Tommy Cieplik releases a lunker. That’s potentially several more years of spawning for this one fish…and more new fish with the genes of this large specimen.
As everyones lives continue to stabilize, I thought it would be a good idea to update this post. The number of places where a person can escape to and leave the world behind is ever shrinking in this modern world. And there are even fewer places that one can escape to and catch trophy fish. Trophy fish…isn’t this what you all love to see when you come to Bow Narrows? They are the wonders of the deep! Up comes that fish on the end of your line, and then you see it. Whoa. You can’t help but respect the fight and toughness it took for that wild specimen-of-a-fish to have survived long enough to grow that big. Let’s face it. Down there…it’s either eat or be eaten. So we wonder and admire what it took to get that big perhaps wishing we could glimpse its world for a moment or better yet imagine if fish could talk.
With great love and respect for nature’s wonders, we take our stewardship of the lake and land seriously. And our guests are an impressive part of this stewardship as well. Over the years, Bow Narrows’s guests have truly come to respect these mighty fish that swim in the waters of Red Lake. Both owners and guests have embraced their responsibility for keeping this fish population thriving and even improving. And there is more to be done. Wouldn’t you love to see MORE trophy fish on your yearly trip to Bow Narrows? We would, but only in your photos. So for this reason, it’s time for a reaffirmation of our commitment to preserving the great and our camp’s policy that is key in doing so. With that said, a reminder that all walleye over 18” and northern pike over 27” must be released. Put ‘em back when you catch them.
Here are some basics on the impact and science behind releasing these fish:
- The biggest fish get a chance to pass on favorable or superior genetics for size and robustness.
- We will maximize spawning/reproduction every year therefore sustaining quality fishing for years to come.
- And last but not least, it will increase the number of photo-worthy trophies for everyone.
So when you hook into that lunker on your next escape to Bow Narrows, put ’em back. It’s the right thing to do. Can’t wait to see what we can accomplish! Bow Narrows Forever.
Is this new release policy a Bow Narrows policy or an Ontario conservation policy?
After years of the camp recommending this to its guests, this is now an official Bow Narrows policy. There are many camps on Red Lake and Gull Rock Lake that already have this policy in place. They have seen substantial increases in the size of the fish. It’s very important for us to be proactive as a camp.
Myself and my two adult sons have fished Red Lake since 1976.
(Although out of Sunset Lodge) For all those years we have released ALL Northerns over 27”. Since 1999 we have released ALL Walleyes over 18”. Every year we have caught more and more Trophies and practiced CPR (Catch,Photo and Release). We have caught Pike up to 47” and Walleyes up to 30”. Every year we get more and more Pike in the 36-42”range. We also fish with a Conservation License.
Conservation WORKS!! We see the proof every year!
Thanks so much for your reply, Dennis! That is exciting to hear the results first hand from a long-time Red Lake angler. We too truly believe that conservation works and the rewards are many!
Truly believe in this have been catch and release for years put them back and they will be bigger next year and keep their genes going nothing more fun than catching a big northern getting his picture and letting him go
Brian,
Thanks for formalizing this policy. Too many times, we’ve seen pike over 40 inches in length in the tubs in the camp’s fish house. I know most of the Bow Narrows campers have released all fish over the slot size for years, but there have been holdouts. Your descriptions are spot on. We all want to have a place where there will always be trophy fish, and a growing fish population in general. As Dan described very colorfully in one of his posts several years ago titled Fishing on Mars , it makes no sense to kill the breeders. Hopefully our great grandchildren will be able to catch lots of trophy fish at Bow Narrows many years from now.
This is great news! I wish it were an Ontario policy, because unfortunately, some anglers will never “get it.”
Thanks so much to everyone for their insightful comments! There will always be holdouts but we know educating is key. Doing nothing and letting history repeat itself would be a tragic mistake.
This is the way to go for sure. Big fish are the best breeders, the worst eaters and the very fish you would love to catch again. Good move!
My Question is what is the policy if I catch a wall hanger and want to mount it not a replica or flex mount.
We truly mean no fish over the sizes listed. Handle with care, take a great photo. Note: Make sure your camera is set at its highest resolution this will allow the production of a sharp enlarged image for one’s wall or desk. Take measurements but avoid prolonged handling. I personally measure length only to minimize out of water time. (A blog will be coming shortly on handling tips). Most cameras have a movie function, have your boat partner video or snap a series of pictures as you release it. Then revel in the moment knowing that the thrill you had catching it can be shared with others and that you have had a hand in preserving great fishing for the future.