An individual from Southern Ontario has been fined $6,000 for the following fishing violations:
Jason Nieuwenhoff of Huron County was found guilty of multiple offences related to the unlawful spearing of rainbow trout, including two counts of using a spear to fish, two counts of possessing a spear within 30 metres of the water’s edge, two counts of fishing without a licence and one count of fishing during prohibited night hours. He was fined $6,000 and is prohibited from fishing in Ontario for three years. In addition, the equipment used during the offences, including a spear and a spotlight, were forfeited to the Crown.
The Ontario Court of Justice heard that on April 13, 2025, conservation officers encountered Nieuwenhoff shortly after 3:00 a.m. while he was attempting to spear rainbow trout. Through further investigation, officers determined that Nieuwenhoff had also attempted to spear rainbow trout on April 12, 2025, as well as on multiple occasions between March 12 and April 26, 2024. Nieuwenhoff did not possess a valid sport fishing licence in either 2024 or 2025.
Justice of the Peace Pauline L. Bessegato heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Goderich, on February 3, 2026.
To report a natural resource problem or provide information about an unsolved case, members of the public can call the ministry TIPS line toll free at 1-877-847-7667. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.
