The Municipality of Port Hope would like to remind the community that, per the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), the fish sanctuary is in place from September 1 to October 14, from the south side of the Jocelyn Street Bridge to the CNR Bridge (the first rail line north of Lake Ontario). The sanctuary protects vulnerable fish during peak migration to their spawning grounds.
In their announcement made on August 30, the MNR also directed that from October 15 to December 31, the new extended fall season on the Ganaraska River provides additional fishing opportunities from the south side of the Jocelyn Street Bridge to the CNR Bridge. Anglers will have the opportunity to fish for species such as Atlantic Salmon, Brown Trout, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon and Rainbow Trout in this area.
The regulation change intended to protect fish during a sensitive period, while also allowing additional fishing opportunities during the extended fall season when density of fish is lower and fish are less vulnerable. The timing of the fish migration can vary from year to year based on several factors, including water temperature, weather conditions, and the overall health of the population of the fish.
Although the density of fish in the river will be significantly lower than earlier in the season, it is anticipated that there will still be opportunities for anglers to catch fish of varying species.
When angling resumes in the lower Ganaraska River on October 15, please remember that applicable rules remain in effect, a few are highlighted here:
Everyone who requires a recreational fishing licence must carry it while fishing and must produce it to a conservation officer upon request.
It is illegal to abandon fish or permit the flesh to spoil, if the fish is suitable for human consumption.
Anglers are responsible for knowing and abiding by the fishing rules. For more information, please refer to the Fishing Regulations Summary at //ontario.ca/fishingregulations
Dispose of fish waste properly using the fish cleaning station or take the fish waste home.
Don’t litter – Use designated garbage cans for any waste that is not fish waste.
Park only in designated areas.
While we endeavour to protect the river with combined enforcement efforts, we appreciate tips from the public. If you suspect unlawful behaviour, please report it to the following:
Port Hope By-Law Enforcement: 905-753-2230 or Report An Issue web form (By-law concerns like littering, garbage, night fishing, parking infractions)
Port Hope Police Service 905-885-8123 (criminal activity)
MNR 24-hour reporting line 1-877-TIPS-MNR (1-877-847-7667) (suspected natural resource violations e.g. illegal fishing)
The Municipality offers the Respect the River program, a volunteer initiative dedicated to keeping the Ganaraska River and its surrounding areas clean. By joining, you can help preserve this important natural resource and make a meaningful contribution to our community. Details are available at //porthope.ca/fishing.
The fall fish migration in the Ganaraska River is a natural, awe-inspiring phenomenon with significant socio-economic and cultural importance to the Port Hope community and beyond. Please look after and respect the river.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
