the MNR
A party of seven anglers paid a total of $1,170 in fines related to possessing an over-limit of walleye and skinning fish so they could not be easily identified.
Six Wisconsin residents were fined $175 each for taking an over-limit of fish while a Thunder Bay resident also was fined $120 for skinning fish so the species and number could not be readily identified or counted.
While on routine patrol on Oct. 9, the Ministry of Natural Resources’ canine unit uncovered a stash of walleye in coolers hidden behind a temporary camp set up on Hoof Lake in Thunder Bay District.
When contacted by a conservation officer, the group did not declare the hidden fillets.
The six non-residents possessed a total of 17 walleye—five over their collective limit.
The illegal fish were seized and forfeited to the Crown.
The ministry reminds the public that it is illegal to stockpile quantities of fish. An individual may not possess more fish than the possession limit of that species.
You are considered to possess fish if you are storing them at home, in freezers, on stringers, or at other locations, or eating them as part of a day’s meal.
As well, non-residents camping on Crown land in Fisheries Management Zone 6 are restricted to conservation limits.
For more information on fishing regulations, consult the 2008-09 Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary, which is available at ServiceOntario/Government Information Centres, from licence issuers, and at ontario.ca/fishing
To report a natural resource violation, call toll-free 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) any time or contact your local MNR office during regular business hours.
You also can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
