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Following several months of public input and proposed catch limits, Ontario’s walleye regulation changes are now in writing.
The highly sought-after walleye is the preferred fish of Ontario anglers, accounting for 25% of the province’s catch.
According to provincial statistics, more than 25 million walleye were caught in 2000, with an estimated 6.5 million fish kept by anglers.
The interim walleye changes for 2007 were developed following extensive consultation with anglers and stakeholder groups over the past year.
The consultations confirmed the need to protect and rebuild walleye populations throughout Southern and Eastern Ontario.
To facilitate public input on walleye regulations, the ministry will be establishing Fisheries Management Councils for each of the new Fisheries Management Zones.
They will work with each council to examine walleye management for that zone and will undertake a comprehensive review of walleye management.
The old marble-eyes are about to be treated like the kings they are.
WALLEYE TIMES THEY ARE A CHANGING: An interim catch limit of four walleye will come into effect in 2007 and will apply to most inland fisheries management zones in Southern Ontario. For the Ottawa River and Lake Timiskaming, however, the limit will be five walleye for a sport fishing licence and two for a conservation licence, with a maximum size limit of 40 cm (15.7 inches) from March 1-June 15. The walleye season will also open one week later next May. This will bring Ontario’s Ottawa River regulations in line with those on the Quebec side. For more details, click here.