When Mattie and I went up at the end of May, we were 'pulled over' coming in to Canada and told to "Go talk to those officers over there." There were 4-5 conservation officers that grilled us about whether we were bringing bait in...and the rules surrounding live bait in Canada.
We asked them specifically about buying bait in Ontario, but transporting it into Quebec to fish Lac Kipawa. Both of them stated that is NOT allowed...and that IF there were a checkpoint in Temiscaming coming in, you would forfeit the bait and be fined.
I'm not entirely sure that is true...just taking their word for it...but it would be helpful if somebody who has time to do the research could look that up.
Thanks.
I appreciate this discusion. I completely missed the change in rules concerning bringing bait into Canada. Had things all set up to bring in a flat of worms(cleaned and in Buss-Bedding) as usual. Saw the post and realized we needed to change plans immediately. Talked to the fine folks at Stop102 and they can order in a full flat qty for around $120 +tax. I was thinking I would try Trapper Joe's, but that would require crossing from Ontario into Quebec. Again this forum saved us alot of grief!
Thank you!
@Netman how many crawlers is a "flat"?
Hi guys,
Today, I sent an email to the Quebec authorities (services.clientele@mffp.gouv.qc.ca) to obtain the low down on transportation of night crawlers into Quebec. I have copied their response below. During a telecon with them this morning, it was explained that if something is not particularly prohibited in the Sports Fishing Regulations, then it is OK to do whatever. I like to have written responses to questions like these (i.e. the rationale for my email) and I will definitely have a copy of their response with me on my fishing trip.
Jay
Dear Sir,
Further to your request, we invite you to click on the following link:
Use of bait
https://www.quebec.ca/en/tourism-and-recreation/sporting-and-outdoor-activities/sport-fishing/fishing-techniques/use-baits
Earthworms, leeches, insects and frogs as bait
Earthworms, leeches, insects and frogs are not considered to be bait fish, and their use as bait is therefore permitted unless otherwise indicated.
When capturing frogs, you must comply with the applicable rules governing frog hunting. Mainly:
You must hold a frog hunting licence that allows the holder to hunt Northern leopard frogs, green frogs and bullfrogs from July 15 to November 15, with no bag limit.
Frog hunting is prohibited in zones 17, 19 north and 22 to 24, as well as in wildlife reserves and territories in which all hunting is prohibited.
Special rules apply to the keeping of frogs in captivity.
Yes, you are allowed to fish with night crawler from an other province.
@joenorton there are approx 500 nightcrawlers in a flat. The person I talked to also stated they sold them in a box count of 100. But that it saved approx $30 if you buy them in a flat vs 5 boxes of 100.
Sorry
@NortonJoe I typed your name wrong in my previous post.
Thank you Jay! Your info is always spot on!
Thanks Jay. I wonder if leeches fall under the same categorization as 'nightcrawlers'...in that you can buy them in Ontario and transport into Quebec. I would assume so.
I believe you can transport crawlers and leeches between Ont and Quebec
But not minnows
However you cannot bring them across the border
I spoke to a lady at Trapper Joes live bait, in North Bay, and they said that it is okay to transport leeches into Quebec. Jay, thanks for the link, it sounds like leeches fall under the same category as nightcrawlers, in that they are not bait fish, and can be transported from Ontario to Quebec.
Yes I have bought at Trapper Joes and Billy Bobs in North Bay
But now I just buy at the Pronature in Temiscaming
I just want to be clear...we can transport between provinces but not from US to Canada, correct?
Joe
Joe
As far as I'm concerned, you should not be transporting any kind of bait from the U.S. into Canada unless it's plastic.
Sorry but that is my opinion and I'm allowed to have that.
Joe,
It's not the bait per se that is the problem, it's the earth the worms are in.
No different than trying to import firewood, potted plants, top soil....you can't do it.
Just a word of caution for you folks....
Don't ask someone from Ontario, especially from a bait shop if you can import said bait into Quebec.
Of course they're going to tell you can; they want the sale!
Do what Jay did and get your advice from the proper source.
Again....Earthworms, leeches, insects and frogs are not considered to be bait fish, and their use as bait is therefore permitted unless otherwise indicated.
Yea we always transported them in buzz bait but if we can't transport at all legally we will figure something else out.
Joe
What about Crawfish as bait.
Can they be used if a trap set out on Kipawa and use the resident crawfish????
No importing crawfish.
Ministere des Forests, de la Faune et des Parcs in Temiscamingue
(819) 627-3335
Ask them your crawfish question John.
Quote from: NortonJoe on June 14, 2023, 01:08:33 PM
Yea we always transported them in buzz bait but if we can't transport at all legally we will figure something else out.
Joe
I'll say this; if the COs that we got lectured by at the border had searched our car and found bait...it would have certainly been confiscated and maybe had a fine tacked on to it; not worth the risk IMO.
Thanks everyone! So recommendations of places in NorthBay, Temiscaming or Kipawa we can get nightcrawlers?
Joe
Trapper Joe's on 63 between North Bay and Temiscamin
Again???
You're suggesting an out of province provider.
Just asking for trouble.
Thanks Luc
I called that number and the gentleman was very helpful.
No crawfish allowed as they are considered fish.
No shrimp allowed as Bait.
Frogs are allowed as bait BUT you must have a license to catch frogs in order to use them as bait.
Rhybak if it's legal to bring leeches and worms across Provincial border Ontario into Quebec what exactly would be the problem and why would that be asking for trouble.
I'll figure it out...thanks.
Sorry Chazz
I was under the understanding that it was illegal to bring bait into Quebec from Ontario but I just called the Quebec MNR and they confirmed that Leeches and worms CAN be brought into Quebec without problems.
I do apologize.
But it does look like crossing the boarder from the US to Canada is different. Years ago we would by nightcrawlers from a local distributer that packs them in Canadian Peat and stamps them and say it's ok to take across, I called them today and they said the same. I called customs this morning and their response was no, you can't do it. I also found on line that it looks like you would need a permit to take across the boarder.
https://inspection.canada.ca/plant-health/invasive-species/directives/imports/d-12-02/appendix-1/eng/1433209372739/1433209373489#a3 (https://inspection.canada.ca/plant-health/invasive-species/directives/imports/d-12-02/appendix-1/eng/1433209372739/1433209373489#a3)
Rhybak no apology necessary better safe than sorry
Does any know the cost of a flat of crawlers at Kipawa this year?
Quote from: NortonJoe on June 15, 2023, 10:31:01 AM
I'll figure it out...thanks.
Hey Joe...we have stopped/shopped at Billy Bob's located just west of Hwy 11 on Lakeshore Drive...just on the south side of North Bay. Really easy to get to/out of and they had good quality leeches and crawlers. Nice selection of fishing gear as well if you forgot something from home. Have also used Trapper Joe's as well...decent place if it's still standing when you get there...it's like a hermits cave...no tackle or goods here though.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Sports---Recreation/Billy-Bobs-Bait-Tackle-459854847516897/?_rdr
I drove through Norton a couple weeks ago. Are they ever going to complete that construction? Sheesh!
This comes from the Ontario Fishing regulations...
FMZ 11 is part of the Northeast Bait Management Zone (BMZ). Baitfish or leeches, whether live or dead, may not be transported into or out of a BMZ. See bait for more details.
Either the Ontario MNR or Quebec fish cops could likely set up a checkpoint on the bridge and confiscate your bait. Why take chances?
I read it and to me areas 8, 10, 11 are exceptions to that rule.
Hi Chazz,
I have perused the Ontario fishing regulations as well and I have been unable to find the exceptions you mention. Would it be possible for you to copy the pertinent sentence/paragraph that describes the exceptions into a post please. Thanks in advance.
Jay
Baitfish or leeches, whether live or dead, may not be transported into or out of a BMZ, with some limited exceptions.
Southern BMZ ? consists of FMZs 16, 17, 18 and the part of 20 that is within the County of Prince Edward.
Central BMZ ? consists of FMZ 15.
Northeastern BMZ ? consists of FMZs 3, 8, 10, and 11 except the part of FMZ 10 that is within Cockburn Island, Michipicoten Island, St. Joseph Island, and Manitoulin Island. Manitoulin Island is defined as all islands that can be accessed by land south of the causeway connecting Great LaCloche Island and Whitefish River First Nation (known as Swift Current Bridge), including Manitoulin Island, Great LaCloche Island, Little LaCloche Island, and Barrie Island.
I may have misread the limited exceptions. I am on hold now with a phone call to the MNR will post an update on the issue after I speak with a rep. Sorry for the confusion.
So I just spoke with the MNR and according to the agent worms and leeches can be transported into Quebec from a BMZ if Quebec allows it, which they do.
Thanks Chazz.
If I were intending on transporting leeches from the northern BMZ into Quebec, I'd request the response you received (by telephone) in writing (an email would do fine). My concern is that occasionally, MNR representatives provide incorrect information (they have so much info on their plate). If what the rep told you by telephone is correct - then no issue. If that information was incorrect, at least a written response might end up saving your leeches.
Thanks again for your follow up.
Jay