B.C. fish processors spewing potentially dangerous bloodwater into key salmon migration corridor.12/2/2017 Quite scary how the government is willing to risk such a key element of the ecosystem to fish farming! 
 by Steve Galea | February 21, 2017
Recurring issues of illegal or poor angling behaviour that include littering, alcohol in public places, and wastage of fish have caused the Municipality of Port Hope to consider implementing night fishing restrictions and a $40 Municipal Access Fishing Pass. The proposals apply to stretches of the Ganaraska River owned by the Municipality or the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority. These proposed resolutions will be presented to the Municipality of Port Hope Council on Feb. 21. The report recommends petitioning the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) to revise the Ontario Fishing Regulations to “prohibit night fishing on the Ganaraska River from August 15 to September 30, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., from the Robertson Street Bridge to the Jocelyn Street Bridge; And further, that By-law 45/2012, being a By-law to regulate, protect and govern the use of Parks, Recreation Areas and Park Facilities be amended to prohibit night fishing on the Ganaraska River from August 15 to September 30, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., on all Municipal properties from the Robertson Street Bridge to the Jocelyn Street Bridge…” Another proposed resolution calls for the creation of a Municipal Access Fishing Pass, for anglers between 18 and 65. It would permit fishing in municipal and Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority properties. The report containing the recommendations cites poor angler behaviour that includes “snagging, gaffing, and netting of fish, fishing in a sanctuary, harvesting roe, leaving remains to spoil, fishing without a valid license, and keeping more than the daily limits.” It also asserts that much of this behaviour occurs during the night. The report notes that the MNRF are not supportive of the Access Fishing Pass as it might restrict access to public fishing and set a precedent for other jurisdictions to follow suit. Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Fisheries Biologist Tom Brooke said, “We’re aware that there are issues with fishing at Port Hope and that something needs to be done, but we are hoping that the Municipality would consider options that don’t restrict access to the fishery.” Brooke says public parking fees in the area or the licensing of food vendors who would serve anglers are two possible solutions. These would help the municipality recoup costs (which are reported to be almost $20,000) incurred from running and maintaining their fish cleaning station and porta-potties along the river. Jim McCormack, Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture for the Municipality of Port Hope said, “We had to do something. We as a Municipality are incurring costs in order to deal with fishing issues. The numbers of anglers are overwhelming, especially on weekends in the fall, and with that comes an overwhelming number of issues.” McCormack says the Municipality has trained members of the Port Hope Police Services to enforce fisheries regulations and have also introduced a zero-tolerance policy for violations. He says this has helped, but it is costly. “All the tickets we write for fishing violations go to the province and we are not recovering costs, so these proposals address that and the other issues.” He says that should the proposals be approved by council, by-laws and processes will still have to be developed. “We want to make this a smooth transition.” Because of this, should the proposals be approved, McCormack believes the changes will not be in place until autumn 2017. The Ganaraska River is the most-fished tributary on the north shore of Lake Ontario. The Municipality is seeking public comment on the issue until February 26. To learn about the issue and comment visit http://www.porthope.ca/community-consultation/salmon-fishing-report. Although we won't be at the show this year promoting Nomad or OKFS, this is still the best fishing show in Canada to attend. Get out and support our local businesses and guides!  Maybe see you wondering around the show.
A cool Fall day in Dec '16. Fishing was a bit slow for the first half of the day but was able to round it out with three steelhead each from different year classes, which was great to see and very important for the fishery! Time for a new camera angle though, so stay tuned for the next videos. Unfortunately we occasionally get reminded of this topic due to an incident. Today's reminder is another example of just that.
2013 ICAST Best of Show winner with the release of the Predator 13, Old Town finally takes the NEXT step in kayak fishing evolution with the release of the Predator PDL. Following the success of the Predator 13 and MX, two of the best paddle fishing kayaks on the market, Old Town is on the cusp of kayak fishing supremacy with their boat line-up.
With several other companies moving into the pedal drive bracket, there will be numerous options available at a wide range of pricing. After many years of being stuck with the only game in town, kayak anglers now have a lot of options. Do your homework to be sure you get what is best for YOU.
At Nomad Adventures, our choice is simple... go with who makes the best of both worlds paddle & pedal: Old Town Kayaks! |
FISHING NEWS ONTARIOOntario and Great Lakes region salmon, steelhead, and migratory trout fishing articles, information, news, and reports. Stay up to date on our most recent trips, events, tournaments, and general news on adventure fishing and kayak fishing in Ontario and Canada. 
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