Fishing rules
The essential part of the James Bay Walleye Fishing Tournament revolves around a
natural resource, renewable in a medium time span: the walleye. What causes the
rarity of this resource is the capacity of the species to reproduce and evolve
in the best possible conditions. Until now, the pressure of this fishing
tournament does not imperil the survival of the species since it is based upon
catch-and-release formula where the release of fishes alive is mandatory for the
registration of points. Nevertheless, the corporation of the James Bay Walleye
Fishing Tournament has been proactive in this issue by consulting different
interveners and users of this water surface and has presented a
Preliminary approach to the modification of the regulations of sports fishing on
Lake Opémiska. This action follows its way and should give tangible results
soon.
Regulations
Although the regulations of fishing on the lake Opemiska are more restrictive,
it is important to be efficient that every fisherman respect their standards. To
do so, it is essencial to protect the spawn areas, to respect the opening
periods and quotas of fishing. To inquire about the regulations that apply in
the zone 17, which includes the lake Opemiska, you can visit the internet site
of the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune or consult their booklet
“Sport fishing in Québec – Main regulations 2003-2004”.
Catch and release of your fish
You can also contribute to maintain populations of walleyes by practicing the
catch-and-release of trophy specimens. This heroic gesture will enable you, as
well as future generations, to benefit from this priceless resource for years to
come. Most of the studies made shows that in average, 90% of the fishes survive
their release in the water. Although the majority respond well to this practice,
some basic principles must be respected in order to succeed efficiently when you
proceed to the release of your fish in the water. Here are the main principles
to follow:
1- avoid usage of natural bates (ex: worms)
2- use a fishing hook without the tongue
3- bring a pair of pliers
4- bring a net
5- don’t exhaust your fish
6- let the fish in the water as long as possible
7- avoid hurting the fish
8- delicately unhook your fish
9- manipulate your fish delicately and rapidly
10- revive your fish when you release it in the water
11- release your fish
For any additional information, communicate with the Direction of wildlife
development in your nearest Société de la faune et des parcs du Québec office.
Poaching
In the same sense, we are asking everyone who witness acts of poaching on Lake
Opemiska or anywhere else to contact SOS POACHING toll free number
1-800-463-2191. The call is free and confidential. By your gesture, you
contribute to the protection of this precious resource that is the walleye!
Nautical security
More and more users such as fishermen, vacationers, sailers, and moto marines,
are sharing water surfaces. That is the reason why new norms and regulations are
established to ensure appropriate security for navigation with rights and
responsibilities that apply as much for large waterways as for popular lakes.
Before setting your boat on the water, it is important to aknowledge the
requirements and abilities attached to driving a boat, knowing the minimum
material needed on your boat, being aware of security applications on waterways,
etc. Stop over at the internet site “Office of Boating Safety” overseen by
the Canadian Coast Guard.
Good angling!
Sources :
MRNF
French : www.mrnf.gouv.qc.ca/faune/reglementation/index.jsp
English : www.fapaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/regulations/index.htm
SÉCURITÉ NAUTIQUE
French : http://www.tc.gc.ca/securitenautique/menu.htm
English : http://www.tc.gc.ca/boatingsafety/menu.htm
Technique de remise à l’eau des poissons, Ministère des Ressources naturelles et Faune du Québec (MRNF), Nord-du-Québec, Gouvernement du Québec, SP 2316-10-93.