Dead bait, What is legal

I have a question about using dead baits. Which species i can use as dead bait in Ontario and specifically in Temagami?

Can i use smelts and sardines from grocery stores? Or it's illegal?

I can't seem to find any clear answers from regulations.

Thank you in advance.

I see nowhere in the regs where this would be illegal.

..and to add to that (based on discussions with a friend who does similar but I don't), get the receipt and keep it with you as it may save you hassles later (esp. if you are using something like smelt in a lake with smelt).

Sardines - unless you can find really small ones would be illegal in Temagami. There is a restriction on any bait over 13cm - presumably because there wasn't enough BS in the regs already. Might have to bring your measuring tape to the grocery store now.

Smelts are zone specific. Prohibited in zones 2, 4, 5 and 6 but should be ok outside of those.

As always, best to double check the regs yourself for the area you plan to fish.

You can always call the MNR and ask or email them.

Arnie

I spoke to the MNR last week about this topic. The chap was very helpful, pleasant to speak with, and didn't have to hold for more than a few minutes before connecting.
You may use "grocery store bait" anywhere, and transport between bait zones.
You may use "dead bait", but essentially only in the zone in which you reside.
You are not permitted to transport any bait, dead nor alive, between zones including salties and other dead/preserved baits. So I can't buy minners in Huntsville this week, drive them home ( differentbait zone), store them or preserve, and return to Huntsville within two weeks to use again. The regs compel you to ditch your bait, +100' from water, before leaving the bait zone in which the minnows originated.
Grubs, bugs, and worms are not restricted.


As with all legal matters; please satisfy yourself.

Thank you so much guys...much appreciated.

Or simply a knife or scissors to trim to the legal length.

I am trying to understand the regs re bait and chumming and the logic behind them. My understanding is that the main concern is spreading disease. That is why minnows nedd to be bought in the same zone as where they are used. So if it's OK to use store bought bait everywhere, wouldn't also be OK to chum with store bought fish. Am I missing something here?

thx