Dispatches From the Fishladder

It's been a busy summer at Yukon Energy's Whitehorse Rapids Fishladder. We've had a large number of grayling travelling up and down the ladder (in one day alone, staff counted more than 70!), and more trout than usual too.

Of course many people are waiting for the headliners, the Chinook salmon, to arrive. They will start to show up in about two weeks, and will be seen in the largest numbers by about the middle of August. The best time to view them is first thing in the morning (9 a.m.) when the facility opens for the day.

There are lots of other things to do at the fishladder apart from enjoying a close-up view of the fish. For instance, this year we are continuing with our Elders Interpretive Program. Gwitchin elder Mary Decker makes herself available each Monday from 1 to 2 p.m. to share stores and answer people's questions. On most Thursdays from 1 to 2 p.m. Carcross Tagish elder Doris McLean can be found in our First Nations' tent. These two woman are a wealth of knowledge and a delight to talk to.

The fishladder is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. until next Sunday. After that operation hours will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., throughout the month of August.

There is a suggested donation of $3 to visit the ladder. The proceeds go towards the Yukon Fish and Game Association, which operates the facility for us.

Of course fish aren't the only creatures that can be seen at the fishladder. This curious porcupine paid us a visit earlier this month.