Americans fined $8K for illegal fishing in Canadian waters during Sault, Mich., tournament

The investigation revealed that one of the U.S. anglers caught and retained six walleye from the Ontario waters of the North Channel of Lake Huron, where the limit is four walleye and the other caught and retained five walleye from the same Ontario waters. (File)

Two Americans who veered into the Canadian side of Lake Huron and caught fish during the National Walleye Tour last year have been fined by an Ontario court.

The court heard that on July 28, 2023, the two men were participating in a tour event held in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.

Max Wilson of Cambellsport, Wis., pleaded guilty to unlawfully catching and retaining an overlimit of walleye and was fined $5,000.

Isaac Lakich of Richfield, Wis., pleaded guilty to unlawfully catching and retaining an overlimit of walleye and was fined $3,000.

“Following the event, an investigation was launched after allegations were made that Wilson and Lakich broke Ontario fishing laws and subsequently won the tournament,” the Ministry of Natural Resources said in a news release Friday.

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“The investigation revealed that Wilson caught and retained six walleye from the Ontario waters of the North Channel of Lake Huron, where the limit is four walleye and that Lakich caught and retained five walleye from the same Ontario waters.”

Justice of the Peace Kyle Cachagee heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice in Sault Ste. Marie on Aug. 7.

To report a natural resource problem or provide information about an unsolved case, call the ministry TIPS line toll-free at 1-877-847-7667.

To remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. For more information about unsolved cases, click here.