This consultation was open from:
August 21, 2025
to September 22, 2025
Decision summary
A decision was made to finalize the Black Bay Fisheries Management Plan. This plan will guide the management of fisheries resources in the Bay and includes long term goals, objectives and management actions that seek to improve the status of the Black Bay fish communities.
Decision details
As a result, we will be proceeding with the following fishing regulations, which will be effective starting January 1, 2026:
Northern Pike – Season: Open all year. Limits: S-2 and C-1; S: Not more than one (1) greater than 70 cm and none greater than 90 cm. C: none greater than 90 cm.
Walleye - Open to recreational fishing. Season: July 1 to December 31 for the entire Bay. Limits: S-2, C-1, must be between 40 cm- 50 cm
Effects of consultation
We received a total of 41 (forty-one) comments to the proposal posting for the Black Bay Fisheries Management Plan, the comments were mixed. A number of commentors expressed support for opening of the walleye fishery in the bay, although some commentors expressed concern about the conservative nature of the proposed regulations for the walleye fishery. Additionally, several commentors did not express support for the proposed changes. Given the differences in perspectives in the comments received, the Ministry has decided to proceed with what was proposed in the Plan. A conservative reopening of the Walleye fishery will allow the Ministry to monitor the fishery and apply an adaptive management approach (i.e., further liberalization of the regulations if key metrics indicate the population is healthy).
Supporting materials
View materials in person
Some supporting materials may not be available online. If this is the case, you can request to view the materials in person.
Get in touch with the office listed below to find out if materials are available.
435 James St. S., Suite 221e
Thunder Bay,
ON
P7E 6S7
Canada
Connect with us
Contact
David Gonder
435 James St. S., Suite 221e
Thunder Bay,
ON
P7E 6S7
Canada
Original proposal
Proposal details
The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) manages recreational fisheries in Ontario using an adaptive approach, with Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs) serving as the primary tool for setting management direction for fisheries resources. Planning focuses on keeping fisheries sustainable while clearly outlining how resources will be shared in the area to support social, cultural and economic benefits.
Advisory Councils and Working Groups play a critical role assisting in the development and evaluation of fisheries management actions. This ensures that FMPs reflect a shared vision and incorporate meaningful public input and support.
The purpose of this FMP plan is to guide the responsible management of fisheries resources within Black Bay. The plan includes long-term goals and objectives and supporting management actions that seek to improve the status of the Black Bay fish community.
As a result of the planning process, it is anticipated that several regulatory changes may be made that will be reflected in Ontario Fishing Regulations. Results and information collected from fisheries independent surveys will be used to determine if goals, objectives, and targets established in the plan are being met. The following proposed regulatory changes are being proposed:
Northern Pike - Season: Open all year. Limits: S-2 and C-1; S: Not more than one greater than 70cm (27.6") and none greater than 90cm (35.4"). C: none over 90cm (35.4”).
Chinook Salmon – Were discussed and there was expressed interest in regulatory changes at a lakewide (FMZ 9) scope.
Walleye - Open to recreational fishing. Season: July 1st to December 31st (No ice fishing season). Limits: S-2, C-1, must be between 40-50.8 cm (16”-20”).
Regulatory impact analysis
The Black Bay Fisheries Management Plan is exempt from the requirements of Modernizing Ontario for People and Businesses Act as the intent/direction in the FMP primarily focus on recreational angling (i.e. not commercial fishers). Furthermore, the FMP does not require new rules to businesses. As such there are no direct costs on tourist operators or fishing resorts. The FMP does not have a direct impact on a regulated entity including business, trade, occupation, etc. carried out for profit or not for profit.
Supporting materials
View materials in person
Some supporting materials may not be available online. If this is the case, you can request to view the materials in person.
Get in touch with the office listed below to find out if materials are available.
435 James Street South
Suite 221E
Thunder Bay,
ON
P7E 6S8
Canada
Comment
Commenting is now closed.
This consultation was open from August 21, 2025
to September 22, 2025
Comments received
Through the registry
30By email
0By mail
11