Is fishing season still open in Ontario?
Ava Robinson
Updated on March 10, 2026
Thereof, is fishing season closed in Ontario?
The Government of Ontario has not made any direct changes to fishing and hunting. While hunting and fishing are not prohibited activities, you may be fined for breaking COVID-19 restrictions. You can find more information on closures and OFAH's health and safety advice for anglers and hunters at
Likewise, when can I go fishing in Ontario? OPERATIONAL SEASON. We open for the fishing season on the 3rd Saturday in May for Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass and Lake Trout. Angling for Muskellunge opens the 3rd Saturday in June and our fishing season for all species ends in early October.
Correspondingly, what fishing season is open in Ontario?
Ontario Fishing Regulations – Zone 5
| Species | Open Season | Sport Licence |
|---|---|---|
| Walleye (or Sauger) | Jan. 1-April 14; May 16-Dec 31 | 2 Per Day 4 Possession |
| Northern Pike | All Year | 4 Per Day 4 Possession |
| Smallmouth Bass (or Largemouth) | Jan 1- June 30 | Catch & Release |
| July 1-Nov 30 | 4 Per Day 4 Possession |
Is trout season open in Ontario?
In general, our Ontario trout season is short and runs from the 4th Saturday in April until the last day in September, about 5 months.
Related Question Answers
When can you fish without a license in Ontario?
Fish without a licenceFour times a year, Canadian residents can fish in Ontario without buying a fishing licence, during: Family Fishing Weekend in February (February 13-15, 2021) Mother's Day Weekend in May (May 8-9, 2021) Father's Day Weekend in June (June 19-20, 2021)
Do you need a fishing license in Ontario right now?
Most people require a Recreational Fishing Licence or deemed licence to legally fish in Ontario. You must carry your Outdoors Card or licence summary whenever you are fishing. If requested, you must present these documents to a conservation officer.Are boat launches closed in Ontario?
Under the provincial rules, marinas may now only repair or service boats and launch them in the water but then leave them secured to a dock until open to the public. “Boating and fishing is a safe outdoor activity that by nature has minimal contact with other people,” marina manager Darcy Bennett said.How many pike can I keep in Ontario?
you never exceed your daily limit of northern pike or walleye, or 6 smallmouth and largemouth bass (in any combination), at one time. any fish you release are likely to survive.Can you catch and release fish out of season?
Though fishing seasons vary across states, it is illegal to fish for bass, or any other species, outside their seasons. According to the DEC regulations, “intentionally fishing for a species during its closed season” is against the law.How many fish can I keep in Ontario?
You may only catch and keep in one day or possess no more than five trout and salmon in total under a sport fishing licence ( S –5) or two trout and salmon in total under a conservation fishing licence ( C –2).How much is a fishing license in Ontario?
2021 fishing licence fees for Ontario residents| Licence | Fees |
|---|---|
| Outdoors Card | $8.57 |
| 3-year sport fishing licence | $79.71 |
| 3-year conservation fishing licence | $45.21 |
| 1-year sport fishing licence | $26.57 |
Is Walleye open in Ontario?
Walleye fishing season opens on the third Saturday in May, and countless residents and non-residents alike have their calendars already marked. The opening day of walleye fishing season is the unofficial beginning of the open water fishing season in Ontario.Is it illegal to fish at night in Ontario?
1 over illegal night fishing on Rice Lake south of Peterborough. “In Ontario, it's illegal to use artificial light to attract fish except when fishing for certain species with a dip net, or you can use lights if it's part of a lure; it's attached to a line,” he said.Can you drink while ice fishing in Ontario?
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is reminding the public of the law relating to consuming alcohol while in “Ice Shacks” fishing on area lakes. Consuming alcohol in an ice hut is illegal under Regulation 31(2) of the Liquor Licence Act (LLA).Why is fishing with corn illegal?
If the fish is too small for the corn to pass through the stomach and intestines, corn can actually cause blockages and the fish could die from internal buildup. If this happens to too many fish, the mortality rate will go up for the area and there will be more decomposing bodies than the environment can keep up with.What is the fine for fishing without a license in Ontario?
$200Does Canadian Tire sell fishing license Ontario?
Ontario: This one gets complicated because, in order to buy a fishing licence, you need to have an Outdoors Card. Manitoba: Licences are available at many tackle shops, convenience stores and big box stores (Cabela's, Walmart, Canadian Tire). Provincial Conservation and Water Stewardship offices also sell them.What is the difference between sport and conservation fishing license Ontario?
Licence options: There are two versions of the fishing licence – Sport & Conservation. The Sport licence allows full catch and possession fishing privileges. In most cases, the Conservation licence has a catch and possession limit that is lower than the Sport licence.Where can I buy an Ontario fishing license?
To buy in person:- visit a participating ServiceOntario location.
- visit a licence issuer.
Can I buy an Ontario fishing license online?
In order to buy a fishing licence, you must first buy an Ontario Outdoors card. You can do this. online (existing customers must have their Outdoors Card number to purchase via the internet) Have a printer ready!Where can I fish in Ontario without a boat?
5 Recommended Places To Access Ontario's Shore Fishing- Bewdley Ontario, Rice Lake. Rice Lake is in South-Central Ontario.
- Niagara Whirlpool, Niagara River. This is by far our most scenic pick of shoreline fishing spots on this list.
- Thames River, London.
- Saugeen River, Bruce County.
- St Mary's River Rapids, Sault Ste Marie.
Where can I find rainbow trout in Ontario?
Rainbows trout, as with other trout, can be found in warmer, near-shore areas during the spring. In particular, seek them near river and harbour mouths and off sandy and gravely windward shorelines.Where can I fish for trout in Ontario?
10 Sweet Spots for Ontario Brook Trout- Nipigon System. On July 21, 1915, the world record brook trout was caught in the Nipigon River.
- Lake Superior.
- The Winisk River.
- (Photo credit: Gord Ellis)
- Wawa/Lake Superior Provincial Park.
- Sutton River.
- Thunder Bay district.
- Longlac/Geraldton /Greenstone area.
Where can I find brown trout in Ontario?
BEST ONTARIO BROWN TROUT RIVERS- Grand River.
- Eramosa River.
- Whitemans Creek.
- Duffins Creek.
- Bowmanville creek.
- Ganaraska River.
What is the season for lake trout in Ontario?
Lake Trout rules for FMZ 4Open season is from 1 January to 30 September. The catch and keep limit is: 2 for a Sport license.
Do you need a fishing license if you are over 65 in Ontario?
Over 65 years old: You don't need an Outdoors Card or a fishing licence, but you may purchase them. Your fees will go towards managing fish and wildlife populations in Ontario. If your assistant engages in fishing, they will require a licence. The catch and possession limits are the same as a sport fishing licence.Where can I fish for bass in Ontario?
THE HOT SPOTS- Balsam Lake.
- Georgian Bay.
- Lake Couchiching.
- Lake Nipissing.
- Lake of the Woods.
- Lake Simcoe.
- Rice Lake.