1. Fish caught and retained may be gilled and gutted but fish length must be readily measurable at all times for fish taken from waterbodies where size limits are in effect, unless the fish:
are being prepared for immediate consumption;
are prepared at an overnight accommodation for storage;
are being transported on the water from a temporary overnight accommodation to that person's primary residence and that person is NOT engaged in sport fishing; or;
are being transported overland.
2. In addition, when packaging all fish for transport or storage, anglers must ensure that a Conservation Officer can determine:
the number of fish that you have;
the species that you have in your possession.
When Packaging Fish, Anglers Should:
Leave a large patch of the skin on all fillets for identification;
Pack or freeze fish separately and flat so that they can be counted and identified (clear plastic bags or clear plastic wrap is preferred).
Conservation Officers
Conservation Officers have powers of inspection, arrest, search and seizure under the various statutes they enforce, including the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and the Fisheries Act. When carrying out their duties Conservation Officers may do the following:
Stop and inspect a vehicle, boat or aircraft;
Ask questions relevant to the inspection;
Inspect buildings or other places;
Search with a warrant;
Search without a warrant in circumstances requiring immediate action;
Seize items related to an offence;
Arrest anyone the Conservation Officer believes has committed, is committing, or is about to commit an offence.
Conservation Officers operate random "Fish Check Stations" throughout the year. At these stations, Conservation Officers collect information on fish caught by anglers and make sure the regulations are obeyed in order to manage and protect Ontario's fisheries resources.
Police Officers appointed under the Police Services Act, RCMP Officers, National Wildlife Officers, National Park Wardens and Conservation Officers of all border states and provinces are designated Conservation Officers in Ontario.