Northern Ont. anglers fined for violating walleye fishing regulations

A walleye is seen in this April 2008 image. (AP Photo/Eric Engbretson/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

Two Ontario anglers have been fined after pleading guilty to exceeding daily walleye catch limits and retaining fish of prohibited sizes.

Overfishing leads to penalties

Adam Taylor of the Greater Sudbury community of Lively and Robert Krueger of Sudbury were each fined $1,660 and had their fishing rods and reels forfeited to the Crown. The convictions stem from an incident on November 12, 2024, when a conservation officer intercepted the men in the Town of Spanish as they returned from fishing in the North Channel of Lake Huron.

Investigation revealed violations

An investigation found that Taylor and Krueger had caught and kept a total of eight walleye or pickerel, five of which were less than the legal-size limit.

Under Ontario’s sport fishing regulations, the daily catch limit for walleye in the North Channel is two, with none permitted between 41 and 56 centimetres in length.

The seized fish and fishing equipment were submitted as evidence.

Justice of the Peace Jill Morris presided over the case, which was heard in Elliot Lake on February 19, 2025.

Province enforces conservation measures

In a recent court bulletin, the Ontario government reiterated its commitment to protecting walleye populations.

“The Ontario government is safeguarding walleye populations by ensuring anglers follow fishing regulations and comply with quotas,” the bulletin read.

The province indicated that the fines and forfeitures serve as a reminder to anglers to adhere to conservation rules designed to sustain fish stocks for future generations.

To report a natural resource problem or provide information about an unsolved case, call the ministry TIPS line toll-free at 1-877-847-7667 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.

For more information about unsolved cases, click here.