News and updates

We are developing a new Fisheries Management Plan for FMZ 4 (Northwest Region: Kenora, Red Lake, Dryden, Sioux Lookout, Thunder Bay). To help set priorities for the plan, we are looking for feedback from anglers and anyone interested in the management of FMZ 4 fisheries resources.

The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete. Your answers are anonymous and will help us understand your views as we begin developing the plan.

Fishing rules

You can:

About this zone

FMZ 4 is located in northwest Ontario. This zone has:

  • a vast area (60,440 square kilometres) of which less than 25% is privately owned
  • lakes of intermediate depth and stained water clarity
  • important recreational, commercial and tourism-based fisheries
  • prominent fisheries for northern pike, walleye, lake trout, lake whitefish, smallmouth bass and muskellunge
  • brook trout, rainbow trout and splake stocked into many lakes for additional angling opportunities
  • the “Specially Designated Waters” of Red Lake, Gullrock Lake, Lac Seul, Minnitaki Lake, Abram Lake, Pelican Lake, Botsford Lake and Big Vermilion Lake

FMZ 4 is one of 20 fisheries management zones in the province.

Location

 

Zone 4 is located in northwestern Ontario and includes the cities of Red Lake, Ear Falls, Sioux Lookout and Ignace.

 

View Fisheries Management Zone 4 map using Fish on-Line or a PDF.

FMZ 4:

  • is bordered to the west by Woodland Caribou Provincial Park and the Manitoba border
  • its eastern edge borders Brightsand River Provincial Park and Wabikimi Provincial Park
  • its northern border is marked by the Berens River and Cat River systems
  • its southern border follows Highway 17 and the Canadian National Railway line
  • cities include Red Lake, Ear Falls, Sioux Lookout and Ignace

Legal boundary map and detail maps

Legal boundary map for FMZ 4 and detail maps 1 - 22 (PDF)

Monitoring reports and management plans

Zone advisory council

The FMZ 4 council provides advice during the development of fisheries objectives and strategies.

Council members represent a broad range of views including:

  • angling groups
  • scientists and researchers
  • conservation groups
  • interested community members

The advisory council participates in fisheries management by:

  • sharing ideas and expertise with the ministry
  • helping to develop and implement management strategies
  • communicating with the local and angling community

More information about the Fisheries Management Zone 4 advisory council please contact Steve Bobrowicz.

General fishing rules