CAWG PEI

08/05/2026

🐍 Did you know that Smooth Greensnakes turn blue after they die?

Smooth Greensnakes are known for their bright green colour. Some adult Smooth Greensnakes will turn turquoise - blue after death because the yellow pigment in their skin gradually fades, leaving behind the underlying blue structural colour.

Reminder: We are currently looking for deceased Smooth Greensnakes (such as roadkill or snakes killed by lawn mowers) to support a genetic study, which will provide valuable information that helps us better understand populations and the conservation needs of this species on PEI.

If you find a dead Smooth Greensnake:
✅ Place it in a plastic bag
✅ Store it in your freezer
✅ Contact us to arrange collection

📞 To report a sighting or arrange a collection:
Contact Julie-Lynn Zahavich
📧 [email protected]
📱 902-368-6450

Every observation and specimen can help us learn more about PEI's rarest reptile, the Smooth Greensnake! 🐍

(A few photo examples to demonstrate how Smooth Greensnake colouration can change after death. Photos by iNaturalist users (top left going clockwise): st0ne2006, remidonelle, djewell11, and hhaughn)

07/29/2026

07/27/2026

Congratulations to the winners of our 3rd annual Striped Bass Fishing Derby!

Despite a great turnout, calm waters made for a slow night with only 9 catches submitted. As no catches were submitted in the Teen division the winner was determined by draw. Congratulations to Griffin Buckle for taking home the Teen prize package!

Despite few catches all around, Darius Wells took the top spot in the Adult division for the 3rd year in a row with a record 74cm catch😮! Darius chose to claim only the surf rod and bass fly collection from the Adult prize package, which he gifted to fellow angler and friend, Jake Mitchell. He then requested that the remaining items be distributed among the teens who participated! Over the course of this week we will be drawing names from among the remaining participants in the teen category, so stay tuned!

07/27/2026

☀️ Summer is in full swing, and the weather is beautiful and hot! 🔥

Long stretches of hot dry weather can be stressful for fish in Island streams.💧

🐟Brook trout, rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon are cold water fish who prefer water temperatures between 13 - 18C. When temperatures exceed 20C, they seek out springs or deep pools with spring seepage. It is not unusual to see hundreds of trout holding in these refuge areas. If trout are caught under these conditions, they can quickly become exhausted & die. Even fish that swim away after being released can later die.

Some PEI streams, such as the Morell River, can become excessively hot with temperatures exceeding 24C. 🔥Please avoid the warmest streams and seek out our many colder rivers. However, if you are fishing in warm streams, fish in early morning when temperatures are cooler, minimize handling of fish, and use single point, single hook lures or flies.

Better yet, set the rod down for a couple of weeks and head for the beach. Or take the opportunity to try fishing for salt water fish such as mackerel and striped bass.
Enjoy our amazing (short!) summer, and allow our fish to stay healthy, safe and stress-free.

(📷photo: Morell River Management Cooperative & Mooney's Pond Centre)

07/21/2026

Registration is open for CAWG's 3rd Annual Striped Bass Fishing Derby!

Those who participated in last year's event will be familiar with the free fishing tournament app, FishDonkey. For those who haven't used the app before, try it out now so when the derby starts all you'll need to think about is catching that monster fish!

Just scan the QR code to download the app, then click "Join a tournament." If the CAWG Striped Bass Derby isn't already listed in your app, use the search function to find us. Check out these helpful tips for smooth sailing!

07/20/2026

Have you been wondering what this year's derby prizes will be, the wait is over! Announcing the prize packages for CAWG's 3rd Annual Striped Bass Fishing Derby!

Adult prize package:
- Emery medium action surf rod
- Fierce Workwear waterproof safety boots
- 8 piece fisherman's tool kit
- dual rod holder
- bass fly collection
- 1/8oz jigs
- CAWG hat
- Cows ice-cream cupons

Teen prize package:
- heavy duty steel rod holder
- minnow net
- "Life is Better Live Streaming" decorative sign
- 1/16oz jigs
- Canadian Tire hat
- Cows ice-cream coupons

Visit the event page for more details!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1360074559406345

07/20/2026

Meet Ryder! Ryder is a Junior Watershed Conservation Technician on the CAWG field crew. He's a high-school student who loves to fish and ride dirtbikes. Ryder’s favourite species is the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). This season, he is most excited for electrofishing! Welcome to the team, Ryder!

07/18/2026

With less than a week left until CAWG's 3rd annual Striped Bass Fishing Derby, we present our final Sponsor Spotlight!

Going Fishing is Charlottetown's go-to fishing and hunting supply store. Since we first launched our striped bass derby, they've supported the event with yearly prize donations, and we couldn't be more grateful. This year Going Fishing has donated an Emery Wild Water 8ft medium action surf rod! Visit the store at 161 Saint Peter's Rd for quality fishing gear and more!
CAWG Striped Bass Fishing Derby 2026