Fisheries Management Zone 5  (Fort Frances, Kenora and Dryden)

Fisheries Management Zone 5 extends over a large and varied geographic range, covering a total area approximately 44,360 square kilometres with over 5,000 lakes and thousands of kilometres of streams and rivers.

The border with the U.S. state of Minnesota marks the southern boundary of FMZ 5. The Manitoba border and the western boundary of Quetico Provincial Park mark the western and eastern extent of the FMZ respectively while Highway 17 and the Canadian National Railway line provide the north boundaries of the Zone. View a map of FMZ 5 (PDF, 1 mb)

Located in the southwest portion of the Ministry of Natural Resources' Northwest Region, FMZ 5 spans three MNR administrative districts (Fort Frances and the southern portions of Kenora, and Dryden), and encompasses the communities of Fort Frances, Kenora, Dryden, Atikokan and Ignace. A number of smaller communities, including First Nations, are spread across the Zone.

There are 23 First Nation Communities within FMZ 5. The largest of these include: Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishnabek First Nation (Grassy Narrows), Wabaseemoong First Nation, Naotkamegwanning Anishinabe (Whitefish Bay First Nation), Couchiching First Nation, Ojibways of Onegaming, Anishinabe of Wauzhushk Onigum (Rat Portage), Seine River First Nation, Iskatewizaagegan Independent First Nation (Shoal Lake #39A), Lac La Croix First Nation, Rainy River First Nations, Shoal Lake #40 First Nation, Eagle Lake First Nation, Naicatchewenin First Nation, Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation.

The waterbodies of Rainy Lake, Rainy River, Lake of the Woods, Shoal Lake, Eagle Lake, Wabigoon Lake, Dinorwic Lake and the Winnipeg River system have been identified as Specially Designated Waters within FMZ 5 and separate Fisheries Management Plans will prepared for each of them. The Specially Designated Waters were identified due to their ecological, social and economic importance to the Zone.

Fisheries Management Zone 5 supports important recreational, commercial and tourism-based fisheries. The most prominent fish species in FMZ 5 are: walleye, lake trout, northern pike, smallmouth bass, black crappie, lake whitefish, and muskellunge. The variety and abundance of fish species makes this area a popular fishing destination for resident and non-resident anglers and the zone has a very well developed tourist industry.

Over 90% of the area within FMZ 5 is Crown Land, with approximately 17% of that area located in Provincial Parks and Protected Areas. The largest area of private land is found in the farming community west of Fort Frances with the remainder spread throughout the Zone. Fisheries resources for all waterbodies within the Zone are administered by each respective MNR district or by Ontario Parks.

Fisheries Management in FMZ 5

The Ministry of Natural Resources, with the support of the Fisheries Management Zone 5 Advisory Council, is in the process of developing a Fisheries Management Plan for Fisheries Management Zone 5. Development of a Fisheries Management Plan is part of a ecological framework for recreational fisheries management in Ontario to ensure resource sustainability and to optimize angling opportunities. Throughout the planning process the public will be invited to participate and provide comments on recommendations that may be presented by the MNR and the Advisory Council.