Lake Nipissing management
Learn about fishing and how fish resources are managed in Lake Nipissing.
News and updates
As of January 2022, there are new regulations for walleye, northern pike, muskellunge and bass.
Walleye
New regulations:
- harvestable slot size for walleye: must be 40-45 centimetres (none less than 40 centimetres and none greater than 45 centimetres)
- Sport Licence – two and Conservation Licence – one
The harvestable slot of 40 to 45 centimetres for walleye in Lake Nipissing will help to:
- continue to build the biomass (the kilograms of fish in a lake) of walleye to a healthy level
- continue to protect young fish so they can grow to maturity and reproduce
- start protecting mature walleye to rebuild a healthy age structure
Northern pike
New regulations:
- not more than one greater than 61 centimetres, none greater than 86 centimetres
- Sport Licence – four or Conservation Licence – two
The Lake Nipissing northern pike fishing regulation was changed to:
- reduce mortality rates to meet Fisheries Management Plan goals
- protect the large mature northern pike in Lake Nipissing
- provide angling opportunities while managing for a robust fishery
Muskellunge
New regulations:
- minimum size limit
- Sport Licence – one; must be greater than 137 centimetres (54 inches) and Conservation Licence – zero
The purpose of the minimum size limit for muskellunge on Lake Nipissing is to:
- protect large muskellunge
- maximize the growth potential of muskellunge
Smallmouth and largemouth bass
New regulations:
- bass season: open from January 1 to March 15 and third Saturday in May to November 30
- limit Sport Licence – six and Conservation Licence – two
The change in season for Lake Nipissing smallmouth and largemouth bass fishing regulations is to:
- support a high-quality recreational and tourism fishery
- diversify fishing opportunities on the lake
- provide angling opportunities while maintaining sustainable populations
- align Lake Nipissing bass season opening date with the rest of FMZ 11
Read the 2022 Ontario Fishing Regulation Summary for more information.
Fishing rules
You can:
- find specific rules for fishing in FMZ 11
- use the Fish ON-line mapping tool
- find a complete set of fishing rules in the Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary
About Lake Nipissing
Lake Nipissing is managed through a separate planning process. It is one of the most intensive inland fisheries in the province, with:
- resources that support Nipissing First Nation and Dokis First Nation members
- a popular ice fishery
- 44 fish species
- a sport fish community featuring bass, yellow perch, northern pike and walleye
For more information on fisheries management and fishing regulations for Lake Nipissing, contact:
North Bay District
Email: MNRF.NOR@ontario.ca
Telephone:
Legal boundary map and detail maps
Legal boundary map for FMZ 11 and detail maps 1 - 11 (PDF)
Monitoring reports and management plans
- Lake Nipissing fisheries management plan (2015)
- The status of the smallmouth bass recreational fishery in Lake Nipissing (August 2020, PDF)
- Status of Lake Nipissing yellow perch and associated fisheries 1985 to 2019 (September 2020, PDF)
- Lake Nipissing bayesian walleye model report (2020, PDF)
- Status of Lake Nipissing northern pike and associated fisheries 1967 to 2018 (2019, PDF)
- The Post release survival of walleyes following ice-angling on Lake Nipissing, Ontario (2017)
- Lake Nipissing data review 1967–2011: final report (November 2012)
Lake Nipissing Advisory Council
The Lake Nipissing Advisory 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