Sturgeon are among the largest freshwater fish in the world. They can grow up to 8 feet in length and weigh several hundred pounds.
They are found throughout the upper Great Lakes and the lower Mississippi River. Their populations have been classified on the Species at Risk in Ontario list under the Endangered Species Act.
Kawartha Lakes
The Kawartha Lakes region is one of Ontario’s prime cottage areas, and it offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. This area is also home to white-tailed deer and moose, as well as many other wildlife species. There are hundreds of miles of walking trails, forest, and wooded shorelines to explore in this picturesque setting.
Besides fishing, the Kawartha Lakes are also popular for boating and skiing. There are several marinas and rental companies in the area that can help you find the right equipment. Those looking to get out on the water can choose from kayaks, paddle boats, canoes and houseboats.
With so much to do in this beautiful region, it’s no wonder that people of all ages are choosing to make this a place to call home. The area is known for its beautiful natural scenery, relaxing atmosphere, and charming Canadian towns that welcome visitors and tourists.
If you’re an avid angler and are looking for a fun and exciting way to catch Sturgeon, look no further than the Kawartha Lakes. This area is famous for its blend of cool and warm water lakes that are full of fish. Whether you’re looking to teach your children how to cast a line, or you’re a professional fisherman looking for a new fishing adventure, this place has something for everyone.
The waters of the Kawartha Lakes are home to various fish species that can be caught on a variety of different baits and lures. For example, muskie is a popular target, and you can find these fish on both soft plastic baits and cranks.
Another excellent fish to try is walleye, which can be found in most of the Kawartha Lakes. These fish are common around the shorelines and in shallower waters, but you can also find them in deeper water as well.
When you want to head out on the water and catch some Sturgeon, consider booking a guide. A good guide will be familiar with the best fishing locations, have a boat and all the necessary equipment, and can help you improve your skills.
Upper St. Lawrence River
There are a number of different places to fish for Sturgeon in Ontario, but one of the most popular spots is in the Upper St. Lawrence River, where you can find a variety of different species including smallmouth and largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye and muskie.
You can also catch a variety of panfish, such as yellow perch and bullheads. The river is also home to many shoals and islands that are perfect for fishing, especially during the summer.
For example, a good place to fish for bass is the 1000 Islands, which are made up of more than 1,800 islands that span between Canada and the United States. These islands are known for their beauty and are a fantastic destination for vacationers from all over the world.
If you want to get into the action, there are several different boat launches throughout the area. You can also rent a houseboat for a great way to experience the area.
The Thousand Islands are a great place to spend time and they are also home to one of the largest cormorant colonies in the world. The islands are home to about 5,000 double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus).
While you’re here, be sure to visit the Landon Bay trail system, which is part of the Thousand Islands National Park. This system is a great place to see wildlife and learn about the area’s history.
You can also go on a guided tour to see how cormorants feed and their habitat. The guides will show you all the different areas that they feed in and teach you about the different species that they are feeding on.
Another way to experience the Thousand Islands is to charter a private yacht or sailboat. These types of vessels are a great way to see the area from a different perspective and are great for families and groups of friends.
You can also visit some of the more famous attractions along the river, such as Chippewa Bay and American Island. These are great places to see the history of the river and learn about some of its earliest inhabitants.
Missouri River
The Missouri River is a popular destination for anglers throughout Ontario. It is known for producing good fishing opportunities for catfish, sturgeon and many other species.
During spring, the lower Missouri River is home to good blue catfish catches. This is especially true in water temperature over 60 degrees F. In addition, flathead catfish were recently spotted in high numbers.
These fish are known for a long, hard fight that can last an hour or longer on freshwater gear. They are a great target for muskie and walleye anglers because of their size, aggressive nature and willingness to strike at any bait.
Sturgeon are a native species to the Great Lakes. They were once a common feature of the lakes’ ecosystems, but are now endangered. Their decline is the result of habitat degradation, over-fishing, and pollution.
Before European settlers arrived in the Midwest, lake sturgeon were considered important by First Nations people. The fish’s eggs and smoked flesh were valued in the region and their meat was a delicacy. They were also targeted by commercial fishers in the 1800s. They were often caught in gill nets, and their bycatch rates were so large that they were considered a nuisance (Regier and Hartman, 1973).
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the commercial fishery for sturgeon was booming. As a result, sturgeon populations in the Michigan area began to plummet. The impact of over-harvesting and environmental changes contributed to their loss of genetic diversity, which lowered their ability to reproduce and adapt to changing conditions (Marranca et al., 2015).
The sturgeon fishery in the Detroit River is considered an important indicator of aquatic ecosystem health because it is so sensitive to human disturbances such as habitat destruction and pollution. Fortunately, habitat restoration efforts are underway in the Detroit River system to help the fish recover.
As a result of these initiatives, fisheries managers have set limits on the number of sturgeon that can be taken each year. This is a key step in managing this species’ population size.
If you are interested in catching sturgeon in Ontario, visit the OMNR website or call your local fisheries management office to learn about available permits and regulations. The sturgeon harvest season runs from April 24 to May 7 and July 1 to Sept. 30.
Lower St. Lawrence River
The St. Lawrence River is an essential part of the Great Lakes system, acting as a natural border between Canada and the United States. It stretches over 700 miles from Lake Ontario all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.
The river is a complex ecosystem with many freshwater, estuarine and marine features. Its physical properties, including current, depth, water masses, salinity and tides, change from upstream to downstream, giving the river a dynamic quality.
This river is important to the people living along its shores, and it also provides navigation for deep-draft ocean vessels. It is therefore important to monitor the river’s health, in order to protect and ensure its long-term sustainability.
Various indicators are monitored, allowing for an overall assessment of the condition of the river. In particular, a series of environmental factors are regularly monitored in the fluvial section of the river, from the Quebec-Ontario border to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, by different partners.
For instance, the IBI (index of biotic integrity), which evaluates fish communities based on 12 descriptors, is used. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the state of fish populations and habitats in the fluvial section of the St. Lawrence and to identify areas in need of protection or restoration.
In addition, the RSI, a network of commercial fishers who participate in this program, collects standardized data regarding fish and their habitats. This data is then analyzed using an array of methods to determine the health of the fish populations in the St. Lawrence River.
The IBI, which has been in place since 1995, is a valuable tool to assess the status of fish communities in the fluvial section of the St. Laurent.
It also serves as a basis for monitoring the state of invasive species in the river. Invasive aquatic species such as zebra mussels, water fleas and horseshoe crabs are present in the St. Lawrence River, and they pose a threat to native aquatic ecosystems.
Several invasive aquatic species were detected in the river between 2003 and 2007, but they have not yet become a major problem. As a result, an early detection network has been implemented to give an overall view of the situation in the Magdalen Islands, the Gaspe Peninsula and the North Shore.