In Ontario, a fishing license is part of the Outdoors Card program, which most anglers need to fish in the province's lakes, rivers, and streams. Unless exempt, you must have a valid Outdoors Card and a fishing license tag (either a conservation or sport fishing license) when:
In Ontario, certain groups are exempt from needing a fishing license, including:
Please note that an Ontario Health Card, Social Insurance Number (SIN) card, and other provincial identification or assistance cards may not qualify for an exemption from purchasing a fishing license. For those with disabilities, specific designations and documents are required to qualify for an exemption. This may include presenting a Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) identification card or a Ministry of Transportation accessible parking permit.
This summary is provided for convenience only and is not a legal document or a comprehensive compilation of current laws. For complete and up-to-date information, please refer to the Ontario Fishing Regulations.
Yes, you can begin fishing right after purchasing your license. Until your physical Outdoors Card arrives by mail, you can use the License Summary emailed to you at the time of purchase as temporary proof of your license. This document will suffice as evidence of a valid fishing license if a conservation officer requests it.
When you purchase a fishing license in Ontario, you will receive a digital copy of your License Summary via email. This summary acts as proof of your valid fishing license. Keep your License Summary handy while fishing, either by printing it out or saving a digital copy on your mobile device. The physical Outdoors Card will be mailed to you and may take up to 20 days to arrive. If you’ve applied for an Outdoors Card and haven’t received it within the stated timeframe or have additional questions related to your Outdoors Cards, call 1-800-387-7011.
Yes, if you are between 18 and 64 years old, you must have a valid fishing license to fish in Ontario waters, whether in freshwater or saltwater. This requirement applies both in the water and on the shore. Always carry your License Summary as proof of your valid fishing license.
If you are eligible for an exemption from holding a fishing license (for instance, if you are under 18, 65 or older, or fishing during Ontario's Family Fishing Weekends), you must carry proper identification or documentation to prove your eligibility. This may include a government-issued ID for age-related exemptions. Indigenous peoples exercising their right to fish for food, social, or ceremonial purposes should carry status identification or other relevant documentation.
An Ontario resident is someone whose primary residence is in Ontario and who has lived there for at least six consecutive months within the 12 months prior to applying for a license.
A Canadian resident is someone whose primary residence is elsewhere in Canada and who has lived in Canada for at least six consecutive months within the 12 months prior to applying for a license.
A non-Canadian resident is someone who is neither an Ontario resident nor a Canadian resident.
The province of Ontario offers two types of recreational fishing licenses:
Sport Fishing License: This license provides full catch and possession privileges for anglers.
Conservation Fishing License: This license offers reduced catch and possession limits, making it ideal for anglers who primarily practice catch-and-release. Conservation licenses are also less expensive than sport licenses due to these lower limits.
All fishing licence products are issued on a calendar year basis from January 1 to December 31. Regardless of the date of purchase, 1 year fishing licences expire December 31 of the year printed on the licence, while 3-year fishing licences expire December 31 of its third year.
