Message from the Minister
Fishing is a long-standing tradition in Ontario. It brings people together, strengthens local economies and is a great way to spend time outdoors. As Ontario’s Minister of Natural Resources and an avid angler myself, I look forward to joining you for another year of fishing across the province.
Ontario is home to the greatest fish diversity in Canada and some of the best freshwater fisheries in the world. A key part of ensuring that future generations have the same opportunity to cast a line in Ontario’s lakes and rivers is sustainable fisheries management. To achieve this, we set long-term goals through Fisheries Management Zone plans. These plans are guided by science and input from stakeholders, Indigenous partners, and anglers like you.
We have seen how successful responsible management can be at protecting our fisheries and ensuring anglers can enjoy all that Ontario has to offer for years to come. Take Lake Erie as an example. In 2024 alone, recreational anglers reeled in over 220,000 Walleye on the lake, yet there is still an estimated 77 million Walleye that are at least two years old in the water.
When it comes to our plans for fisheries management, your voice matters. We want to hear from you and encourage you to check Fishing notices and updates for the latest updates and opportunities to provide us your input.
Before your next fishing trip, please take some time to review these regulations. Together we can continue to protect Ontario’s fishing opportunities so that they can be enjoyed for many seasons to come.
The Honourable Mike Harris
Minister of Natural Resources
