New bait management rules take effect Jan 1, 2022 for Ontario
/Bait can pose a significant ecological risk by spreading invasive species and fish diseases. New rules to manage these risks are coming into effect on January 1, 2022:
establishing four Bait Management Zones (BMZs) to limit the movement of baitfish and leeches in Ontario
restricting the transportation of baitfish or leeches, whether live or dead, into or out of a BMZ with some limited exceptions
anglers fishing outside their home BMZ must purchase baitfish and leeches locally, retain a receipt and use or dispose of their bait within two weeks from when they were purchased
harvesting of baitfish and leeches by anglers may only occur in their home BMZ