Aquatic Habitats

The aquatic features of the Lake Simcoe watershed range from the open waters of the lake itself to large riverine marshes and small headwater tributaries. This diversity of features creates a wide range of habitats for an equally diverse range of species, including fish, herpetiles, mammals, birds and insects.

The numerous watercourses that ultimately drain into Lake Simcoe have a great deal of variability. Some watercourses are well vegetated and relatively undisturbed. These streams, especially those near headwaters, may provide cold water fish habitat, suitable for sensitive cold water fish species. However, many watercourses traverse farm fields or urban areas and have very little vegetation cover. This, in addition to other water slowing features, such as on-line ponds, cause the water to warm during the summer months, restricting the suitability for cold water species. Therefore, the stream becomes suitable for only the more commonly occurring warm water species. Maintaining vegetation along watercourses, particularly in the remaining cold water streams, is imperative in preserving habitat for cold water fish species.