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Fishing rules are changing on Lake Nipissing.

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Anglers can expect to find a number of changes in the Ontario Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary 2022.

The Northern Ministry of Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry said it was taking action to protect the province’s lakes, rivers and fisheries from the threat of invasive species and fish diseases, while increasing trade certainty for the commercial bait industry in 2022.

According to the ministry, some of these changes will help ensure the sustainability of fishery resources, while others will provide more fishing opportunities for fishermen.

The changes will impact northern pike, bass, walleye and muskellunge.

For Lake Nipissing, there are changes for several species of fish, as well as the incorporation of the Lavase River in the description of Lake Nipissing so that the species-specific seasons for Lake Nipissing also apply in the Lavase River. , depending on the province.

The rule change for walleye concerns the size of the slot.

For those who have purchased a sports license, anglers can catch two walleye and one for those with a conservation license. Goalies should be between 40 and 45 centimeters.

The ministry says the changes will increase walleye biomass to a healthy level, protect young fish so they can mature and reproduce, and begin protecting mature walleye to rebuild a healthy age structure.

The rule changes for northern pike will mean that those with a sport license can keep four and two for those with a conservation license, so no more than one can exceed 61cm and none exceed 86cm.

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The ministry says rule changes will reduce mortality rates to meet fisheries management goals, protect mature Lake Nipissing northern pike and provide angling opportunities while managing a robust fishery.

Some of the rules for small and largemouth bass include a legal limit of six for sport license holders and two largemouth and two smallmouth for conservation license holders.

The season opens from January 1 to March 15 and from the third Saturday in May to November 30.

The ministry says the changes support high-quality recreational and tourist fishing, diversified fishing opportunities on the lake, provide angling opportunities while maintaining sustainable populations, and align the opening date of the fishing season. Lake Nipissing bass along with the rest of the fishing area.

The change to the minimum size limit for muskellunge on Lake Nipissing is one for sport permit holders and none for conservation permit holders. Goalies must be over 137 cm in length.

Changes are also being made to baitfish and leeches.

The ministry said after extensive consultation it released Ontario’s Sustainable Bait Management Strategy in July 2020, which outlines the new approach to managing baitfish and leeches to reduce the associated ecological risks. the use and movement of bait in Ontario.

The changes come into effect on Saturday and include the creation of four bait management zones (BMZs) to limit the movement of baitfish and leeches in Ontario, baitfish or leeches, live or dead, cannot be transported or moved to or out of a BMZ with some limited exceptions (eg may be transported in the Great Lakes or the Ottawa River).

Anglers who fish outside their original bait management area should purchase baitfish and leeches from the BMZ in which they will be using them, keep a legible receipt which can be produced immediately upon request. ‘preservative, and use or discard their bait within two weeks of purchase, and anglers can share their bait as long as they are fishing together and can immediately issue a receipt (if needed).

Harvesting of baitfish and leeches by anglers can only take place in their bait management area.