Smelt Dipping Season is Here

It's that time of year again. Smelt dipping season has arrived in Northern Ontario.

While I have not heard of any runs yet, now is the time to get ready.

• Are you waders in good shape? No holes or rips to repair?
• What about your nets? Same question. No holes or rips to repair?
• Are your lamps and lanterns in good condition? New mantles? New batteries?
• And do you know your regulations?

Here they are, copied right out of the Ontario 2013 General Fishing Regulations:
Residents and non-Canadian residents with a valid recreational fishing license may fish with one dip net or one seine net.

Dip nets may be no more than 183 cm (6 ft.) on each side if square, or 183 cm (6 ft.) in diameter, if circular.
Seine nets may be no more than 10 m (32.8 ft.) long and 2 m (6.5 ft.) high.

Smelt, Dip net and seine, (day or night)
March 1 to May 31
Fishing Zones: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 (except Algonquin Park), 16, 18, 19, 20
No limit

2nd Saturday in May to May 31
Fishing Zone: 17
No limit

No open season in Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Algonquin Park in Zone 15


Download your copy of the 2013 Ontario Fishing Regulations