Ontario Protecting Walleye from Illegal Angling

February 10, 2023

The Ontario government is safeguarding walleye from illegal fishing practices by ensuring anglers are only keeping fish of a legal size.

Sylvester Gutkowski of Winnipeg, Manitoba pleaded guilty to possessing fish of a prohibited size. He was fined $2,700 and was also suspended from fishing in Ontario for one year.

James Morrissette and Lorrie Morrissette both of Winnipeg, Manitoba pleaded guilty to fishing without a licence. Each was fined $200.

The court heard that on evening of September 3, 2022, conservation officers were conducting a patrol of Caribou Falls north of Kenora and observed a group of people camping. During the contact it was determined that the group had been angling on the Winnipeg River and Gutkowski had nine illegally sized walleye. Both James and Lorrie Morrissette had been angling and neither had a valid licence.

Justice of the Peace Daphne Armstrong heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Kenora, on December 6, 2022.

To report a natural resource problem or provide information about an unsolved case, members of the public can call the ministry TIPS line toll free at 1-877-847-7667. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS. For more information about unsolved cases, please visit ontario.ca/mnrftips.