A summary of a case involving a Thunder Bay man who was fined and banned from fishing for five years after being found guilty of illegally netting rainbow trout.
A Thunder Bay man has been hit with a $4,500 fine and banned from fishing in Ontario for five years due to illegal fishing activities.
Paul Hirtle was convicted of unlawfully fishing within 23 metres downstream of a dam, using methods other than angling to fish for rainbow trout, and providing false information to a conservation officer.
Ontario Conservation Office vehicle truck An Ontario conservation officer vehicle is seen in this undated file image. (File photo/Supplied/Ministry of Natural Resources)
rainbow trout A rainbow trout is shown underwater in this undated stock photo. (File photo/christiannafzger/i Stock Photos)
“Throughout the investigation, Hirtle made false statements to the officers regarding his fishing activities,” wrote the MNR.
Justice of the Peace J. A. Bernard Caron heard the case at the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on June 10, 2026.
To report any natural resource issues or provide details about an unsolved case, call the ministry TIPS line toll-free at 1-877-847-7667 or reach out to Crime Stoppers anonymously.
For further information about unsolved cases, click here.
NO091826_MNRFISH Ontario conservation officer Ron Arnold is shown in this undated photo. (File photo/Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources/Facebook)
“As we enter into fall salmon migration around the Great Lakes region, conservation officers want to remind you not to fish within 23 meters downstream of any leap, dam or obstruction impeding fish movement,” he explained.
“This includes standing downstream and casting into that restricted area.”
“It is unsportsmanlike and illegal.”
– Ontario Conservation Officer Ron Arnold
Arnold also noted that fish are given federal protection during peak migrations.
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Investigation Prompted by Public Complaint
According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, the court learned that on May 1, 2025, conservation officers acted on a public complaint regarding unlawful rainbow trout fishing in Ishkibbible Creek, located in the Municipality of Shuniah. “During the investigation, conservation officers stopped Hirtle on Highway 11/17 near Thunder Bay,” the MNR stated in a recent court bulletin. The officers determined that Hirtle had been using a dip net to catch rainbow trout within 23 metres downstream of a dam.rainbow trout A rainbow trout is shown underwater in this undated stock photo. (File photo/christiannafzger/i Stock Photos)
“Throughout the investigation, Hirtle made false statements to the officers regarding his fishing activities,” wrote the MNR.
Justice of the Peace J. A. Bernard Caron heard the case at the Ontario Court of Justice in Thunder Bay on June 10, 2026.
To report any natural resource issues or provide details about an unsolved case, call the ministry TIPS line toll-free at 1-877-847-7667 or reach out to Crime Stoppers anonymously.
For further information about unsolved cases, click here.
Reminder from Ministry Ahead of Salmon Migration
Conservation Officer Ron Arnold mentioned in a social media video that this case serves as a reminder for anglers as fall salmon migration approaches.NO091826_MNRFISH Ontario conservation officer Ron Arnold is shown in this undated photo. (File photo/Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources/Facebook)
“As we enter into fall salmon migration around the Great Lakes region, conservation officers want to remind you not to fish within 23 meters downstream of any leap, dam or obstruction impeding fish movement,” he explained.
“This includes standing downstream and casting into that restricted area.”
“It is unsportsmanlike and illegal.”
– Ontario Conservation Officer Ron Arnold
Arnold also noted that fish are given federal protection during peak migrations.
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