Mid Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society

Smolt trap fish count

Come out and help us count the Coho Salmon smolts as they migrate out of Shelly Creek to the Englishman River.

Every spring, for six weeks or so, we set up a smolt trap in Shelly Creek to count the number of Coho smolts and fry that overwintered in the creek to escape the turbulent flows of the Englishman River. We usually count several thousand in a season but one year was exceptionally good when we counted over 8000 smolts. Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout also venture into the trap, along with the occassional frog, salamander and duckling.

The smolt trap is on Martindale Rd where Shelly Creek crosses under the road. We start counting at 9 am every morning and are usually done by 10 am. If you would like to volunteer to count the fish, frogs, salamanders, etc., please sign up for the days you are available.

Please note that you must be a MVIHES member in good standing in order to participate. That ensures that you are covered by our Streamkeepers insurance program. Online membership is available at

MVIHES membership