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Highlights of Ontario's Fishing Regulations
The lake sturgeon is Ontario's largest freshwater fish, reaching lengths over 2 metres and weights up to 136.5 kilograms.
Lake sturgeon populations in Ontario declined dramatically around the turn of the 20th century due to historic over-harvest for meat and caviar, habitat destruction, reduced water quality and the introduction of competitor species.
Of the three lake sturgeon populations in Ontario, two are now listed as Threatened (with the third being designated Special Concern) on the Species at Risk in Ontario list. Under the Endangered Species Act, 2007, it is illegal to harm, harass or capture Threatened species.
As of Oct. 15, 2009, the ministry implemented a year-round closure of lake sturgeon fishing where populations are listed as Threatened.
