Eagle Lake Lodges Urge Anglers to Avoid Forward-Facing Sonar Technology

Thunder Bay — The Eagle Lake Conservation Group asks anglers who fish for muskellunge (muskies) to stop using forward-facing sonar when they are on the water. The group fears that more sonar use may hurt the local fish, especially the muskies, which many see as prized catches in the region.

Growing Concerns Over Fish Health

Eagle Lake sits in northwestern Ontario and is known for its prized muskie fishery. Lodges near the lake, such as Vemilion Bay Lodge and Eagle Lake Island Lodge, worry about the effects of this sonar tool on the fish.

Gord Bastable, owner of Vemilion Bay Lodge, said that muskies in Eagle Lake are rare and sensitive. "Muskies here are not common," he said in an interview. He added that the catch and release process harms the fish when anglers use sonar, as it may soon boost catch rates by two to four times. He warned that extra handling may cause more muskies to die.

A Voluntary Appeal to Anglers

Charlene Snow, general manager at Eagle Lake Island Lodge, has seen more anglers use forward-facing sonar. The tool draws interest while opinions are split. "It helps them learn and think about how we treat our fish," she said. Many muskie anglers value conservation and use cautions in their methods.

Lodges around Eagle Lake join to ask that visitors respect this voluntary request. Signs are posted at boat launches and local fishing resorts. "We plan to put signs up this weekend since the season is starting," Bastable said. He hopes that anglers will choose care over the use of the sonar.

Engaging with the Community and Authorities

Snow spoke with lodge guests to spread the word about the risks. Many listeners accepted the call and joined the request. "People seem divided over its use," she noted as the debate moves forward.

Snow has also reached out to the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters along with the Ministry of Natural Resources. Her aim is to see if rules can be reviewed regarding how sonar is used in muskie fishing.

A Challenge Worth Preserving

Bastable noted that catching muskies is a hard test for any angler. Known as the "fish of 10,000 casts," each muskie challenges fishing skills. "They are tough to catch, but it is a thrill when a large muskie comes near the boat," he said.

As the muskie season begins, both Snow and Bastable hope that their request will reach many anglers. They work together to keep Eagle Lake’s muskie fishery true to its careful state.