With fishing season upon us, the MNR reminds anglers that there are some places you’re not allowed to fish. The Ministry of Natural Resources wants anglers to respect fish sanctuaries and reminds them that fishing is prohibited in sanctuaries for all species of fish including smelt. Some bodies of water, or parts of them, are declared fish sanctuaries for all or part of the year to ensure the protection of certain fish species, either year-round or at their most vulnerable time, such as when spawning or protecting their nests. There are plenty of sanctuaries around the Parry Sound District including:
Blackstone Lake and Creek – Conger Township April 1 – midnight May 16, 2014
Magnetawan Village – May 1 – June 15, 2014
Miskokway, Trout and Wahwashkesh Lakes – January 1 – midnight May 16 and December 1 – December 31, 2014
Blackstone River & Harbour – April 1 – midnight May 16, 2014
Moon River – Freeman Township Lots 33, 34, 35, 36 Concessions VIII, IX, X
Seguin River – Town of Parry Sound – April 1 – midnight May 16, 2014
Shawanaga River west of CPR tracks – April 1 – midnight May 16, 2014
Sucker Creek – Point au Baril – April 1 – midnight May 16, 2014
For more information on fishing regulations, including sanctuaries, please consult the 2014 Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary before heading out to fish. The summary is available at ServiceOntario/Government Information Centres, licence issuers and on the ministry’s website at ontario.ca/fishing. To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your local ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).