STEENBURG LAKE

COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Gilmour, Ontario, Canada

Catch And Release Tips

7 Apr 2025 11:05 AM | Anonymous

Source: Ontario.ca / Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources e-newsletter Oct. 5, 2024

There’s nothing better than spending a day on the water and sharing a picture of your catch, big or small! When practicing catch-and-release, it’s important to handle fish with care to ensure their survival after their release. This is particularly important when taking photos, which can often lead to extended periods of air exposure.

Here are some guidelines to help you capture that perfect shot while keeping the fish’s health a priority:

Prolonged air exposure can be harmful, even fatal. Keep the fish submerged as much as possible, and only lift it for a brief photo. Ensure your camera or phone is ready to go before you bring the fish out of the water.
Improper handling can cause injury. Avoid touching the gills or eyes, as these are particularly sensitive areas. For larger, heavier fish, do not hold them by the jaw alone. This can dislocate the jaw, making it difficult for the fish to feed afterward. Instead, support the body horizontally, cradling the fish with both hands if necessary.
Before handling the fish, wet your hands or wear wet cloth gloves. This helps to reduce the removal of the fish’s protective slime coat. The slime coat is essential for the fish’s health, as it protects against infections and helps with swimming.

By following these best practices, you can enjoy the sport of fishing and share your experiences through photos without compromising the health of the fish. Learn more information about catch and release best practices such as landing techniques and recommended gear.

TIP: Hooked an invasive water plant? Don't toss it back

Photo Credit: Invasive Species Centre

We’ve all been fishing and reeled in a weed – that’s right – we mean an aquatic plant. That weed could be Eurasian Water-Milfoil (EWM), an invasive species found in Steenburg Lake. EWM spreads when fragments of the plant break loose or are cut loose by a boat propeller. If you hook one, please do not toss aquatic plants back in the lake. Instead dispose of them on land either in the garbage or by burning. Help prevent the spread of invasive plants.

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To source and make available relevant information to the Membership regarding political and environmental changes that impact cottage ownership and take appropriate action on behalf of the Association when deemed necessary by the executive; to promote, educate and encourage responsible lake stewardship and to provide opportunities to meet and socialize at events throughout the year with fellow cottage owners.

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