A Thunder Bay man has been fined $4,500 and suspended from fishing in Ontario for five years after being convicted of illegal fishing practices.
Paul Hirtle was convicted of unlawfully fishing within 23 metres downstream of a dam, unlawfully fishing for rainbow trout by means other than angling, and making false statements to a conservation officer.
Public complaint trigger investigation
According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, the court heard that on May 1, 2025, conservation officers responded to a public complaint about unlawful rainbow trout fishing in Ishkibbible Creek, in the Municipality of Shuniah.
“During the investigation, conservation officers stopped Hirtle on Highway 11/17 near Thunder Bay,” the MNR wrote in a recent court bulletin.
Conservation officers said their investigation determined that Hirtle had been using a dip net to catch rainbow trout within 23 metres downstream of a dam.
“Throughout the investigation, Hirtle made false statements to the officers regarding his fishing activities,” wrote the MNR.
Justice of the Peace J. A. Bernard Caron heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on June 10, 2026.
To report a natural resource problem or provide information about an unsolved case, call the ministry TIPS line toll-free at 1-877-847-7667 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.
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Ministry reminder ahead of salmon migration
Conservation Officer Ron Arnold, speaking in a social media video, said the case serves as a reminder to anglers as the fall salmon migration approaches.
“As we move into the fall salmon migration around the Great Lakes region, conservation officers want to remind you not to fish within 23 meters downstream of any leap, dam or obstruction impeding fish movement,” he said.
“This includes standing downstream, for example, and casting up into that prohibited area.”
“It is unsportsmanlike and illegal.”
— Ontario Conservation Officer Ron Arnold
Arnold added that fish are afforded federal protection during peak migrations.
