Cobourg, ON (September 17, 2024) – The Town of Cobourg is reminding residents of the available resources for reporting improper fishing practices and addressing related concerns.

Fishing regulations and seasons are governed by the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR). For issues related to nuisance, the Municipal Law Enforcement Office can be contacted.

If you witness inappropriate fishing behavior or other related concerns, please report them using the following methods:

• Ministry of Natural Resources Tipline (24 hours): 1-877-847-7667 (for unethical and illegal fishing behaviors)
• Cobourg Municipal Law Enforcement Office (24 hours): 905-372-8380 (for by-law concerns such as nuisance and parking infractions)

Providing detailed and prompt information will aid enforcement officials. When reporting, please include date, time, and location of the incident; description of the person(s) involved; details about the concern; vehicle information (if applicable), including make, model, and license plate number.

Nuisance Bylaw
The Town of Cobourg’s Nuisance Bylaw comes into effect in instances where anglers are harvesting the roe and discarding the fish carcass on public or private property. This falls both under littering and interfering with the comfortable enjoyment of property.

Where You Can Fish
For the many different species of fish in our creeks and Lake, there are different seasons and regulations. Check with the Guide on Fisheries Management Zone 17 for current information. To access the creek, anglers must stay on publicly owned land as signed. Trespassing onto private property is not permitted.

• Open year-round: Cobourg Brook (Cobourg Creek or Factory Creek) - between the southerly limit of the C.N.R. right-of-way and Lake Ontario
• Open from fourth Saturday in April to December 31 (extended fall season): Northumberland County - all waters downstream of Highway 2, except the Ganaraska River.
• Closed all year: Cobourg Brook - Town of Cobourg, from the downstream side of the lamprey barrier (390 King Street West) downstream to the south side of the King Street Bridge
• For more information on Ontario’s Recreational Fishing Regulations and any updates that may affect you, visit www.ontario.ca/page/fishing.

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