The Story Behind the Fish

If you've spotted one of Walkerton's colourful fish sculptures around town, you've discovered a piece of local history.

The Fish Art Walking Tour traces its roots back to 2002, when communities throughout the Saugeen River watershed came together to create a unique tourism attraction inspired by public art projects appearing across North America. The vision was simple: celebrate the region's connection to the Saugeen River and world-class fishing while encouraging visitors to explore local communities.

Artist Debbie Schenk designed the distinctive fish sculptures, which were fabricated by Freiburger Welding and prepared for artists by CSN Walkerton Collision. Local artists then transformed each fish into a one-of-a-kind work of art through a community design competition.

In 2012, many of the original sculptures were "called home" to Walkerton as part of a renewed focus on the community's growing reputation as a fly-fishing destination. Some original fish returned, while others remained in their home communities, leading to the creation of new sculptures and designs to add to Walkerton's collection.

Today, 12 fish sculptures can be found throughout Walkerton, each telling its own story through vibrant artwork created by local artists and graphic designers. The newest addition, the Community Fish, was installed in June 2026 and celebrates the people who make Walkerton such a vibrant community.

Together, the collection reflects our connection to the Saugeen River, our creative spirit, and the sense of community that continues to inspire the Fish Art Walking Tour more than twenty years later.