How to Get a Fishing License Ontario: Full Guide
Ontario boasts over 250,000 lakes and countless rivers, making it one of North America's premier freshwater fishing destinations.
Do you dream of casting your line in Ontario's crystal-clear lakes? Imagine experiencing the thrill of waiting for a largemouth bass to bite in the early morning mist, or reeling in a bounty of trout as the sunset fades.
These coveted fishing experiences all require one legal prerequisite: a fishing license Ontario.
This article will provide detailed information on how to get a fishing license in Ontario, license types, costs, and how to obtain one, ensuring your fishing experience is both legal and enjoyable. Let's get started!
Who Needs a Fishing Licence in Ontario and Who Is Exempt?
To engage in recreational fishing in Ontario's waters, most people need to hold a valid Ontario fishing license. However, certain groups are eligible for exemptions. Let's take a look:
Who Needs a Fishing License
Canadian residents aged 18-64
All non-Canadian residents (regardless of age)
Anyone fishing in Ontario conservation areas (even Canadian residents in exempt age groups)
License Exemptions
The following Canadian residents can fish in non-conservation areas without purchasing an Ontario fishing license:
Youth under 18 years old
Seniors aged 65 and above (but still need to obtain a free Outdoors Card)
People with disabilities who hold an Ontario Disabled Parking Permit
Active or retired members of the Canadian Armed Forces (valid identification required)
Members of Ontario Indigenous communities (when fishing in their traditional or treaty areas)
Even if you fall into an exempt category, you must still carry valid identification documents when fishing. For example, Canadian residents aged 65 and above don't need to pay fishing licence Ontario cost, but must still obtain a free Outdoors Card as proof.
Types of Fishing Licences in Ontario and Costs
Ontario offers various fishing licenses to meet different needs. The Sport fishing license suits everyday anglers, the Conservation fishing license allows holders to catch more of specific species, while short-term licenses (1-day/8-day) are convenient for tourists or occasional fishers.
If you plan to ice fish in winter, consider bringing a power station for ice fishing to ensure your equipment operates properly in cold conditions.
How much is a fishing license in Ontario? Below are the details of fishing license fees Ontario and types:
Category | License Type | Validity / Description | Fee (CAD) |
Outdoors Card | For Ontario, Canadian and non-Canadian residents | Valid for 3 years, required document for other licenses (except "one-day permit") | $8.57 |
Ontario Residents | 3-year Sport Fishing Licence | 3 years | $79.71 |
1-year Sport Fishing Licence | 1 year | $26.57 | |
1-day Sport Fishing Licence | 1 day (no Outdoors Card needed, starts at 12:00 AM) | $12.21 | |
3-year Conservation Fishing Licence | 3 years | $45.21 | |
1-year Conservation Fishing Licence | 1 year | $15.07 | |
Canadian Residents | 3-year Sport Fishing Licence | 3 years | $167.43 |
1-year Sport Fishing Licence | 1 year | $55.81 | |
1-day Sport Fishing Licence | 1 day (no Outdoors Card needed, starts at 12:00 AM) | $15.21 | |
3-year Conservation Fishing Licence | 3 years | $100.29 | |
1-year Conservation Fishing Licence | 1 year | $33.43 | |
Non-Canadian Residents | 3-year Sport Fishing Licence | 3 years | $249.57 |
1-year Sport Fishing Licence | 1 year | $83.19 | |
1-day Sport Fishing Licence | 1 day (no Outdoors Card needed, starts at midnight 12:00) | $24.86 | |
8-day Sport Fishing Licence | 8 days | $54.38 | |
3-year Conservation Fishing Licence | 3 years | $158.13 | |
1-year Conservation Fishing Licence | 1 year | $52.71 | |
8-day Conservation Fishing Licence | 8 days | $31.52 |
If you’re visiting Ontario or planning a short fishing trip, getting a one day fishing license Ontario is a smart and affordable choice. It lets you enjoy fishing without needing a full-season permit.
Daytime anglers can benefit from using the EcoFlow Power Hat, which keeps you protected from the sun while conveniently charging small devices like your phone or GPS.
For those who prefer night fishing, special permits and proper gear are needed. In these cases, a reliable power source such as the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Portable Power Station becomes invaluable, keeping glow floats, fish finders, and other equipment running smoothly during longer trips in remote lake areas.
EcoFlow RIVER 3 Portable Power Station
How to Get Your Ontario Fishing Licence
Follow these simple steps to get your fishing license in Ontario:
Get an Outdoors Card
Before you can buy most fishing licenses, you’ll need an Outdoors Card. It’s your official ID for fishing and hunting in Ontario.
If you’re only planning a one-day fishing trip, you can skip this step and buy a one-day Sport Fishing License directly.
Many fishing enthusiasts choose to use fishing boats for fishing activities, which allows them to reach waters with more abundant fish.
Information Needed to Apply for a Fishing License
You’ll need the following details when applying:
Name
Date of birth
Height and eye color
Mailing and residential address (including postal code)
Purchase Methods
You have multiple ways to obtain an Ontario fishing license online or offline:
Online Purchase: Through the Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service website, pay with Visa or Mastercard, and save or print your license summary. This is the common method for Ontario Canada fishing license online applications.
In-Person Purchase: Visit designated ServiceOntario locations or any fishing license issuer.
By Phone: Call 1-800-288-1155 to renew your Outdoors Card and buy fishing licence Ontario for up to three years.
Fishing Rules & Limits You Must Know
Planning a fishing trip in Ontario? Before you head out, it’s important to know the local rules and catch limits. They keep the lakes healthy and fishing fair for everyone. Let’s walk through the key things you need to follow.
Must Hold a Valid Fishing Licence: Most people need to carry an Outdoors Card and a fishing license. Sport fishing licenses provide full quotas, while Conservation fishing licenses have lower quotas.
Minors and Seniors Exemption: Ontario and Canadian residents under 18 or 65 and above can use a government-issued identification with their name and date of birth as a fishing license.
Daily Catch Limits: Catch limits are the number of fish you can catch and keep in one day, including those consumed immediately or given away. Possession limits are the same as daily catch limits.
Total Trout and Salmon Limits: Sport license holders can catch and possess up to 5 trout/salmon (all species combined), Conservation license holders up to 2.
No Buying/Selling Catches: It is strictly prohibited to sell or purchase any recreationally caught fish, crayfish, leeches, frogs, or fish eggs.
Prohibited Fishing Tools: Prohibited from using spear guns, spring gaffs, or snares within 30 meters of water to catch fish.
Bait Management Zone (BMZ) Restrictions: Ontario is divided into 4 bait management zones. It is prohibited to transport live or dead bait or leeches into or out of management zones (with few exceptions).
Closed Fishing Seasons: Opening and closing dates for closed seasons vary by species and region. It is prohibited to attempt to catch fish during the closed season, even if releasing them.
Conclusion
Through this guide, we’ve explained the requirements, license types, fees, and application steps to help you easily complete your Ontario fishing license process.
When getting ready for your next fishing trip, remember to bring the right gear along with your license. A portable power station from EcoFlow can be especially useful for multi-day trips or remote fishing spots, providing steady power for phones, lights, and fish finders.
Now that you know how to get your Ontario fishing license, start planning your next fishing adventure and enjoy the beauty of Ontario’s lakes and rivers.
FAQs
Can I get an Ontario fishing license online?
Yes, the most convenient way to obtain an Ontario fishing license is to apply online through the official website of the Ontario Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service. There is no need to queue or go to an offline outlet in person, which greatly saves your time and energy.
After completing payment, you can immediately print your license or store the electronic version on your phone. Additionally, you can also purchase fishing licence Ontario through ServiceOntario centers or certain outdoor equipment stores.
Can I fish in Ontario without a license?
In Ontario, specific groups can fish without a license:
Canadian residents under 18 years old
Canadian residents aged 65 and above (need a free Outdoors Card)
People with disabilities holding an Ontario Disabled Parking Permit
Active members of the Canadian Armed Forces (valid identification required)
Members of Indigenous communities fishing in their traditional or treaty areas
Non-Canadian residents must hold a valid fishing license regardless of age. Additionally, even exempt groups need to obtain appropriate licenses when fishing in conservation areas.
At what age do you no longer need a fishing license in Ontario?
In Ontario, Canadian residents aged 65 and above no longer need to purchase fishing licence Ontario, but must still obtain a free Outdoors Card to use as a fishing license.
Similarly, Canadian residents under 18 years old also don't need to purchase a fishing license. Note that these age exemptions only apply to Canadian residents; non-Canadian residents must purchase appropriate fishing licenses regardless of age.
All anglers, regardless of age or residency status, must comply with Ontario's fishing regulations, including catch limits, size limits, and seasonal restrictions.