Fall = Big Fish = Selective Harvest

...we're quickly moving into the cold-water period when warm water species like bass, crappies and bluegills often hoard together providing some remarkable fishing for those willing to brave the elements and keep boats out the last few weeks before thoughts shift to ice-augers and hard-water. I'd just like to pass along a word of caution when it comes to harvesting fish at this time of year. With so many fish stacked up in wintering holes at this time of year, these fish can be in some cases extremely vulnerable to over-fishing. As always, it's even more critical to practice selective harvest and limit our impact on fish populations at this time of year. Fall time is big-fish time; and right now is the time to set your sights on personal bests as some of the biggest fish of the year for various species are caught and release during November. Keeping fish for the table is a viable option, but ensure you're keeping smaller more abundant sized fish and obviously staying well within harvest restrictions. If it's been awhile since you've read the Ontario regulations; I strongly encourage you to check the regs' online before your next outing. It blows my mind when I run into people on the water that aren't familiar with the many updated regulations we have across Ontario; a lot has changed in the last 10-years! Safety should be paramount whenever you're talking about cold-water. Right now in south/central Ontario for example, water temperatures are in the low 50's now and soon to be in the 40's. It's equally important of course to be safe out there; tell someone where you're fishing and approximately when you'll be back, dress appropriately, heed weather forecasts, don't take unnecessary chances, and pack extra clothes in a dry-bag.