Effective January 1, 2022, there are new requirements for anglers regarding the movement and personal harvest of baitfish and leeches in Ontario.
Conservation officers were on Malachi Lake Friday evening confiscating leeches and live and dead minnows purchased in Manitoba.
It is illegal to bring any crayfish, salamanders, live fish or leeches into Ontario for use as bait. New rules on transport of baitfish or leeches also make it illegal to bring baitfish or leeches, whether live or dead, into our local Bait Management Zone. Persons coming into Ontario from Manitoba must ensure they are not bringing these commodities with them.
In addition, if you are from Manitoba and purchase baitfish or leeches in Ontario you must have the purchase receipt to prove where the bait came from.
If you plan to fish, please make sure you are up to date on the new rules.