Three-Line Carp Fishing and Bait Rules

Summary#

The final rule titled Regulations Amending the Ontario Fishery Regulations, 2007 (SOR/2020-276) changes two parts of the provincial fishing rules. It lets licensed anglers use up to three lines when targeting common carp in Fisheries Management Zones 12 to 20, and it clarifies what kinds of bait can be put into the water. These changes came into force on December 16, 2020.

What it does#

• Adds a definition for plant-based bait (either made only from plants, or primarily from plants if it has no visible fish/animal parts, no meat/fish flavouring, and any eggs are only used as a binder).
• Replaces the bait-deposit rule so that people must not release live or dead bait, baitfish, fish eggs, gametes or parts, or the water/soil from a bait container into any waters or within 30 m of waters.
  • Exception: depositing plant-based bait is allowed.
  • Exception: water taken from the waterbody and used in a recirculating device or movable bait container may be returned to the same waterbody or within 30 m of it.
• Changes the one-line rule so that, with conditions, a person angling for common carp may use up to three lines in Fisheries Management Zones 12 to 20:
  • The angler must use plant-based bait or synthetic corn.
  • If on a fishing vessel, all lines must be on that vessel with the angler.
  • If not on a vessel (for example, fishing from shore), each line must be within 2 metres of the other lines.

Who's affected#

• Recreational anglers who target common carp in Ontario, especially in Fisheries Management Zones 12 to 20.
• Fishing guides, charter services and tourism businesses that serve carp anglers.
• Anglers from other provinces or countries who prefer multi-line carp techniques.
• Enforcement staff (conservation or fisheries officers) who will enforce the clarified bait and line rules.
• All anglers across Ontario will see clearer rules about what kinds of bait can be deposited into water; the multi-line change itself applies only in the zones where carp are present.
• The provincial ministry that proposed the changes, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), led consultation and communication about the change.

Why it matters#

• It makes a popular carp-fishing technique (using multiple lines) legal in areas where carp are common, but only under controls meant to reduce unintended catches and ecological risk.
• It clears up confusion about "chumming" by allowing low-risk, plant-based baits (like corn) while keeping a ban on releasing live bait and baitfish that can spread invasive species or disease.
• The change may help some local tourism and guide businesses by attracting anglers who use multi-line methods. The government says expected costs for enforcement and communication are small.
• The rule tries to balance new recreational opportunities with protections for other fish and for aquatic ecosystems.