Your Essential Guide to Getting a Fishing License in Ontario: Everything You Need to Know

Hey there, fellow anglers! If you’re planning on casting a line in one of Ontario's 250,000 lakes and waterways, you’ll need to get yourself an Ontario fishing license. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, this guide will help you navigate the ins and outs of getting your license. 

Also, if you're new to fishing, FYI: there are some amazing programs to help you learn how to fish and get the most out of your fishing vacation right away! Check out these resources for Ontario's Learn to Fish program and the Experience Fishing program, as well as a list of participating lodges and tips for beginning anglers. 

And now...let’s dive right in!

Who Needs a Fishing License in Ontario?

Ontario Residents

If you call Ontario home and have been living here for at least six consecutive months in the past year, you’ll need an Ontario fishing license to fish legally.

Canadian Residents (Non-Ontario)

If you’re from anywhere else in Canada and have been living in Canada for at least six consecutive months in the past year, you’ll need a Canadian resident fishing license to fish in Ontario.

Did you know? There are four times a year when Canadian Residents can fish for free in Ontario—Family Fishing Weekend, Mother’s Day Weekend, Father’s Day Weekend and Family Fishing Week. Read more about fishing for free in Ontario and check the dates.  

Non-Canadian Residents

If you're not an Ontario or Canadian resident, you're considered a "non-Canadian resident" for fishing purposes. That means most of you folks will need an Ontario fishing license to reel in those fish.

For non-Canadian residents, you'll need two things to be good to go: an Outdoors Card (or a Temporary Outdoors Card) and a valid fishing license tag for non-Canadian residents. These are separate documents, so don't forget to carry both.

Here's what you need to know:

• If you're 18 or older, you must buy a fishing license. Even if you're 65 or older, you still need one.
• If you're under 18, you can fish without a license as long as you're with someone who has a valid fishing license. Just remember, any fish you keep count towards their catch limit. Alternatively, you can buy your own license to have your own limits.

You can grab your non-Canadian resident fishing license tags from various license issuers across Ontario, or online here. 

Pro Tip: Ontario is divided into 20 Fishing Management Zones, each with its own rules about catch limits, species, size, and seasons to protect our fish populations. Check the Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary before you head out.

License Requirements by Age and Status

If You Are 18 and Over or Under 65 Years Old

You'll need the following:

• An Outdoors Card: This plastic ID card is valid for three calendar years.
• A Fishing License: You can get a license valid for one or three years, and choose between:
  • Conservation License (reduced catch limits)
  • Sport License (normal catch limits)

Learn more about getting an Outdoors Card.

If You Are a Canadian Resident Under 18 Years Old or 65 and Older

Good news! You don’t need an Outdoors Card or fishing license. Just make sure you carry a government-issued ID that includes your name and date of birth while you’re fishing.

Veterans and Active Canadian Armed Forces Members

As of January 1, 2019, veterans and active members can fish for free across Ontario. You’ll need one of these IDs:

• Canadian Forces Identification Card (NDI 20)
• Record of Service Card (NDI 75)
• Canadian Armed Forces Veteran’s Service Card (NDI 75)

If You Are Fishing for One Day Only

No Outdoors Card needed! Just grab a one-day sport fishing license.

Ontario Fishing Rules and Limits

Always follow the catch and possession limits. These rules tell you:

• When and where you can fish
• The species, size, and number of fish you can keep
• What bait and tackle you can use
• what you can and cannot do in specific locations (aka those 20 Fisheries Management Zones).

And remember to carry your valid Outdoors Card and License Summary, unless your license is printed on the back of your Outdoors Card.

Special Considerations for Indigenous Communities and People with Disabilities in Ontario

Indigenous Communities

If you’re part of an Indigenous community with established fishing rights in Ontario, you can fish without a license in your traditional area for food, social, or ceremonial purposes. Just carry ID from your community. If you’re fishing outside your traditional area, you’ll need an Outdoors Card and fishing license or permission from the First Nations.

Persons with Disabilities

If you have an accessible parking permit or a national ID card from the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, you can fish without an Outdoors Card or fishing license if you carry the permit or card while fishing. If you need assistance fishing, the helper doesn’t need their own license unless they plan on fishing too.

How to Get Your Ontario Fishing License

Provide Personal Information:

• First and last name
• Date of birth
• Mailing and residential address (including postal code)
• Height and eye colour

Where to Buy Your Ontario Fishing License

Online

Purchase through the Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service.

• Online purchases require Visa or Mastercard (debit versions included).

In Person

Head to a participating ServiceOntario location or a license issuer.

By Phone

Call 1-800-288-1155 to renew an Outdoors Card and three-year license.

**Note: save your license summary (given to you when you purchased your Outdoors Card, as temporary proof of purchase) while you are waiting for your card to arrive in the mail. You can still go fishing or hunting immediately, before your card arrives—just carry your licence summary in paper or digital format, such as on a smartphone or print it at home.

Quick Facts About Ontario Fishing Licenses

• Outdoors Card Validity: Three calendar years.
• One-day License: No Outdoors Card required.
• Buy Online: From the Hunting and Fishing License Ontario website.
• In-Person Purchase: ServiceOntario locations or licensed issuers.
• Phone Purchase: Call 1-800-288-1155 for renewals.

For more detailed information on fishing rules and regulations, visit the Government of Ontario Fishing page.

Getting your Ontario fishing license ensures you can enjoy fishing legally and responsibly. Whether you're a resident or visiting, following these guidelines will help you make the most of your fishing experience in Ontario. Tight lines and happy fishing! 🎣

Plan a Fishing Trip in Ontario

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