The most significant regulation change Ontario anglers can expect in 2021 will affect Lake Ontario bass fishing.
FMZ 20
In FMZ 20, the largemouth bass season will still open on the third Saturday in June and close on Dec. 31, but the opening of smallmouth bass will be pushed back to the first Saturday in July and close on Dec. 31.
This is to provide increased protection for nesting smallmouth, said Dan Taillon of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) Fisheries Section.
Both species will have a new catch-and-release-only open season from Jan. 1 to May 10 each year.
Other changes
While mostly administrative, these additional changes include:
- Removal of High Lake (FMZ 5) and addition of Raynar and McLeod Lakes (FMZ 7) to ‘additional fishing opportunities’ lists
- Clarification that the size-based regulation for lake trout does not apply to the additional fishing opportunities in FMZ 11
- Clarification of the descriptions of Dryberry Lake, Nipigon Bay, and Big Sound of Georgian Bay
- Extension of the ‘additional fishing opportunities’ on the Saugeen River.
Anglers reminded
Anglers are also reminded that the MNRF has been working with Fisheries and Oceans Canada to implement the outcomes of June 2019 consultations on the use of multiple lines for common carp and clarification of the rules associated with ‘chumming’.
The changes were not finalized when the new summary was printed. If approved, the MNRF will communicate changes via Ontario.ca and social media channels, officials stated.
Can someone please tell me when walleye season ends this year in northern ontario. All information sites give opening date but none give closing date
Tom,
It depends on where you are (what Fisheries Management Zone you’re in). Here’s the 2021 Fishing Regulations Summary:
https://files.ontario.ca/books/mnrf-fishing-regulations-summary-2021-en-2020-12-10_0.pdf
You’ll find the Table of Contents on page 5 of the PDF.