PORT ALBERT - NINE MILE RIVER & FISHWAY

The Nine Mile River begins its journey at its headwaters near Lucknow and then travels over Huron County’s landscape before emptying into Lake Huron at Port Albert. It was once the powerhouse for a few small industries, but the dam now operates as a fish ladder for conservation and study of local salmon and trout populations.

The Port Albert Fishway is a man-made structure which allows fish to bypass obstructions to travel upstream on the Nine Mile River. 

Each spring and fall, the Nine Mile Steelheaders organize a lift. This group of volunteers first organized in 1988 to conserve the rainbow trout population and protect it from poaching and overfishing. Now the group gathers information about the populations, health and habits of the fish. 

Fish jumping can be viewed from late March until early May, with peak runs occurring during the last two weeks in April. In the fall, jumping occurs from mid-September until late November, with peak runs occurring during October and early November.

 A small park and fisheries display centre with historical signs is nestled below the dam where the stream rushes over the fish ladder. The river flows through pools before spilling over a sandbar and entering Lake Huron. Anglers congregate there to catch salmon and trout from May to September and there are also nice fishing holes above Highway 21.