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Fishing |
| Your location: Rideau Region > Rideau Waterway Home > Fishing Information |
Prior to any fishing adventure you should pick up the full Ontario Sport Fishing Regulations summary. These can be obtained on-line by going to MNR's Fish Ontario website at: www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/LetsFish/index.html
| Species | Season |
|---|---|
| Bass* (Largemouth & Smallmouth) | 4th Saturday in June to November 30 |
| Walleye ( Pickerel) | Jan 1 to March 1 and 2nd Saturday in May to Dec. 31 |
| Northern Pike | Jan 1 to March 31 and 2nd Saturday in May to Dec. 31 |
| Lake Trout | 4th Saturday in May to Sept. 8 |
| Muskellunge | 1st Saturday in June to Dec. 15 |
| Perch, Crappie, Sunfish, Whitefish, Catfish | open all year |
| Species | Catch & Possession Limits* |
|---|---|
| Bass (Largemouth & Smallmouth) | Six (6) per day |
| Northern Pike | Six (6) per day |
| Walleye | Four (4) per day (not more than 1 greater than 46 cm (18.1 in). |
| Lake Trout | Two (2) per day |
| Crappie | Thirty (30) per day |
| Whitefish | Twelve (12) per day |
| Catfish | Twelve (12) per day |
| Muskellunge | One (1) per day (min size = 91cm /36 in.) |
| Perch & Sunfish | Fifty (50) per day |
Bass are particularly succeptible to pre-season fishing which can cause significant damage to fish stocks (catch and release is as bad as catch and keep). To find out why and what you can do have a look at the Bass Out of Season Brochure an Adobe PDF document that you can view, save and/or print. The Sport of FishingUse barbless hooks - A skilled fisherman can catch as many fish on barbless hooks as he can on barbed hooks. It makes fishing more fun because you have to pay a bit more attention to line tension and the way you bring in the fish. It puts more sport into fishing. It is particularly critical to use barbless hooks if you plan to catch and release. The fish stand a much greater chance of survival. You can create your own barbless hooks in a few minutes using a file on your existing hooks. Be kind to the fish and go barbless. Use non-lead weights and jigs - lead fishing gear has a detrimental impact on waterfowl such as ducks, geese, swans and loons. Some birds will pick up lead weights and jigs from the bottom as they scoop up pebbles to help grind their food. Others, such a loons, can swallow lead when they eat fish with lead sinkers or jigs attached. When you dispose of your old gear, do it onshore, in a proper disposal area (garbage, local hazardous waste disposal area). When you buy new sinkers and jigs, make sure they are made out of non-toxic materials such as tin, bismuth, steel, or special putty. If your tackle shop doesn't have any, ask that they get some in. Helpful Tips on Releasing FishBe quick: the shorter the time the fish is played, dehooked and released, the better its chances of survival. Be kind: a fish out of water begins to suffocate and can injure itself while thrashing around. Even a few inches of water under a fish can reduce injury. A net can be used to keep the fish in the water. Remove the hook as rapidly as possible, preferably with long-nosed pliers. Don't tear the hook out. If a hook is deeply caught in the fish, and you must release it, cut the line and leave the hook in. Be sensible: using barbless hooks and avoiding live or organic bait increases the chance of releasing your catch unharmed. Don't release bleeding fish or fish that are deeply hooked if they are within your legal limit. Their chances of survival are low. Fish may lose consciousness and float on their side when returned to the water. By holding them upright, in a swimming position, and moving them slowly forward so water runs through the gills, fish get artificial respiration. Release fish when they begin to struggle. It may take a few minutes. Be humane: fish are living creatures, respect them before and after they are caught. Proper care of released fish will greatly improve survival and help maintain a healthy fishery. It will also identify you as an angler who understands fish conservation. |
Those interested in Rideau fishing will be interested in two books, published by Friends of the Rideau in 2004 and 2007, all about the fascinating history of fishing guides on the Rideau. The first, Pathfinders, The Guides of The Rideau, published in 2004 is all about the history of guiding on the Rideau (plus fishing tips and recipes). The second, Fish Tales, The Lure and the Lore of the Rideau, published in 2007, is filled with great fishing stories (as told by the guides) set in various Rideau Communities. You'll find both available for sale on the Friends of the Rideau website. |
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Comments: send me email: Ken Watson