Hoy Creek Hatchery

Volunteer of the Month: Amy Skulj

The Hoy/Scott Watershed Society is pleased to recognize Amy Skulj as our Volunteer of the Month for January. Since joining us in December 2024, Amy has become a dedicated and enthusiastic presence at the hatchery and along the creek, contributing her time, energy, and passion for watershed stewardship.

Amy was encouraged to volunteer through an acquaintance at Flowlink Environmental, and from her very first visit, she knew she had found a place where her values and interests aligned. An environmentalist at heart, Amy brings both commitment and curiosity to every task, embracing the ever-changing nature of watershed work.

Her volunteer roles have spanned a wide range of seasonal activities, including assisting with Coho and Chum salmon care, invasive species removal, water quality monitoring, and whatever else is needed week to week. As she notes, duties change with the seasons—and she’s always ready to step in where help is required.

For Amy, the most rewarding part of volunteering is witnessing and supporting the life cycle of Coho and Chum salmon. Being able to see firsthand how volunteer efforts contribute directly to habitat health and salmon survival is what keeps her coming back, Saturday after Saturday.

One of the moments Amy is most proud of is seeing the strong participation of young volunteers who commit their time despite busy schedules. “Teamwork makes the dream work,” she says—a sentiment that captures the collaborative spirit of the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society.

Volunteering has also strengthened Amy’s role as an advocate for conservation. Working on the ground has deepened her understanding of watershed stewardship and reinforced the importance of protecting waterways while educating others about their value.

When asked what advice she would give to someone considering volunteering, Amy doesn’t hesitate. She describes it as a meaningful learning opportunity that offers fulfillment, camaraderie, and the chance to work alongside a knowledgeable and dedicated Board. “I don’t like missing any Saturday,” she adds, “since I am so committed.”

We are grateful to Amy for her dedication, positivity, and ongoing support of the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society. Volunteers like her make our work possible.

If you’re inspired by Amy’s story and would like to get involved, we invite you to visit our Support page to learn how you can volunteer or contribute to our efforts to protect and restore Hoy and Scott Watersheds.

Thank you, Amy, for everything you do.

Announcing Our New Volunteer of the Month Program

Celebrating the people who keep our watershed thriving

Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do at the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society. From monitoring returning salmon to caring for our hatchery, maintaining trails, leading tours, and supporting community events — our work simply wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of people who give their time, energy, and passion to local stewardship.

To honour these contributions, we’re excited to launch a new Volunteer of the Month initiative. Each month, we’ll shine a spotlight on one outstanding member of our volunteer community, sharing their story and recognizing the meaningful impact they have on our watershed.

It’s our way of saying thank you — and of showing how individual actions can strengthen an entire ecosystem.

Matt came back from college in November for short visit to help with broodstock collection!

And now, we’re thrilled to introduce our very first recipient.

🌟 Volunteer of the Month: Matthew Watts

Matthew began volunteering with us in 2021 as a Grade 12 student eager to gain hands-on experience in fisheries. From the beginning, his curiosity and enthusiasm stood out. He quickly immersed himself in hatchery operations, learning about the salmon life cycle, improving his technical skills, and becoming a reliable member of our team.

When Matthew turned 18, he took his commitment even further by joining our Board of Directors, where he continues to contribute his insight, leadership, and enthusiasm for educating the next generation of salmon stewards.

His passion for stewardship didn’t stop at the creek. Inspired by his time at Hoy, Matthew pursued post-secondary studies in the Fish and Wildlife Program at Selkirk College, further expanding his knowledge and field experience. That dedication helped him secure a summer position with Fisheries and Oceans Canada in the North Fraser Region — a milestone he still speaks about with pride.

Matthew’s journey shows how volunteering can open doors, build skills, and inspire lifelong stewardship. We are incredibly grateful for everything he brings to our watershed community.

Follow Along & Stay Connected

We’ll be highlighting a new volunteer each month — and you won’t want to miss these inspiring stories.

Follow us on social media and stay connected with everything happening at Hoy Creek.

Thank you, Matthew, and thank you to all our volunteers who protect and care for the Hoy/Scott watershed. Together, we make a difference.

Matt home during the summer of 2025 and involved with invasive species removal on Hoy Trail.

Coho and Chum Broodstock Collection Complete

A beautiful Coho salmon specimen!

The Hoy/Scott Watershed Society is pleased to announce that our 2025 Chum and Coho broodstock collection at Hoy Creek Hatchery is now complete! This annual effort is a key part of sustaining healthy salmon populations in our local watershed, and we couldn’t have done it without the dedication and teamwork of our volunteers.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out to learn, help, and support the process—whether in the creek, in the hatchery, or behind the scenes. We also extend our appreciation to our DFO Community Advisor, Eric, for his continued guidance and expertise.

A Chum salmon held up by HSWS director, Matt Watts after other volunteers assisted in broodstock capture using a net in Hoy Creek.

2025 Broodstock Summary

Chum

  • 17 pairs spawned

  • Estimated green egg total: 42,578

  • All trays have now been shocked, marking an important milestone in the early development phase.

Coho

  • 8 pairs spawned

  • Estimated green egg total: 18,381

These numbers reflect a successful season and the hard work of everyone involved in broodstock collection and spawning.

Hatchery manager, Tyler Storgaard with Coho eggs in a heath tray, ready for incubation.

Hatchery Leadership & Daily Operations

Hoy Creek Hatchery continues to operate under the leadership of hatchery manager, Tyler Storgaard, and assistant hatchery manager, Anne Woosnam, who guide our volunteers through each step of this important work.

A big thank you goes out to our daily feeders, who—on top of their regular feeding duties—are now:

  • Minding filters

  • Monitoring water temperature

  • Recording Accumulated Thermal Units (ATUs)

These tasks are essential for tracking egg development and ensuring optimal conditions in the hatchery.

Salmon season may be winding down in the creek, but inside Hoy Creek Hatchery, salmon are hard at work—and so are we.

Thank you to everyone helping us protect and restore our local watershed. Stay tuned for updates as our eggs develop and hatch in the months ahead!

Chum salmon hanging in Hoy Creek Hatchery ready for egg and milt take.

Tyler and Amy performing an egg take at Hoy Creek Hatchery.

Buckets of salmon eggs ready for incubation!

Niall Williams Thanked for Years of Stewardship at Hoy Creek

Dennis Marsden, City Councillor; Rodney Lee, former HSWS hatchery manager; Niall Williams, tributee and former HSWS member and hatchery manager; and Kyle Uno, HSWS President.

At this year’s Salmon Come Home event on October 26, the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society had the pleasure of recognizing one of our earliest and most dedicated members, Niall Williams.

Former hatchery manager Rodney Lee joined us to present Niall Williams with a Certificate of Appreciation for his many years of commitment and leadership at the Hoy Creek Hatchery. Joining in the presentation were Kyle Uno, President of the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society, City of Coquitlam Councillor Dennis Marsden, and several of our newest volunteers, who listened with great respect as Rodney shared stories of Niall’s lasting influence.

Rodney reflected on Niall’s deep roots within the Society and the stewardship community:

“I started with the Society back in 2008. To me, Niall was synonymous with all things hatchery. He was the hatchery manager and dealt with all aspects of running the hatchery and coordinating with Maurice and Scott from DFO. He had wonderful knowledge of the history of the area as well as the value of the various locations in the Tri-Cities. For the longest time, I couldn’t figure out if he was a naturalist who raised salmon, or a salmon hatchery guy who was a naturalist. I’ve come to understand his love for nature as well as the love for the community that he lives within.”

“To those who don’t know him well, Niall might appear very quiet and reserved. For those of us who had his friendship, we got to know a very thoughtful, intelligent, generous, and kind man. I’m thankful for the gifts of knowledge he shared — from conducting invertebrate salvage prior to pond cleanouts, to managing the fish fence, weirs, and water levels. There was nothing better than working side by side, getting our hands dirty, and working with fish!”

Niall Williams in Hoy Creek during Salmon Come Home back in the early days. (HSWS Fonds)

Rodney also emphasized the foundational role that both Niall and Linda Gorsline played in keeping the Society active during its earlier years.

“During my early years with the Society, it was Linda who managed the affairs of the organization, and Niall who had the technical knowledge to make the hatchery run. To me, through that time period, if not for Niall and Linda, there would not have been a Society and hatchery for us to enjoy today.”

Members of the local stewardship community — including Dave Bennie (Noons Creek Hatchery), Ruth Foster (Mossom Creek Hatchery), and Elaine Golds (Burke Mountain Naturalists) — have also expressed their shared recognition of Niall’s tremendous contributions to watershed and habitat stewardship across the Tri-Cities.

We are deeply grateful for Niall’s many years of dedication, mentorship, and passion for salmon and nature. Thank you, Niall, for everything you’ve done to support the health of Hoy Creek and inspire future stewards!

At Salmon Come Home 2025 | Rodney Lee (HSWS), Niall Williams (HSWS Honouree), and Dave Bennie (Noon’s Creek Hatchery)

Hoy-Scott Watershed Society Announces 2025 Board of Directors

President Kyle Uno (right) delivers a Year in Review at AGM on Sept. 24. The meeting was hybrid for society members.

The Hoy-Scott Watershed Society held an annual general meeting on Sept. 24, 2025, at the Coquitlam library and voted in the following president, treasurer and directors:

  • President – Kyle Uno (second term)

  • Treasurer – Sandra Uno (second term)

  • Director - Anne Woosnam (past secretary, assistant hatchery manager)

  • Director - Kim Mayes (reappointment)

  • Director - Matthew Watts (reappointment)

The above mentioned join the existing board members:

  • Vice President – Tyler Storgaard (final year of second term, and hatchery manager)

  • Secretary – Robbin Whachell (final year of first term, past director, past president)

The AGM highlighted a Year in Review for the society which highlighted:

  • 20K chum fry/smolts; 17K coho fry

  • Salmon in the Classroom releases

  • Habitat restoration project on Hoy Creek 

  • Public education and awareness: Festivals and Tours

  • Instream water quality monitoring

  • Invasive species removal: Touch-me-knot, Policeman’s Helmet 

  • Spawner survey data

  • Challenges: Break-ins, poaching 

  • New charity status

A Year in Review at our AGM on Sept. 24 at the Poirier Branch of the Coquitlam Library.

Through stewardship, community outreach, education and advocacy, we are dedicated to protecting the Hoy/Scott Watershed.

Hoy-Scott Watershed Society, (HSWS) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run environmental stewardship group, that conducts a year-round salmon enhancement program in partnership with the City of Coquitlam, and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Treasurer, Sandra Uno delivers the Financial Overview. In 2025 the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society became a Canadian Registered Charity: 863285847RR0001




Watershed Education in Coquitlam’s City Centre

Team-building and getting FISHY with Douglas College staff as they stopped in to learn about our work during a nature walk in Hoy Creek Linear Park. Robbin from HSWS led two group stop ins.

This year, the Hoy/Scott Watershed Society was thrilled to welcome local schools, Douglas College staff, and members of the City of Coquitlam Youth Council for watershed-focused tours at our hatchery. Guided with passion and insight by our volunteers Robbin Whachell and Anne Woosnam, these visits offered a firsthand look at the life cycle of salmon and the vital role of healthy watersheds in the heart of Coquitlam City Centre.

Learning In Action

Participants learned how hatchery operations support salmon enhancement, and discovered how streams like Hoy and Scott Creeks — nestled in the urban core — are critical salmon-bearing waterways. The experience helped bridge classroom learning with environmental stewardship, deepening participants' connection to their urban natural environment.

Riverside Secondary Fishing 11 class stopped by to learn about the two main species seen in Hoy Creek – Chum and Coho! We also hosted Gleneagle’s fly-fishing club.

Engaging the Next Generation

Tours with Douglas College staff and students offered future environmental leaders a behind-the-scenes perspective on salmon habitat restoration. Meanwhile, the Coquitlam Youth Council members, accompanied by their City staff discussed key topics that affect the city and hopefully will help spread watershed education in our community.

Salmon in the Classroom

This was the first year that we can recall, that eggs were provided for the Salmon in the Classroom program from our streams. We were so excited to have students and teachers return to release the hum salmon fry into Hoy Creek after carefully taking care of the salmon for months through the egg to fry stages! Read more

Coquitlam City Youth Council brought great questions from the civic view point.

Why It Matters

Getting students and youth leaders out into the watershed — especially in a landscape shaped by urban development — brings awareness to the delicate balance between city life and salmon-bearing streams. These tours foster a sense of responsibility and respect for the natural systems that sustain salmon and, by extension, our local ecosystems.

Thank You, Robbin & Anne

A heartfelt thank-you to Robbin and Anne for leading these educational tours with expertise and warmth. Your passion inspires both young learners and community leaders.

11,953 Coho Clipped at Hoy Creek Hatchery

HSWS Photo

On June 19, a dedicated team of volunteers and partners came together at Hoy Creek Hatchery to carry out an important milestone in our salmon enhancement efforts — fin clipping. Beginning at 4:00 p.m., our crew worked carefully and efficiently to clip the adipose fins of 11,953 young coho salmon, now approximately three months old.

The adipose fin, a soft, fleshy fin located behind the dorsal fin and ahead of the tail (caudal fin), is clipped for several key reasons:

  • Stock assessment: Once these salmon return to spawn, the missing fin identifies them as hatchery-raised, aiding researchers and streamkeepers in tracking returns.

  • Selective fisheries: In some regions, marked fish may be legally retained, supporting more sustainable fishing practices.

  • Population tracking: Clipping allows for a manual fish count, providing a more accurate tally than previous weight-based estimates.

This year’s activity was led by DFO community advisor Eric Kukulowicz, with hatchery manager Tyler Storgaard overseeing on site. Additional DFO support came from Grace (biologist) and Cathy (former CA).

We’re incredibly grateful to our Hoy/Scott Watershed Society volunteers who contributed: Anne, Jiameng, Amy, Thomas, Suzz, Carter, Jenn, Tyler, Rodney, Jeremy, Dylan, Katelyn, Adela, and Breanna. A special thanks to Anne, who took time to explain the process to curious passersby in the park, helping educate our community about the importance of this annual task.

The process involves gently anesthetizing the fish in small batches. Once sleepy, they’re transferred to a water-filled trough where volunteers use sterilized surgical scissors to clip the fin quickly — usually within a minute before the fish begin to wake. From there, the salmon are returned to recover in a flow-through trough and then back into the hatchery.

Soon, these coho will be moved from the Capilano trough room to the hatchery’s rearing pond, where they’ll continue to grow until they are released in spring of 2026. If all goes well, we could see this brood return to Hoy Creek in 2.5 to 3 years’ time.

A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this year's fin clipping a success. Your efforts support long-term salmon conservation and community-based stewardship.

Break-in at Hoy Creek Hatchery

Notice to Area Residents: Break-in at Hoy Creek Hatchery

We regret to inform the community that a break-in occurred at Hoy Creek Hatchery, discovered the morning of January 13th by one of our dedicated feeders. The incident has left us puzzled, as the items removed were primarily related to fisheries education or hatchery operations.

We kindly ask for your assistance in keeping an eye out for anything unusual. If you noticed anything suspicious or if you notice any discarded items or suspicious activity along the trails or around city center, please report it to the Coquitlam RCMP.

How to Help:

  • Report any findings to the Coquitlam RCMP non-emergency/information line at 604-945-1550.

  • Reference File No.: Coquitlam 25-977 when making your report.

Your vigilance is vital in helping us recover these materials and ensuring the safety and integrity of our hatchery operations. Thank you for your continued support.

— The Hoy/Scott Watershed Society

A Special Delivery!

In late May, we had an unexpected visitor at the Hoy Creek Hatchery—a Pacific lamprey (Lampetra tridentata)—and not in the usual way! It dropped straight out of the sky onto our lower pond wall. Turns out, a local crow had let it slip mid-flight, likely intending it as a future snack. We quickly stepped in to scoop up the lamprey, rescuing it before the crow could reclaim its lunch.

Curious and excited, we saw an opportunity to observe this mysterious creature up close. We set it up in an aquarium, complete with creek sand, pebbles, and a bubbler to ease it into a comfortable setting—a little more “home” than a bare glass box. With a bit of sympathy, we gave this peculiar, squirmy guest a name: Larry.

Imagine our surprise the next day when Larry began a curious shimmy and shake, revealing tiny white eggs! Our Larry was actually Larissa! With this discovery, Larissa earned her place in our records and, ultimately, in our specimen collection. Being an anadromous species like salmon, Lampetra tridentata die after spawning, so this incredible creature is now preserved with us.

Larissa, a distant relative of the shark, continues to amaze us even in her preserved form—a rare, close-up look at one of nature’s fascinating wonders.

NOTE: Should you attend one of our open houses, be sure to ask to see Larissa

“Click video and watch on full screen for best view of eggs coming from Larissa!”

Resident Gifts Salmon Return Painting

Local resident painter, Ollee stands next to the Hoy Creek Hatchery with the painted he gifted. (HSWS Photo)

On October 24th, a Coquitlam resident stopped by with a special gift. Artist, Ollee, presented hatchery manager, Tyler Storgaard with his painting called, “Come Home” featuring beautiful Coho salmon jumping up stream.

The Society wishes to thank Ollee for this thoughtful and generous gift!

“Go Home” is a special gift!

Stay Connected!

Canadian Registered Charity: 863285847RR0001