Fishing notices and updates

New bass rules for Fisheries Management Zone 20

We have established new seasons for largemouth and smallmouth bass in FMZ 20. This will ensure the high-quality smallmouth bass fishery is sustainable, while providing more angling opportunities.

New bass season dates for FMZ 20

In FMZ 20, largemouth and smallmouth bass generally choose different spawning habitats. These spawning habitats warm up at different times in the spring, which results in different spawning periods for the two species.

To protect smallmouth bass during their later spawning period, we have implemented new season dates.

We also introduced a new catch-and-release season for largemouth and smallmouth bass to provide more angling opportunities for both bass species before the regular season opens.

Early season catch and release

• largemouth and smallmouth bass are open from January 1 to May 10
• catch and possession limits of 0 (S-0 and C-0) apply for both species

Regular season

• largemouth bass is open from the third Saturday in June to December 31
• smallmouth bass is open from the first Saturday in July to December 31
• aggregate catch and possession limits (S-6 and C-2) for both species apply

Other rules for bass fishing

It is illegal to try to catch bass if the season is closed, even if you are going to release them.

To promote sustainable fishing practices and avoid accidentally catching smallmouth bass in the two-week closed season when largemouth bass has opened, you must:

• be able to distinguish between largemouth and smallmouth bass
• immediately release smallmouth bass that are caught, including fish that may be injured or dead. If the fish is alive, release it in a way that causes the least amount of harm to the fish
• change your approach, such as changing the area being fished or the bait you are using, if you are catching smallmouth bass

Know your bass

Largemouth and smallmouth bass are similar but you can tell them apart by looking for these features.

Largemouth bass

• jaw extends past eye
• deep notch in dorsal fin
• horizontal band

Smallmouth bass

• jaw ends at eye
• shallow notch in dorsal fin
• vertical bands

Multiple lines for common carp

New regulations for FMZ 12 to 20

Anglers in Fisheries Management Zones 12 to 20 may now use up to three lines while targeting common carp.

To use more than one line, you must meet all of the following conditions:

• use baits that are plant-based or artificial corn
• when fishing from shore, each line you use must be no further than 2 metres (6 feet) away from another line you are using
• when fishing from a vessel (such as a boat), all lines must be on board the vessel with you

The conditions above lower your risk of catching non-target species and reduce crowding at popular shore fishing locations.

The following are not allowed when fishing with multiple lines for common carp:

• baits like worms, leeches or baitfish
• artificial lures including soft plastic lures

Plant-based bait

Plant-based bait means baits made from one of the following:

• entirely from plants (for example, corn)
• primarily from plants (for example, boilies and doughballs) and cannot:
  • contain visible pieces of fish or animal parts
  • be fish or animal flavoured
  • include poultry eggs, except if they are used to bind ingredients together

Read Ontario Fishery Regulations, 2007 for more information on the new regulations.

Chumming in Ontario

Clarifying the rules on chumming and bait bucket dumping

Chumming, which means baiting an area to attract fish, is a practice used by common carp anglers. Anglers targeting other species of fish may also want to use this technique.

We made changes to regulations associated with bait bucket dumping to:

• clarify that chumming using certain materials is low-risk and is allowed
• continue to make it illegal to deposit or release other higher-risk items

Preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species and disease remains a high priority.

These rule clarifications apply to all Fisheries Management Zones across Ontario:

1. It is illegal to (or attempt to) deposit or release into, or within 30 metres of, any waters:
   • live or dead bait or baitfish, including fish eggs, gametes or fish parts
   • the water, soil or other materials used to hold any of these items
2. Chumming is allowed for common carp and for attracting other fish species, but only with plant-based baits. Plant-based means baits made:
   • entirely from plants (for example corn)
   • primarily from plants (for example boilies, doughballs), and cannot:
     • contain visible pieces of fish or animal parts
     • be fish or animal flavoured
     • include poultry eggs except if they are used to bind ingredients together

Read Ontario Fishery Regulations, 2007 for more information on the new regulations.