Penalizing Ontario residents…

Penalizing Ontario residents and license purchasers by reducing limits on Lake of the Woods is not acceptable when other alternatives are available.
1/ Residents are forced to make concessions when fishing pressure increases in the southern end of Lake of the Woods and combines with more generous daily limits for the US citizens that flock there in all seasons. Winter fishing is out of control- take a ride down through the thousands and thousands of fishing huts. Let’s have both countries on board here starting with Minnesota reducing their catch limit, adjusting season openers and recognizing spawning areas, river fishing and other vulnerable areas.
2/ Establish more spawning areas for closure in late winter- springtime. Ex.. Tranquil Channel closed for fishing till mid June.
3/ End the “blind eye” turned to native netting. Regulation of nets, outlawing gill nets and limiting netting in spawning areas has to be addressed. I have personally seen the thousands of game fish discarded on ice and shore in past years. I hope all are aware that this practice continues but now non marketable fish are “deep sixed” to remove evidence. Lake trout/northern/Muskie/crappie/ large walleye discarded!!!! Why are responsible sustenance harvesters not using trap nets. Those out on the lake continually see the unmarked and untended gill nets that MNR refuses to recognize as a problem.
4/ Remove the (1 over) 18” regulation. No need for trophy fish being removed.
5/ Limit the fish taken by tourist outfitters and enforce release of all not taken for daily shore lunch. No take home limit!!
6/ Limit all non Ontario residents to a reduced limit license.

I have fished Lake of the Woods for over 60 years and see much better fishing now than in my youth. There are an abundance of all size fish caught, and releasing of the larger spawning fish has proven to be building a healthy fishery. I question the science of this recent study on Lake of the Woods and think that restricting the local license purchasers only postpones problems. Real issues have to be addressed by the MNR with proper regulation to ensure a healthy fishery in future generations.