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!
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.
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.
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:
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.
You'll need the following:
Learn more about getting an Outdoors Card.
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.
As of January 1, 2019, veterans and active members can fish for free across Ontario. You’ll need one of these IDs:
No Outdoors Card needed! Just grab a one-day sport fishing license.
Always follow the catch and possession limits. These rules tell you:
And remember to carry your valid Outdoors Card and License Summary, unless your license is printed on the back of your Outdoors Card.
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.
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.
Purchase through the Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service.
Head to a participating ServiceOntario location or a license issuer.
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.
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! 🎣
