RLEF has been supporting research on lake fish populations, including that Dr. David Philipp and Dr. Steve Cooke for some time. Studies have shown that the Bass populations in Big and Upper Rideau Lakes was declining over time due to preseason catch and release fishing taking male bass away from their nests.
Fisheries Conservation Foundation (FCF) is working on a broader study of the impact of Bass Spawning Sanctuaries. Statistical data from their implementation in Charleston and Opinicon lakes show the promise of this approach. Results from 2024 and 2025 show the dramatic effect of the BaSS in Opinicon and Charleston Lakes.
| % of Males that Raised Broods to Completion | ||||
| OPINICON | CHARLESTON | |||
| Inside BaSS | Outside BaSS | Inside BaSS | Outside BaSS | |
| Prior to BaSSs (No Sanctuaries) | ||||
| 2022 | 27% | 23% | 29% | 25% |
| 2023 | 25% | 35% | 33% | 40% |
| AVE | 26% | 29% | 31% | 33% |
| (Same results in all areas when no Bass Spawning Sanctuaries (BaSS) in place) | ||||
| During BaSSs (Sanctuaries in place) | ||||
| 2024 | 62% | 23% | 84% | 36% |
| 2025 | 64% | 11% | 77% | 28% |
| AVE | 63% | 17% | 81% | 32% |
| (Dramatic differences compared to 2022/2023 and areas outside BaSS in 2024/2025) | ||||
FCF has been working with Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) to obtain approval to expand the pilot program to 13 additional lakes in 2026. RLEF continues to support these efforts.