Port Severn Fish Sanctuary?

Just joined the forum and was hoping that someone could clarify on where the fish sanctuary by Port Severn (Georgian Bay) is? According to 2010 MNR fishing regulations "Tug Channel and unnamed Channel - between Little Lake and Georgian Bay - Tay and Georgian Bay Twps." is a fish sanctuary from April 1 - 3rd Saturday in May. I'm going out on Saturday May 1st for opening day of Walleye/Pike on Georgian Bay and want to ensure that I'm not fishing in this fish sanctuary. I've called the MNR(dickheads) twice and they couldn't give me a definitive answer. I was told that they would have the local conversation officer call me, but I'm still waiting to hear from him.

Looking at an old nautical chart, it appears that Tug Channel starts at the base of the lock into Georgian Bay, but where does it end? I'm not sure if it ends at the bridge (Hwy 400) or if it continues to Picnic Rock or Murray Island. Does anyone have a definitive answer on this?

Thanks,

Karl

I think it does end at the 400 bridge. But to be sure, ask a local. I've stayed at Musky's Landing, right in Port Severn by the 400 bridge, very nice operators. Give them a call at 1-888-812-2299 or email them at [email protected]; they'll give you a definative answer.

Welcome aboard and good luck!

We're actually staying at Muskey's Landing for the weekend. The local conservation officer did call me today and he gave me the definitive answer - in case anyone needs to know for future reference.

The fish sanctuary runs from the base of the lock (into Georgian Bay) and ends half way under the bridge (400). He said that if you're standing on the dock at Muskey's Landing and look out straight ahead, all the water is fair game. The CO was friendly and said that at 12:01 a.m. tomorrow night that Pike/Walleye is open, and "good luck!".

Karl

Right on Karl, great place!

Good time of year to be going! Many of the walters will be finishing up the spawn and heading back out into the bay usining this "highway". The first channel you speak of, right by the bridge, has heavy current and a good place to start. Actually, at Musky's there is a pic of a guy holding up a massive walleye from that same spot. You'll see guys fishing right under the bridge.

For pike, they'll be up shallow I figure. Follow the bouys out to Potato Island.

Slow presentations.

Word of advice "WATCH OUT FOR ROCKS". There are many, unmarked, boulders just under the surface. Great for fish, bad for hauls.

Thanks for the tips.

For Walleye, we're going to pick up some minnows and try slow jigging, maybe some live bait rigging with a very slow presentation as well. Probably throw a Husky Jerk or other crankbait out as well.

For Pike, going to try some shallow running crankbaits or spinners. I've also heard of people using dead suckers on a live bait rig for spring Pike with lots of success.

I'll post some pics of what we catch. Hopefully the rain holds off or at least is minor and we can get in 2 solid days of fishing.

The fishing was really slow. We only caught a handful of pike and not a single walleye. I was talking to a group of guys staying in the cottage next to us, who have been coming up to Muskey's for Pike/Walleye opener for a number of years and they had only caught one walleye on Saturday night, which was in the slot so it went back in the water.

We caught 2 of the Pike within 500 meters of the resort and the rest where caught out by Marshal Island.

Here's a couple of pics of the Pike.

Still sounds like fun. Thanks for reporting back Karl.