Help Protect Bass Fish in the Upper Rideau Lake

Bass fish are very important to the eco-system of our Lake. As spring arrives, bass begin nesting in our shoreline areas. 

During this critical period, any fishing along our shorelines (even “catch and release”) can pull male bass off their nests.

When this happens, bass eggs and young bass fish are unprotected and often don’t survive, meaning far fewer bass for years to come.

As we learned at our 2025 URLA AGM, bass stocks are significantly threatened in the Upper Rideau.

However, if there is less spring fishing, our bass will recover.

We’re encouraging shoreline residents to post a visible reminder sign to discourage early spring fishing in nearshore areas. This simple step by people and families along the shore, can make a real difference in supporting a sustainable bass population for the benefit of all, including the fishing community.

In early April, URLA will begin distributing signs.

The sign is targeted toward boats near the shoreline within casting distance of bass nest areas. Made of sturdy 4mm coroplast, the poster is easily mountable on a variety of surfaces/uprights (e.g., trees/docks, etc.) and will last for 3 – 5 years.

Signs will be free of charge for URLA members (up to two signs per property) as well as for Upper Rideau friends and neighbours who are not (yet!) members of our Lake Association.

Please email our membership director Peggy Thompson to order your signs.