Dam Fishing

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I've seen this rule in effect for dams in tributaries, it's no fishing within 25 yards downstream of the dam. I know of some dams where fishing is 100% allowed, for example, the dam in St. Jacobs.
I've seen people fishing at the dam on the Nine Mile River in Port Albert, I am not sure if the 25 yard rule applies there.

Always best to err on the side of caution and phone the MNR for any areas you are unsure about. The trib dams I mentioned had "no fishing" signs posted fairly visibly.
 
i think we've discussed this before so i'll post it again.
this taken from the fishing Regulations page 8.

It is illegal to fish within 22.9 m (75 ft.) downstream from the lower entrance to any fish way or canal, obstacle, or any device designed to assist fish around an obstacle. I don't think u need a sign tellin u this when u shoud know this. Same goes for caledonia dam on grand river, u can go there any day of the week and there are always at least 20 guys inside that dam. Once Ce's start showing up there like they did with port dalhousie dam and start giving out tickets maybe then people will learn to read regs before fishing.
 
float^drifter said:
i think we've discussed this before so i'll post it again.
this taken from the fishing Regulations page 8.

It is illegal to fish within 22.9 m (75 ft.) downstream from the lower entrance to any fish way or canal, obstacle, or any device designed to assist fish around an obstacle. I don't think u need a sign tellin u this when u shoud know this. Same goes for caledonia dam on grand river, u can go there any day of the week and there are always at least 20 guys inside that dam. Once Ce's start showing up there like they did with port dalhousie dam and start giving out tickets maybe then people will learn to read regs before fishing.
Click to expand...


I guess you are missing something. This applies to dam or like, ONLY IF IT IS DESIGNED TO ASSIST FISH ...Like fish lifts, etc. That totally makes sence, since the fish line up below the dam, ready to go upstream. However, if the dam does not have a fish lift/assist then this does not apply. Idon't remember seeing a fish lift in Caledonia.
 
The rule certainly applies at Port Albert and any angler fishing within 25 yards of the dam should be reported to the MNR.
 
getin said:
I guess you are missing something. This applies to dam or like, ONLY IF IT IS DESIGNED TO ASSIST FISH ...Like fish lifts, etc. That totally makes sence, since the fish line up below the dam, ready to go upstream. However, if the dam does not have a fish lift/assist then this does not apply. Idon't remember seeing a fish lift in Caledonia.
Click to expand...

It says obstacle OR any device designed to assist fish around an obstacle.
 
My friends and I fish the dam at Caledonia regularly and have never encountered a problem, nor seen anyone else have problems with the MNR. I believe dams that have fish ladders or lifts are well posted by the MNR as to where you can fish. I can't remember if it was Thornbury or Meaford I was at last spring, but there where signs posted by the MNR as to where you couldn't fish at almost all access points.
What is questionable in my mind is where safety of people may be a factor, dams that are used to regulate water flow where large amounts of water may be released in a few minutes. The OPP has an ad campaign about this if you watch Saturday morning fishing shows at all. Unfortunately I don't pay much attention to these commercials because I'm usually making my second coffee or heading out the door with my rod. Lol.

Alfie.
 
Dams or fish ladders where it is illegal to fish are usually well signed. I agree, best to check with the MNR if you're unsure, but there are plenty of dams in Ontario that offer excellent and legal fishing opportunities. Right below the dam at Bellwood is a good example of this.
 
what if I stand 25 yds downstream and cast 25 yds upstream? lol
 
I can't speak for Caledonia, but at the St. Jacob's dam, COs (Joel) do come by and check licenses etc. Fishing at that dam is 100% legal. As is fishing on the same river at the much larger dam further upstream.

In general, I would think any dam where fishing is not allowed, it would be marked, usually because that area is designated as a fish sanctuary to protect large numbers of migratory fish.
 
As to the "obstacle" wording, an example of an obstacle with no passageway or lift, is an impassable fish barrier, designed to keep migratory fish away from headwaters which are often inhabited by self-sustaining resident trout populations. Such an obstacle would most likely have a "no fishing" zone 25 yards downstream, even though there is no passageway or lift.
 
salmotrutta said:
I can't speak for Caledonia, but at the St. Jacob's dam, COs (Joel) do come by and check licenses etc. Fishing at that dam is 100% legal. As is fishing on the same river at the much larger dam further upstream.

In general, I would think any dam where fishing is not allowed, it would be marked, usually because that area is designated as a fish sanctuary to protect large numbers of migratory fish.
Click to expand...

i wish the CO would have come by when some guy pulled a monster walleye out of there... fish was a beauty and i'm sure it wasn't legal... must've been at least 9 lbs...
 
punkrockerpj said:
i wish the CO would have come by when some guy pulled a monster walleye out of there... fish was a beauty and i'm sure it wasn't legal... must've been at least 9 lbs...
Click to expand...

Although catch and release is strongly encouraged for pike, walleye and trout on the Conestogo River, anglers are permitted to keep fish within the limits stated in the regs.

That there are large walleye in the grand river watershed is no secret - knowing how, where and when to catch them is tricky enough to deter most anglers looking to keep their catch. Bass and pike receive a lot more pressure than walleye in those rivers, and the bass and pike are still there.

You would think that someone skilled enough to catch a 10lb walleye out of there would prefer to see it released to make many more of its size. It's not exactly going to make great table fare at that size anyhow...
 
A location I may be fishing is near one of the Trent river locks, Does anyone know if a lock would be considered one of the obstacles which you cannot fish within 75 feet downstream of it?
 
Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems that the only way to be certain would be to only fish on the high side of the dam.
 

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