Record Muskie released in St. Lawrence River

A 54-inch muskie (over 70 lb.) was released back to the St. Lawrence River last week by Jason Phillips of Brockville. Phillips and Sandra Ellis were trying out a new boat to fish for some pickerel. He was trolling in 220 feet of water about 6 pm west of St. Lawrence Park when the monster fish struck. He managed to pull it into the boat for measure - without a net!
In 2009, a 65-pound muskie, released back into the St. Lawrence by an Ottawa angler, was recognized as world's biggest catch-and-release.
More: www.ottawasun.com

Atlantic Salmon returning to Lake Ontario

After 150-years, Atlantic salmon from hatcheries are adapting to the wild, and once again spawning in the Credit River, Cobourg Creek and Duffins Creek, near Toronto. It's hoped the salmon will spread to other creeks around Lake Ontario. Native Atlantics died out due to overfishing, development, mills, and dams that stopped the fish from travelling upstream to spawn. A government restoration program coordinated with local fishing groups has resulted in success last fall. [mnr.gov.on.ca]

'Perfect Storm' fisherman convicted in Canada

Maine fisherman and author Linda Greenlaw, who survived the Atlantic storm that was the basis for the book and movie "The Perfect Storm" has been convicted on charges of illegally fishing inside Canadian waters. Greenlaw was the last person in contact with the Andrea Gail before it sank in the 1991 storm.
Google News National Post

Fishing in Ontario

Starting in 2009, Americans who fish in Canadian waters will require the Canadian Outdoors Card (about $9, valid for three years), the same as for Canadian residents. The new regulations are is the first part of a new licensing automation system that will begin in 2010.
The card can be ordered by phoning 1-800-667-1940 using a credit card. A 2009 Ontario fishing licence can be ordered at the same time - a regular licence, a conservation licence, 8-day licence. A one-day licence does not require getting the Outdoors Card. The cards take up to six weeks to arrive by postal mail. Americans may take a state-registered boat into Canada for up to 45 consecutive days without requiring a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. (Details: mnr.gov.on.ca)

Bass Tournament moves into Canadian Waters

The world's best bass pros at the Chevy Open in Detroit will be allowed to fish in Canadian waters from July 12-15 to compete for $1.5 million in prizes - most will head for Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair. Last October, the U.S. had banned transport of live fish across borders to prevent the spread of viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS virus), but now will allow "catch and release" fishing in waters that cross state and international boundaries. Standard procedures for traveling anglers to prevent spreading this horrible disease include thorough cleaning of trailer and boat (including live wells) with a chlorine and water solution. About VHS virus: Wikipedia.org | Fisheries & Oceans Canada | NOAA Fact Sheet