It was a beautiful Friday afternoon in Port Hope, with salmon making their annual journey up the Ganaraska River.
But for one group of people along the river, the afternoon quickly turned into a lesson about what happens when you don’t know — or don’t follow — the fishing regulations.
Today’s Northumberland was at Corbett’s Dam on Friday, September 4, 2026, watching salmon make their way upstream when, shortly after 5 p.m., a person appeared to be attempting to net fish just above the Jocelyn Street bridge.
The area is a fish sanctuary throughout the year.
In addition, seasonal regulations prohibit fishing along the Ganaraska River from Jocelyn Street to the railway bridges in Port Hope from September 1 through October 14.
A walk along the river shortly afterward revealed a group of four males sitting in the area with fishing rods and a large net.
When asked how many fish they had caught, the group said four. The fish were being kept in a container.
Today’s Northumberland informed the group that fishing in the area was prohibited during this period and that the sanctuary near Jocelyn Street is closed to fishing year-round.
One individual repeatedly said they weren’t aware of the regulations even though no one else was fishing amongst likely hundreds of fish in the water. He also stated he would put the four fish back in the water even though they were dead.
Two of the individuals subsequently left the area covering themselves with their hoodies, while the person who appeared to have been in the water remained behind picking up the chairs and fishing rods.
When the two individuals came out near Rotary Centennial Riverview Park, the container containing the fish had been left behind, abandoned.
The individual repeatedly stated that he was unaware of the fishing regulations and said the group was from Waterloo.
Ignorance of the law, however, does not make the regulations disappear.
A short time later, the individuals began running in an apparent attempt to catch up with the other two members of the group who had already left the area.
Police were contacted, but had not arrived by the time the individuals left.
The container of fish was also left behind.
The incident comes as salmon are making their annual migration up the Ganaraska River, drawing anglers, photographers and spectators to Port Hope.
With large numbers of salmon entering the river, authorities have established specific areas and dates where fishing is prohibited to protect the fishery.
For anyone heading to the river this fall, the message is simple: not knowing the regulations is not a defence.
The rules are in place — and it is the responsibility of anyone carrying a fishing rod or net to know them before stepping into the river.
(Note – at the age of 18-years-old is when you need a fishing license, but regardless you must obey the rules and not fish in a sanctuary)
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
