Coalition continues to fight US anglers using Canadian waters

The federal and provincial government needs to work together to prevent American anglers, who aren’t staying in Canadian resorts, from fishing in Canadian waters.

The Coalition of Rainy Lake and Lake of The Woods Communities, Businesses, and Stakeholders was set up about two years ago to fight this issue.

Co-chair of the coalition, Heather Gropp is optimistic they are making some headway in their battle.

“I’m hopeful that we’re starting to make progress,” says Gropp.

“We see this as multi-pronged. The majority of the issue is federal but there are things provincially that can help this as well. So, we’re just asking that everyone comes together and see what’s working and maybe what could be improved.”

Gropp adds that American resorts are literally advertising that anglers can fish in Canadian waters, without staying at a Canadian resort.

“We’ve seen multiple US resorts and anglers advertise, ‘Fish in Canada without staying in Canada’. And that has a really detrimental impact on our tourism-based economy.”

The Coalition says while the US angling guides are required to have a work permit to bring non-resident anglers into Canadian waters, the non-resident anglers are not required to check in at any border office or acquire any permits from the Canadian government if they do not touch land or tie up to other boats.

It says this gap in border security must be closed to ensure the safety and sustainability of Canadian waters.