FORT FRANCES RAINY RIVER – Crimebeat – A fishing guide has been fined a total of $4,000 for a variety of offences including illegally selling venison and angler-caught walleye. Ron Lemmon of Bergland was fined $2,000 for selling angler-caught fish, $1,000 for having more than the legal limit of walleye and $1,000 for selling venison. In addition to the fines, Lemmon received a two-year fishing suspension.
The court heard that Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers conducted a two-year investigation of Lemmon for selling angler-caught walleye. In June 2010, Lemmon guided two anglers on a fishing trip on Lake of the Woods. During the trip, he encouraged the anglers to take more than the legal limit of walleye and at the end of the trip sold them angler-caught walleye. In February 2011, Lemmon again sold angler-caught walleye to one of the anglers as well as a quantity of venison.
Justice of the Peace Pat Clysdale Cornell heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Rainy River, on June 28, 2012.
The ministry reminds the public that it is illegal to sell or buy any fish caught recreationally. Only holders of commercial fishing licences may sell their catch.
To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your local ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).