Laws and rules

You need a licence to transport live fish or spawn (excluding baitfish) taken from Ontario waters. For example, you need this licence to:

  • run a competitive fishing event
  • operate a live-release boat
  • take fish to off-site weigh-ins for a competitive fishing event

These regulations protect Ontario fisheries by preventing:

  • the unauthorized introduction of native species into new waters
  • the spread of invasive fish species, fish parasites and fish diseases

What you need

While you are transporting fish, you need to carry a:

  • licence to transport live fish
  • licence to take or capture fish (e.g., a recreational fishing licence)

When you don’t need a licence

You don’t need a licence to transport live fish if you have cultured, caught, bought or sold the fish under one of these licences:

  • aquaculture licence
  • licence to collect fish for aquaculture
  • licence to collect fish for scientific purposes
  • commercial fishing licence
  • commercial bait licence
  • licence to stock fish

How to apply

To get a licence to transport live fish:

  1. download, complete and sign the application
  2. to operate a live release boat for a competitive fishing event or for all other purposes: