A major enforcement blitz aimed at protecting lake trout across northeastern Ontario found the majority of anglers abiding by the rules.
The blitz took place in Sault Ste. Marie, Kirkland Lake, Timmins, North Bay and Sudbury districts March 3 to March 15.
Conservation officers checked more than 1,250 anglers, uncovering 59 violations relating to fishing, and laid 36 charges, the most common of which was failing to have or carry an angling licence.
It is an offence for anglers to fish without having their licences with them, and to fail to produce their licences to conservation officers upon request.
Anglers may be charged if they leave their licences at home or in their vehicles. Conservation officers are not required to verify whether a forgotten licence is valid. Anglers should always check to ensure that they have their fishing licences with them.
Another easily preventable offence was angling with more than the allowable amount of lines. Two lines are generally permitted for ice fishing, except in some water bodies specified in the 2005-2006 Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary.
Officers also found an additional 48 violations that did not involve fishing, including offences involving motorized snow vehicles. Anglers should remember that to operate their motorized snow vehicle or all-terrain vehicle in areas other than their own personal property requires a permit, insurance and helmet.
For information on fishing regulations, anglers should check the 2005-2006 Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary available at ServiceOntario/Government Information Centres, or on the ministry's website at ontario/ca/pubs/pubmenu.html.
To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) 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).
