Canadian Province Issues Catch-and-Kill Order on Smallmouth Bass and Chain Pickerel in an Effort to Save Trout and Salmon

The province of Nova Scotia is going on the offensive with some new fishing regs that are nothing to f*ck with. As part of a concerted effort to try and save salmon and trout species, particularly in the Margaree River watershed, officials are introducing a catch-and-kill order for smallmouth bass and chain pickerel.

After being introduced to the area back in the 1940s, the bass, in particular, have made their way from Lake Ainslie and into the Margaree and are wreaking havoc on prized Atlantic salmon. Given the hardy nature of both the pickerel and the smallies, they are comfortable in warmer water temperatures and will feast on both trout and salmon smolt during lower water periods when they are confined to smaller spaces. 

In an effort to protect these prized fish runs, Canadian officials have introduced incredibly strict policies and penalties they hope will encourage anglers to do the right thing. By issuing a catch-and-kill order, anglers that hook into either a smallmouth or a chain pickerel are required to kill the fish rather than release them back into the waterways.

And in the event that anglers might not be interested in participating, they also introduced f*ck-around-and-find-out worthy penalties for non-compliance. Anglers caught releasing either species within the watershed can now face a fine of up to $100,000 for a first offense. Do it again, and you’re up against a $500,000 fine or two years’ jail time.

The biggest problem with this or any other wildlife laws is enforcement. With limited resources to have officers stationed across the expanse of the Margaree River and its several lakes and tributary streams, only time will tell if anglers play ball.