Michigan anglers Fined for Illegal Brook Trout Fishing in Ontario

Thunder Bay, Ontario – Three anglers from Michigan have pleaded guilty to violating Ontario fishing regulations after a conservation investigation revealed illegal brook trout fishing on Lake Nipigon. The case, stemming from a youtube video, highlights the Ontario government’s commitment to protecting the province’s valuable fish populations.

The Ministry of Natural Resources released details of the court proceedings held earlier this year in Thunder Bay. Conservation officers presented evidence from a video posted by one of the accused, depicting the group fishing on Lake Nipigon in March 2023. The footage showed anglers catching and keeping brook trout that were both undersized and caught during the closed season.

Kevin Murray, of Midland, Michigan, admitted to catching and retaining one brook trout during the closed season and was fined $2,000. He is now barred from possessing an Ontario fishing license and participating in any fishing activities within the province for one year. Mathew Bilodeau, also from midland, Michigan, pleaded guilty to angling for brook trout during the closed season and received a $1,500 fine, along with a one-year fishing prohibition. Jame Miceli, of Saginaw, Michigan, pleaded guilty to angling for brook trout during the closed season and was fined $1,000.

“The Ontario government is safeguarding Lake Nipigon trout populations by ensuring fishing regulations are followed,” stated a news release from the