American anglers charged following Ont. fishery inspection

The Armstrong detachment of Ontario Provincial Police seized a quanity of fresh fish from American anglers on August 13, 2025, after citing them for Ontario Fishing Regulation violations. (Ontario Provincial Police/Facebook)

Three American men have been charged following a fishery inspection by the Ontario Provincial Police in northwestern Ontario.

Armstrong OPP conducted the inspection on the evening of Aug. 13. Three individuals from Wisconsin were charged for fish possession-related offences, police said on social media.

Charges laid under fishing regulations

“All parties charged under Ontario Fishing Regulations Section 39(2) for possessing fish that have been packed so that species cannot easily be identified,” said acting OPP Sgt. Lisa Lawerence in an email to CTV News on Tuesday.

Lawerence also confirmed the men, ages 45, 64 and 72, were issued tickets for the offence.

Under provincial regulations, the minimum fine for the offence is $100.

Seized fish donated to local community

Following the inspection, the OPP moved to ensure the confiscated catch would be put to use.

The force’s initial post addressed public concern about waste, saying, “Not to worry — the fish seized will not go to waste.”

The fish were subsequently donated to elders from Whitesand First Nation, a community located approximately 80 kilometres southeast of Armstrong.

OPP officials advised that their officers enforce provincial fishing regulations alongside the Ministry of Natural Resources to ensure compliance across the province.