Lake Simcoe anglers have taken the pledge. Read the pledge below, then take it yourself here.As a responsible and caring ice angler on Lake Simcoe, I PLEDGE:To know and follow all the fishing regulationsTo quickly live release all fish with a year-round closed season like cisco (lake herring) and muskieTo be able to identify fish species found in Lake Simcoe — so that I know which ones have closed seasons and need to be released immediately if caughtTo recognize the value of unclipped “wild” lake trout and lake whitefishTo voluntarily release extra large fish and keep the smaller ones for a meal or twoTo report any fishing violations to the MNR Tips line – 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667)To keep litter and old fishing line from blowing away and to take all of my garbage off the ice with meTo never waste fish, take only what I need, and to quickly and carefully live release all other fish I catchTo park responsibly so as to not block driveways or infringe on privacy of local homeownersTo always show courtesy and have respect for other anglers, local residents, non-anglers and the environment To set up my hut or ice holes at a respectable distance (eg 50-60m) from other anglers and commercial ice hut operationsTo only use a snowmobile, ATV or other vehicle on the ice when I am absolutely convinced conditions are safe, and if I do I will drive responsibly, always thinking about the safety of myself and othersTo take my hut and all of its contents off of the ice by the March 15 deadlineTo become a true ambassador to the sport of ice fishing by promoting this great wholesome outdoor activity to others — especially our future anglers:“Today’s young people are tomorrow’s anglers and the future of our sport, so please TAKE A KID ICE FISHING!” I also PLEDGE to minimize my impact on the environment by:Not throwing garbage down the fishing holesNot emptying bait buckets with live minnows down the holeUsing only baitfish caught from the Lake Simcoe watershed (Bait and tackle shops should know where their baitfish originate; so please ask)Calling the OFAH/MNR Invading Species Hotline (1-800 563-7711) if I suspect I have caught a species not native to Lake Simcoe. (Please keep the fish for positive identification.)Never refueling equipment such as ice augers or snowmobiles while I’m on the ice.Sharing this code of conduct and its message of good lake stewardship with others.Staying informed about environmental issues facing Lake Simcoe and making every effort to protect and conserve this great fishery for future generations.
LAKE SIMCOE IS MY LAKE AND MY RESPONSIBILITY!
