Rearing Pond Salvage Saves Crayfish, Lamprey and Coho

Hoy/Scott Watershed Society conducted our annual rearing pond salvage on May 29.

Coho smolts were released on May 18. The floor boards were removed. The water drained from the pond leaves lots of discoveries for invertebrates and crustaceans like crayfish, stoneflies and lamprey. We found crayfish, coho fry and smolts and caddis fly. All were released into the stream.

Thanks to our volunteers who helped out.

After the salvage, the City of Coquitlam arranges for the pond mud and sediment to be removed via McCrae's Environmental Services (a vacuum truck), and then the pond will be pressure washed and floorboards returned. The creek water will then be reintroduced to make way for the transfer of Coho fry from the hatchery.

This year our back pond area will also be cleaned.

A final look in the rearing pond before dark.

Youth Volunteer Takes Top Honour at City Environmental Event

Thomas Kempin, youth volunteer from Hoy Creek Hatchery receives his award and stand for a photo with the mayor and councelours.

Thank you to the City of Coquitlam for hosting us at the 2024 Environmental Achievement Awards at Blue Mountain Park on June 1.

The Hoy/Scott Watershed Society was well represented in the nominations:

  • The Society was in the Environmental Group nominations

  • Thomas Kempin and Matt Watts were among the Youth nominations

  • Robbin Whachell was in the Adult nomination

A big congratulations to our youth winner, Thomas Kempin!

Thomas stands with his parents after receiving his acknowledgement.

Left to right from Hoy/Scott Watershed Society: Kyle Uno, Anne Woosnam, Robbin Whachell, Tyler Storgaard, and Thomas Kempin at Blue Mountain Park.

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.”


Coho Released on May 18

With optimal weather conditions and no fanfare, the Coho salmon housed in the Hoy Creek Hatchery rearing pond were released on May 18.

In 2024 the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society shifted focus of the public release to Chum salmon, because our chum salmon, unlike Coho, do not reside in fresh water for an extended period.

Volunteers lifted the slats to the rearing pond outflow and the Coho were on their way.

Once released to the creek, the Chum begin their journey to the ocean: Hoy Creek → Scott Creek → Coquitlam River → Fraser River → Strait of Georgia into the Pacific Ocean.

The rearing pond will next be cleaned, and prepared for the incoming Coho fry in the hatchery’s Capilano trough room.

Hoy Trail Invasive Species Pull Held

Thanks to Hoy/Scott Watershed Society volunteer, Krista who organized a group invasive pull along Hoy Trail with members of Eagle Ridge United Church on Sunday, April 28. The focus was English ivy, but some Laurel was removed as well. The event was supported by the City of Coquitlam's Urban Forestry team.

Farewell Chums! Salmon Left Home

Thank you to all the families who came out to enjoy and learn!

On April 27, residents of Coquitlam came to help release our Chum salmon at our Salmon Leave Home festival. Traditionally held around Mother’s Day for the release of our Coho, in 2024 the Society decided to change the focus of the release to the Chum species.

Hatchery manager and Society vice president, Tyler Storgaard explains why, “After significant efforts by our volunteers, we are able to hold both Coho and Chum fry, where previously we had only been able to hold one species at a time. This new capacity and growing concern over drier and warmer conditions earlier in the year had us rethink our release dates for overall fish health. “

Despite the constant rain, the festival was well supported and manageable throughout the day. Children and adults carried buckets of fry down Hoy Trail to a quiet and easily-accessible part of Hoy Creek to release the fish.

Crafts, education, hatchery tour and release of Chum salmon

Residents also got to view Chum fry up close in tanks as well as the Coho fingerlings raised at the hatchery. A scavenger hunt was available as well as the opportunity to make seed bombs to take home and plant to encourage spring flowers for our pollinators.

The Society would like to thank the community who didn't let the weather get in the way! Thanks also goes out to our dedicated and hardworking volunteers.

A huge thank you to our event sponsor, Fish & Wildlife Compensation Program, and for the continuous support of the Fisheries & Oceans Canada.

We hope to see you at our next festival in October for Salmon Come Home!

Tyler, Anne and Suzz helping bucket out the Chum!

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.

Streamkeepers Roundtable Held in Coquitlam

HSWS Team: Anne, Kyle, Robbin, Tyler

Thanks to the Stoney Creek Environment Committee for hosting the annual streamkeepers roundtable on March 11 at the YMCA in Coquitlam.

The meeting was attended by salmon stewards from Chilliwack to the Sunshine Coast!

It was a wonderful opportunity to share our experiences, challenges, and successes which was valuable and inspiring.

Hosted by Stoney Creek

Streamkeepers from around BC

Exploring Environmental Stewardship: A Visit to the Hyde Creek Salmon Hatchery

Hyde Creek's Mitch and Helen (far left and far right) hosted Hoy/Scott Watershed Society team (L–R) Robbin, Matt, Anne and Tyler.

On February 17, several members of the Hoy-Scott Watershed Society had the opportunity to visit the Hyde Creek Watershed Society's salmon hatchery in Port Coquitlam. The visit not only provided an up-close look at the facilities and operations of our neighbouring hatchery but also fostered an exchange of knowledge and ideas about salmon rearing practices and water usage.

As advocates for environmental stewardship, both organizations recognize the critical role of salmon in our local ecosystem and the need to actively contribute to their conservation and population management. This shared commitment made the visit even more meaningful as it allowed for a fruitful exchange of insights and experiences.

During the tour, members from both societies discussed the meticulous care and attention required to ensure the health and vitality of the fish. From egg incubation to the nurturing of smolt, each step in the hatchery’s operation highlighted the dedication and expertise of the staff and volunteers in preserving the salmon population.

Hyde Creek Hatchery’s use of well water shed light on innovative approaches to water conservation and efficiency, ultimately contributing to the sustainable management of the watershed.

Walk along Hyde Creek in Port Coquitlam

The visit underscored the interconnectedness of our efforts in preserving the salmon and their habitat. By coming together, sharing knowledge, and learning from each other's experiences, we strengthen our collective impact on environmental conservation.


The visit served as a reminder that, through collaboration and knowledge exchange, we can make a significant difference in the health and sustainability of our watersheds.

We extend our gratitude to the Hyde Creek Watershed Society for their warm hospitality. Our visit reaffirmed our commitment to the preservation of our natural environment and the crucial role that partnerships and collaboration play in achieving this goal.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to work closely with our neighbouring watershed societies and local communities to promote the well-being of our precious salmon and their habitats.

The beautiful second floor of Hyde Creek Hatchery has a library, covered deck, washrooms, kitchen and meeting area.

Gravel Donation and Trailer Use Greatly Appreciated

Hoy Creek Hatchery manager, Tyler Storgaard, and assistant manager, Anne Woosnam shovel gravel off the trailer donated on Feb. 17 (HSWS photo)

Thank You for the Generous Donations and Support

We would like to express our gratitude to Heidelberg Materials North America for their recent donation of gravel, and to High Definition Concrete Ltd. for the use of their trailer.

Community support plays a crucial role in the success of our organization, and these generous contributions are greatly appreciated. Without the support of local businesses and community members, completing essential work projects can be a significant challenge for us.

The donations made on February 17 will aid us in our ongoing efforts to clean and repair failing infrastructure at the Hoy Creek Hatchery. Contributions such as these, enable us to continue our important work in salmon conservation and habitat preservation.

We also extend our sincere thanks to the dedicated volunteers who contributed their time and effort to the cause. Their hard work and commitment have been invaluable in advancing our projects and maintaining the momentum of our initiatives.

Once again, a sincere thank you to Heidelberg Materials North America and High Definition Concrete Ltd., and all of our dedicated volunteers for their invaluable support and contributions. Together, we are making a significant and positive impact on our environment, and we are grateful for the opportunity to build a more sustainable future for the Hoy and Scott Watersheds.

Matt, Suzz and Annie help with gravel offloading to fill an area behind the Hoy Creek Hatchery in Coquitlam. (HSWS photo)