The province is introducing new rules for baitfish and leeches when fishing.
Starting on January 1st, the province will be divided into four Bait Management Zones (BMZ), and any anglers traveling to another zone must purchase their bait from that zone.
Baitfish and leeches can only be moved within the BMZ where it was harvested or purchased, with some exceptions.
In addition, Anglers fishing in their home BMZ should be prepared to show government-issued identification to demonstrate place of residents.
Anglers will also now be expected to keep a legible receipt after they have purchased baitfish or leeches, in order to show to a conservation officer when prompted to do so.
The province says the change follows “years of research, data collection and consultation with anglers across the province”, and says the move is to try and stop the spread of invasive species and fish diseases, including viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS).
All of Midwestern Ontario will be included in the BMZ called “Southern”, a region which runs along Lake Ontario up to Southeast of Ottawa.
