Live Bait - Crawlers & Leeches

[T-Bone]

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.

[Netman]

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!

[NortonJoe]

@Netman how many crawlers is a "flat"?

[Jay Thomas]

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.

[Netman]

@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.

[Netman]

Sorry @NortonJoe I typed your name wrong in my previous post.

Thank you Jay! Your info is always spot on!

[T-Bone]

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.

[RickOnt]

I believe you can transport crawlers and leeches between Ont and Quebec

But not minnows

However you cannot bring them across the border

[yakeye]

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.

[RickOnt]

Yes I have bought at Trapper Joes and Billy Bobs in North Bay

But now I just buy at the Pronature in Temiscaming

[NortonJoe]

I just want to be clear...we can transport between provinces but not from US to Canada, correct?

Joe

[RHYBAK]

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.

[limacharley]

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.

[NortonJoe]

Yea we always transported them in buzz bait but if we can't transport at all legally we will figure something else out.
Joe

[RHYBAK]

What about Crawfish as bait.
Can they be used if a trap set out on Kipawa and use the resident crawfish?

No importing crawfish.