Walpole: 2016 Extended Fishing Season Restrictions in Effect Sept 18
Fishing in Walpole (Council of Three Fires) licensed territory is closed as of today, September 18th,, 2016, with one exception: Waters that are in the St. Clair River and 150′ away from Bassett & Seaway islands. If you have a Walpole license, you can still fish the St. Clair River from the head of the Chenal Ecarte, to the end of Seaway Island. All waters that are not part of the St. Clair River are closed to anglers.
The water open to Extended Season fishing is marked in yellow
The reason is…hunting.
NOTE: IN ALL CASES, YIELD TO ANY HUNTERS THAT YOU MAY COME ACROSS
A significant part of the First Nation economy revolves around hunting so during this time of year; hunters get the priority on area use. There are certain areas in the islands that have hunting lodges (or hunt clubs) that need to be given a wide berth. One of these is at the head of the Bassett channel in the South Channel. Steer clear of that spot, even though it is part of the shipping channel.
Many years ago, the waters in Walpole were closed to fishing altogether on September 15th. At that time they decided to experiment with an extended fishing season in the St. Clair River. Without fanfare, the practice has held to this day and is noted on the Walpole fishing permit.
Is it worth the effort to fish there? Is it still worth spending the money to get a license at this point? The answer is yes. In the fall, smallmouth collect along the river edges in both numbers and size. The stretch of river covered by the Walpole license has many key fishing spots that are just now heating up.
Tournament anglers should be careful when choosing to fish this area. The water open to fishing is in the St. Clair River. The flats that are next to the shipping channel are inviting targets, but could potentially be interpreted as “not part of the St. Clair River.” It is possible to be disqualified in a competitive event for fishing closed water.
NOTE: JET SKI’S ARE NOT ALLOWED IN WALPOLE FIRST NATION TERRITORY AT ANY TIME
You can buy a Walpole License at Sportsman’s Direct at 38989 Jefferson (Metropolitan Parkway & Jefferson) One day permits are available. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON SPORTSMAN’S DIRECT
St. Clair Report thanks Carl Smith from Walpole Island First Nation Resource Protection for providing updated information for our readers. CLICK HERE FOR THE WIFN WEBSITE
