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Fishing Season Opens April 26, 2026
With the spring fishing season opening on April 25, 2026, the GRCA wanted to share some updates for anglers. Fishing can occur on the east side of the Ganaraska River, within the Ganaraska Millennium Conservation Area (CA). Sylvan Glen CA is also available for fishing, while being mindful of property lines. Port Hope CA will remain closed due to Highway 401 expansion work.
Ganaraska Forest Hunting Reminders
With turkey season opening on April 25th, 2026, the GRCA wanted to share some reminders for Ganaraska Forest users. Hunting opportunities exist in the Ganaraska Forest year-round, as per Ontario Hunting Regulations. Before planning to hunt in the Ganaraska Forest, all hunters should visit the GRCA website for more information on hunting rules in the Forest and to consult the Ganaraska Forest Trails Map before planning your visit.
Flood Watch Extended: Rice Lake Shoreline
The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority advises the water level of Rice Lake peaked on Tuesday, April 21st, at 187.20 m above sea level, which is 14 cm above normal for this time of year and 23 cm below the peak levels recorded during the flood of 2014. Water levels have decreased by 2.5cm over the past 48 hours and will continue to decline with no major rainstorms in forecast. While this is certainly good news, it may take a week or more for levels to return to normal and so during this period of high lake levels, there is still a possibility of shoreline flooding especially during high winds. The greatest risk will be on Saturday, April 25th, when winds are forecast to be 25 km/h from the East. Wind driven wave action can increase the potential for flooding along low-lying shorelines. This Flood Watch for the southern shoreline of Rice Lake within the Ganaraska Region will be in effect through Wednesday, April 29th, 2026.
Ganaraska Conservation Spring Newsletter 2026
Read about exciting news and upcoming events, as well as other important information from Ganaraska Conservation. Consider signing-up to receive our email newsletter when it releases.
Ganaraska Forest Reopens for the Season On May 1st
The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA) reopens the Ganaraska Forest trails to all recreational uses on Friday, May 1st, 2026. Many improvements to the Ganaraska Forest are planned and/or underway for 2026, please consider joining the email newsletter or follow Ganaraska Conservation on social media to keep up-to-date (links to social media can be found…
STATEMENT ENDED: Water Safety
STATEMENT ENDED: The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority advises a series of low-pressure systems will continue to bring rainfall to the region over the next couple of days. Local watercourses are still experiencing higher than normal water levels and flows after receiving up to 40mm of rain over the past three days. Up to 10mm of additional rainfall is expected today, April 15th, with another 15mm possible tomorrow. A short break in the wet weather is expected on Friday, April 17th, before the next system moves in over the weekend. This Watershed Conditions Statement will be in effect until Sunday, April 19th, 2026, at 12 p.m. Conservation Authority staff will continue to monitor watershed conditions and provide updates as necessary.
Rain Barrel Sale 2026: Conserve Water & Save Costs At Home
This sale is available for a limited time, so act fast and order before June 1st! Discounted pricing is available for residents within the Township of Hamilton, Town of Cobourg, the Municipality of Port Hope and the Municipality of Clarington, within the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority jurisdiction. Please visit https://rainbarrel.ca/grca and view available products at the bottom of the page. Order before June 1st to receive a discount on each barrel, to be delivered directly to you.
STATEMENT ENDED: Flood Watch
THIS FLOOD WATCH HAS ENDED: The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority advises water levels are expected to rise in response to heavy rainfall overnight. The Ganaraska Watersheds received between 30 and 50mm of rainfall this morning, March 31st, 2026, and a further 10 to 15mm is possible by this evening. Water levels and flows in local streams have been slightly elevated over the past two days due to warm temperatures melting the remaining snowpack. Ground conditions are saturated and will not absorb any more rainfall leading to higher rates of runoff. With the forecasted rainfall today, water levels and flows will continue to rise into this evening and will likely peak overnight. High water levels in local creeks could cause flooding of adjacent flood plains and low-lying areas. This Flood Watch applies to the Ganaraska River and local creeks within the Ganaraska region and will be in effect until Wednesday, April 1st, 2026 at 8pm. Conservation Authority staff will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as necessary.
Spring Safety Statement: Stay Clear of Creeks, Ponds & Lakes
With the arrival of spring weather, unsafe ice conditions and slippery stream banks already exist. Mild air temperatures and high flows from spring rains will continue to weaken any remaining ice cover. These hazardous conditions can cause life-threatening injury if a person falls into the extremely cold water.
Upcoming Four Directions Speaker Series
Mino Bimaadiziwin: Join Us for a FREE, Five-Part Series Exploring Anishinaabe Worldview, Teachings & Storytelling Based on the Four Directions. The Sophia Hilton Foundation of Canada and Ganaraska Conservation are pleased to present this five-part speakers series, featuring: Dr. Jennifer Meness, Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation & Professor of Indigenous Studies at Toronto Metropolitan University. This series will take place in the Ganaraska Millennium Building (south-eastern building) at 2216 County Road 28, Port Hope. For tickets and additional information, please visit: https://grca.on.ca/speaker-series/
Winter Rec. Opportunities Still Available Until Forest Reopens to All Activities On May 1st!
This Saturday, Feb. 28th, marks the last day of the season for cycling and horseback riding in the Ganaraska Forest. But, on May 1st, the GRCA looks forward to welcoming back all recreational user types, including motorized, horseback and cycling! For the remainder of the season, hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing opportunities continue to be available with a Day Pass or Forest Membership. Reminder, cross-country ski trails are one-way and exclusive to skiers during the winter season. Please do not purchase cycling or horseback day passes from the online store beyond the Feb. 28th date.
Winter Safety Reminders For Outdoor Enthusiasts
Plan, Prepare & Play Safe in the Winter: Whether you are planning to cross-country ski, snowshoe or hike, being prepared for changing weather can keep you safe throughout the winter season. To help you get outside the winter, Ganaraska Conservation staff have put together a list of suggestions to keep you safe and comfortable. By planning ahead, you can still enjoy all that nature has to offer.