salmon)

Annual Stream Clean Held North of Barnet Highway

The clean-up crew!

On August 25, volunteers from the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society gathered for our annual stream clean-up along Hoy and Scott Creeks. With gloves on and trash bags in hand, members worked north of Barnet Highway.

This year, our volunteers pulled an unexpected array of items from the creeks. From an e-scooter to bedding, clothes, and even a crock pot, we unearthed a surprising mix of discarded goods. Among the findings were also empties, drug paraphernalia, a computer monitor, a headboard, a toy Nerf gun, a skateboard, and a bright red shopping buggy. The eclectic assortment of trash served as a stark reminder of the importance of our work in maintaining these vital waterways.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to this effort: Natesh, Rahm, Kyle, Cameron, Robert, Barry, Suzz, Matt, Anne, Kyle, and Sandra.

This clean-up is more than just a day of collecting trash; it's a powerful act of stewardship, a reflection of our community's dedication to maintaining the health of our local ecosystems. The Hoy/Scott Watershed Society remains committed to safeguarding these habitats for the salmon, birds, and diverse wildlife that depend on them. As we look to the future, we encourage everyone to find new ways to support our beautiful watershed.

Together, we can keep Hoy and Scott Creeks clean, healthy, and thriving for generations to come.

Protecting Our Salmon with Yellow Fish Decals

Saki assists with peeling and Robbin does the pounding.

On July 23, Hoy-Scott Watershed Society volunteers took another important step to protect our local salmon population. Led by the ever-enthusiastic Anne, we installed yellow fish decals in the parkade of a residential complex adjacent to Hoy Creek. The "peel and pound team," made up of Saki and Robbin, worked diligently to place these bright yellow markers as a reminder of the direct connection between our urban environment and the health of our waterways.

These yellow fish decals are part of an ongoing effort to raise awareness about stormwater pollution. When rain falls on streets and driveways, it can pick up oil, trash, chemicals, and other pollutants, which often end up flowing untreated into nearby streams and creeks. In our case, this means pollutants can quickly reach Hoy and Scott Creeks, threatening the delicate ecosystems and the salmon that call these waters home.

By placing these decals near storm drains and in parkades, we are helping to remind residents to be mindful of what goes down the drain. It’s a simple yet powerful message: what goes on our streets and parking lots can impact the life in our streams.

A big thank you goes out to Anne for organizing this initiative and to Saki and Robbin for their excellent work. Your efforts make a significant difference in protecting the vital habitat for salmon and other aquatic life in our creeks.

If you live near Hoy or Scott Creeks and notice that your streets or parkades could use some yellow fish decals, please let us know! We are always looking for new locations to spread awareness and make an impact.

Hoy Creek Habitat Restoration Project

Society wide angle photo of Hoy Creek looking from west to east.

Thanks to a grant from Pacific Salmon Foundation and the support of Lafarge Canada the Hoy Creek Habitat Restoration Project took place between June 26 and July 5. It was coordinated by Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Hoy/Scott Watershed Society.

The project’s goal is to provide ability to better manage water flows, restoring natural habitat and increasing security against pollution events.

Project elements:

Hoy Creek Hatchery manager, and vice president of Hoy/Scott Watershed Society reviewed time lapse footage of the work.

  • Tree removals for outlet improvements;

  • Removal of failing concrete outlet structure;

  • Resurfacing of aging rearing pond and replacement of failed flow control valve;

  • Construct a naturalized outlet channel, including stabilize the streambank to support spawning and

  • Increase rearing and broodstock capabilities with a secondary circular tub to mitigate effects of extended drought periods by allowing multipe species to be held (Chum, Coho).

During the work, the trail was closed for pedestrian safety and marked with signage. Thank you to the City of Coquitlam for support!

Society volunteer reviewing the work.

NOTICE: Hoy Creek Habitat Restoration and Improvements

The projects goal is to provide ability to better manage water flows, restoring natural habitat and increasing security against pollution events.

Project elements:

  • Tree removals for outlet improvements;

  • Removal of failing concrete outlet structure;

  • Resurfacing of aging rearing pond and replacement of failed flow control valve;

  • Construct a naturalized outlet channel, including stabilize the streambank to support spawning and

  • Increase rearing and broodstock capabilities with a secondary circular tub to mitigate effects of extended drought periods by allowing multipe species to be held (Chum, Coho).

During the work, the trail will be closed for pedestrian safety and marked with signage. Trail closures will be in placeimpacting accessibitliy for the trail section fromt eh hatchery, north towards Walton Elementary. Hoy Creek Linear trail from Guildford Way to White Pine Place will be open during construction, with intermittent traffic control for deliveries. It is anticipated the closures to be for 1–2 weeks as heavy equipment work completes.

Construction Schedule: June 26 – July 5


Questions?

Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Catherine McClean

catherine.mcclean@dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Community Advisor, Lower Fraser - North

604-230-4126



Hoy-Scott Watershed Society

Tyler Storgaard

hoyscottwatershed@gmail.com

Hatchery Manager, Vice-President

778-835-9867



Hoy Creek Trail Clean with Talitha Koum Society

Thanks to our friends from the Talitha Koum Society who helped with a trail clean by Hoy Creek on May 24.

Despite the wet weather, a lot got done!

“We’ve been through this area last fall,” said Robbin Whachell, a director at Hoy/Scott Watershed Society who led the group, “and it’s always disheartening to see the return of all the trash where we once cleaned. This area is so beautiful.”


Steelhead Trout Discovery

A steelhead trout at Hoy Creek, Coquitlam

You never know what you’ll see when down at the stream!

On April 13, streamkeepers from Hoy/Scott Watershed Society were out setting minnow traps and came across this steelhead carcass in Hoy Creek. A beautiful 31.5” female.

This is trout spawning season so although not as visible as salmon spawning in the fall, it’s still as important to keep people and animals out of the stream for fear of damaging/killing eggs in their nests.

Can you spot the fish? Click to take a closer look!

What a find! Volunteer Krista holds up the beautiful specimen at Hoy Creek.

Another Paint Spill Reported in Hoy Creek

No photo was available of the spill on Feb. 15. This photo is from a PREVIOUS spill at the same location.

Unfortunately, yet another paint spill has been reported in Hoy Creek. This time, the incident was observed at the inflow area off Walton Ave. The City of Coquitlam responded to the call, dispatching staff from the Sewer & Drainage and Environment departments to investigate the situation.

According to the City's report, the call came in around 12:30 pm on Feb. 15, with the caller describing a cloudy, white substance in the creek. Upon arrival, staff took turbidity and pH samples at the outfall, which indicated that the creek was within normal water quality ranges. Flowlink data also showed normal turbidity and pH values, and fish were sighted swimming near the outfall. Furthermore, the cloudy substance had dissipated within 30 minutes.

Upon visual inspection, staff suspected the discharge to be a diluted latex-paint substance. Despite efforts to locate the source, including a patrol through the catchment area and inspection of catch basins, no paint source could be identified. Additionally, no newly painted homes were observed in the vicinity.

Call for Public Reporting
The Hoy-Scott Watershed Society urges the public to report any spills or unusual odors near waterways. If you witness a spill or detect something unusual, please report it promptly to the proper authorities. For contact information, please visit the Hoy-Scott Watershed Society's website's contact page.