Savanne River Sanctuary?

[Canucker 1]

With the warmer spring temperatures becoming more frequent in the past years and consequently lakes and rivers opening up before April 15th, are there any studies or plans in the work to make certain vulnerable lakes, and/or rivers off limits to open water fishing for spawning fish species prior to the 15th?

[Guest MNR]

The walleye spawn is influenced by several environmental factors that include water temperature, water flow and daylight length. A water temperature of approximately 7 º C is needed for walleye to begin spawning. The Fisheries Management Zone 6 walleye season closure (April 15^th – 3^rd Saturday in May) has usually been early enough and long enough to protect walleye when they are staging and spawning. Having an early ice-out has its advantages.

As an example, there were approximately 200 ice shacks on Lac Des Milles Lacs this winter with ice fishing being essentially over on March 18^th because of deteriorating ice conditions. The fishing pressure that we’re not seeing now because of the poor ice conditions may be moved to the period just prior to April 15^th when people can get their boats into open water. However, the overall difference in fishing pressure and harvest will likely be negligible.

MNR can vary season dates by zone or by areas within a zone but the process typically takes 6-8 months and must be communicated to the public, usually through the annual Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary.

MNR has several water temperature monitoring stations throughout the district that track long term climate trends. This information could be used to make decisions about future changes to closed seasons to better protect spawning fish.