Fall Salmon Migration

2018 Fall Salmon Migration Coming to a River Near You

The month of September symbolizes the annual fall migration of salmon up some of Ontario’s rivers.  Each year thousands of anglers descend on these water bodies in search of these magnificent fish.  The Ontario Conservation Officers Association (OCOA) wants to wish all Ontario anglers a safe and successful fall angling season.

“Each angler is responsible for knowing where they are and aren’t allowed to fish,” says OCOA President Sean Cronsberry, a Conservation Officer and canine handler based out of Guelph, “Conservation Officers will investigate reports of anglers trespassing for the purpose of fishing.  All anglers must get permission from the land owner before entering or crossing private property to fish.”

The OCOA would also like to remind anglers who will be fishing this fall:

  • Don’t litter, properly dispose of any garbage and unwanted items.
  • It is illegal to attempt to pierce or hook a fish in any part of the body other than the mouth. Fish hooked anywhere other than in the mouth must be immediately released.
  • Catch and possession limits are in place to protect our fish populations and ensure there will be fish for future generations.
  • It is illegal to sell angler caught fish or any part of the fish, including roe.

Anyone with information about a natural resources or public safety related offence is encouraged to call the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry violation reporting line at 1-877-847-7667, contact their local Conservation Officer directly, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

For more information about natural resources regulations and enforcement, please visit the OCOA website at http://www.ocoa.ca or contact your local Conservation Officer.