Spencer Creek watershed (SCW) supports a very diverse coldwater fish community, with Lower Spencer Creek providing critical spawning for rainbow trout and Chinook salmon populations that migrate from Hamilton Harbour through Cootes Paradise. Other fish species that live and/or spawn in SCW include: brook trout, rainbow darter, northern pike and river chub. In total, 34 species of fish have been identified living in Spencer Creek, making it the most diverse watershed of Hamilton Harbour.

Although this system supports a coldwater fishery, there is limited available habitat in part due to man-made barriers. To visit one of Spencer Creek’s most pristine cold water systems, explore Fletcher Creek Preserve. The preserve represents the headwaters of Spencer Creek and the beginning of its journey to Hamilton Harbour and Lake Ontario.