Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary
An annual guide to the rules and regulations for recreational fishing in Ontario. It contains information about recreational fishing licences, open seasons and catch limits, as well as up-to-date fishing regulations for each fishing zone. Effective January 1, 2023.
Cover photo: This colourful brown trout caught from a Great Lakes tributary is a wonderful example of the varied fishing opportunities available to anglers in Ontario. To help you find your next fishing spot, check out Fish ON-Line by visiting Ontario.ca/fishonline.
Photo Credit: Matt Martin
All proceeds from the sale of advertisements appearing in this summary support fish and wildlife management programs in Ontario. The Province of Ontario and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry neither endorse products or services offered in advertisements nor accept any liability arising from the use of such products or services.
Related links
- Fisheries Management Zone overview map
- Search for fishing licence issuers
- Search for ServiceOntario locations that issue fishing licences
- Buy a fishing licence online
- Learn to Fish
- Fishing in Ontario
- Fish ON-Line
- Get an Outdoors Card
- Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary in Chinese
Connect with us
Plan your next fishing trip
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1-877-847-7667
This summary is meant as a convenient reference only, and is neither a legal document nor a complete collection of the current laws. For details on the current rules, see the federal Fisheries Act, Aquatic Invasive Species Regulations, Ontario Fishery Regulations, Variation Orders and Species at Risk Act, as well as the provincial Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and regulations, Invasive Species Act, and Endangered Species Act. The maps in this summary are intended as a guide only, with more detailed maps of Zone boundaries available at ontario.ca/fishing or local ministry work centres.
ISSN 1911-6276 (200 k.P.R., 12/12/22)