Fishing regulation changes for Lake Nipissing

Ministry of Natural Resources
News Release

********************

The Minister of Natural Resources has approved adjustments to Lake Nipissing fishing regulations to provide better service and fishing opportunities. These approved fishing regulation changes for Lake Nipissing will take effect January 1, 2007 and will include:

- Extension of the winter season from March 7th to March 15th (all species);

- Maintain Oct. 15th closure for walleye and perch;

- Extension of the fall season for all species other than walleye and perch (includes muskellunge, pike, bass, whitefish) to November 30th;

- Northern Pike “maintain catch limit for sport fishing licence (4) with only 2 fish being greater than 61cm (24”), of which only 1 can be greater than 86cm (34”) in length; maintain catch limit for conservation fishing licence (2) with only 1 fish being greater than 61cm and 0 fish greater than 86cm in length;

- Whitefish, new catch limit of 12 fish for sport fishing licence, 6 fish for conservation fishing licence;

- Addition of the waters of the West Arm (previously Division 15) to the rest of Lake Nipissing (Division 27). Specifically, the West Arm incorporates all navigable waters of Lake Nipissing falling west of the centre line of Highway 64 including Cross Lake;

- Anglers fishing in the West Arm will now adhere to Lake Nipissing based seasons and catch limits.

The new fishing regulation changes to Lake Nipissing will ensure the sustainability of the resident fish populations. These changes will also create a consistent set of fishing regulations for the entire lake and will facilitate their interpretation by anglers.

Anglers fishing any other lake other then Lake Nipissing and Lake Erie should continue to use the 2005-2006 Fishing Regulations Summary until further notice.

********************