Licence-free fishing is back: Ontario families can enjoy fishing province-wide without having to purchase a licence or carry an Outdoors Card, from July 3 to 11, 2021.
“Fishing is a time-honoured tradition and terrific way for families to spend time together,” said Greg Rickford, Minister of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry. “I hope everyone in Ontario is able to head down to a lake or river and take part in Free Fishing Week, this year.”
Families that take part in these activities are reminded to respect the regulations under Step 2 of the Roadmap to Reopen.
If you and your family are fishing during licence-free fishing periods or at other times, it’s important to help keep recreational fisheries healthy for future generations by:
- Following conservation licence catch limits
- Obeying size limits and sanctuaries
- Following all other fishing regulations and rules.
Quick Facts on Licence-Free Fishing
- Outside of licence-free fishing periods, anyone 18 and older, but under the age of 65 must have an Outdoors Card and a fishing licence.
- All veterans and active Canadian Armed Forces members residing in Ontario can enjoy free recreational fishing in the province, whenever and wherever fishing is allowed.
- Ontario’s recreational fishing industry generates $1.75 billion annually.
Visit the Government of Ontario website for more information on What You Need to Know about Licence-Free Family Fishing and Finding a new fishing spot using Fish ON-Line as well as a Guide to eating Ontario fish.