Bass fish are a vital part of the eco-system on our lake. Some in the local fishing community have noted, anecdotally, that there are fewer bass – and smaller bass – than previously. Bass populations are also stressed, some critically, in other lakes in Ontario.
Our Board is supporting efforts to implement “bass spawning sanctuary” (“BaSS”) zones on our lake. If successful, spawning sanctuary zones would be in place, starting in 2026.
In the spring, male bass create nests by clearing a shallow area on the lake bed. (Many of us have seen these bass nests – they look like round areas on the lake bottom, in early spring.) The female bass lays her eggs, and then, the male fertilizes them.
When done, the female leaves the nest and the male alone guards the nest continually, 24 hours per day! Males protect the bass eggs until they hatch (3-4 days), and while the bass larvae develop into free-swimming fry and begin to feed (another 8-10 days). The male further protects the young bass for another 2-4 weeks (depending on water temperature) until the young can recognize and begin to avoid predators.
When male bass are removed from their nests, the unguarded bass eggs or fry are consumed by predators within minutes.
If male bass are removed from their nests, even momentarily, through fishing, and/or “catch and release” fishing, the bass eggs/fry are left unprotected. Without the male to guard the nest, predators (e.g., sunfish, perch, and other species) quickly swoop in and eat the unguarded eggs/larvae/fry.
Angling a male bass off the nest, even accidentally and even if only for a very short time, radically reduces the survival of baby fish in his brood. Research has shown that on average, 50% of the eggs are consumed from an unguarded nest within the first 8-10 minutes. If that male is harvested or fails to return to continue to guard his offspring, likely no young bass offspring of his will survive.
In Ontario, fishing regulations are enforced by Conservation Officers from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. However, under today’s regulations related to pre-season bass fishing, it is virtually impossible legally to stop people fishing for bass prior to the opening of bass season since those fishing can simply state that they are not fishing for bass but rather for perch or something else.
BaSS zones are provincially-regulated “no fishing zones” from early season until 2 weeks after Bass Season opens. The zones are well-marked. Conservation Officers can stop and fine anyone caught fishing in these waters prior to the sanctuaries opening each year. That eliminates the catch-and-release issue, and the male bass can continue to protect his nest.
Moving forward, several other local volunteer organizations (including the Big Rideau Lake Association and the Rideau Lakes Environmental Foundation) are supporting the establishment of BaSS zones.
More information on Bass sanctuaries
More detailed information on the importance of establishing Bass zones, and on how the sanctuaries work, and who is involved, is found at the following links
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