PLEASE OBSERVE SOCIAL DISTANCING GUIDELINES

*new video

*new video

*new video

The Thornbury Dam, originally built in 1855 has seen many changes over the years and the Thornbury Fishway, known locally as the Fish Ladder, is designed to let fish pass around the Thornbury Dam and once above the dam, they can continue upstream to spawn.

The Fish Ladder is located in the heart of Thornbury and can be viewed from Highway 26.  Within steps of the downtown core of the Business Improvement Area, we encourage you visit some of the friendly shops while you’re here.

The Fishway is active with fish migration in the Spring and the Fall.

In the Spring watch for Rainbow Trout making their way up the Fishway. Adults enter the streams in early spring to spawn in clean, rapid water. The exact time varies but it is usually during April the fish are moving upstream but check the link below.

-link to view the underwater camera located at the Thornbury Dam Fishway

From late August to late October*, adult spawning Chinook Salmon begin showing up in the area rivers. They are aggressive jumpers and provide exciting viewing as they migrate up stream and make their way up the Fishway to find suitable areas in gravel river beds. The adult Chinook die after they have spawned. After the eggs hatch the young salmon return to the lake the following spring.

*dates are to be used as a guide only.

Please observe social distancing guidelines at all times.

For more information on the Fishway, please contact the Ministry of Natural Resources.