Storm Pond Fishing

Hey Everyone!

I just recently found a really nice storm pond near my house. I am 99% sure there are fish there so I wanted to know a couple things!

First of all there is a sign that says "not for public recreation" so I'm guessing It's not meant to be fished. But if I fished there I would be breaking rules and I don't wanna break city rules; I wanna be legit 'bout it. So do any of you have any way I could get in or get permission?

Thanks!! :mrgreen:

-Try-Hard Fisherman

Umm not sure where you live but you can go to the city hall and find out who owns it. Further to that you can see if that sign is erected by them and if so get clarification too.

It's probably a town or city storm water management pond. Lots of newer developments (last 25 years) have them. Some of them hold fish. Most of them have 'no everything' signs for whatever reason. Yours says no recreation? Just say you thought that meant swimming or skating.

I've fished a couple in the past. It's hit or miss on fish but bass seem to show up in some of them. There's one near my house that's isolated and looks like a 'how to find fish ' textbook photo but I've made 200 casts and nothing. Never even see a fish in it. Hit or miss as I said.

Worst case is it's a trespassing ticket from your town/city. I don't see that happening first time though. Play dumb and move along if asked.

Here's a bass I caught in one

@Try-hard Fisherman: I have never personally fished storm-water ponds, but I have my eye on a few that I would like to try. In Burlington, storm ponds have similar signs (no fishing, no skating, etc), so I e-mailed the City of Burlington about it. Here is part of their response:

"While there isn't a by-law in place to enforce the fishing restrictions, the signs serve as a risk management tool and to advise residents of the potential danger of accessing the water".

I take that as "fish at your own risk". I hope this helps.

USe to fish one in Port Perry, kids loved it non stop sunfish!!

Thanks for the input everyone