Fishing is a popular pastime in Ontario, Canada, attracting anglers from all over the world. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, you’ll need to obtain a valid fishing license before you can cast your line. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of getting an Ontario fishing license in 2024.
Understand the Requirements
Before you can purchase a fishing license in Ontario, you must first obtain an Outdoors Card. The Outdoors Card is a plastic identification card that is valid for three calendar years and is required for all Ontario residents, Canadian residents, and non-residents who wish to fish or hunt in the province.
There are a few exceptions to this rule:
- If you are under 18 years old or 65 and older, you do not need to purchase an Outdoors Card or license to fish. However, you must carry government-issued identification with you at all times while fishing.
- You can purchase a one-day sport fishing license without an Outdoors Card.
Obtain Your Outdoors Card
To obtain your Outdoors Card, you can:
- Purchase it online through the Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service.
- Visit a license issuer or participating ServiceOntario location.
- Call the automated telephone service at 1-800-288-1155 (when renewing your Outdoors Card).
When purchasing your Outdoors Card, you’ll need to provide your first and last name, date of birth, mailing and residential address, height, and eye color.
Choose Your Fishing License
Once you have your Outdoors Card, you can purchase your fishing license. There are several options available:
- Sport Fishing License: Offers full catch-and-possession fishing privileges.
- Conservation Fishing License: Offers reduced catch-and-possession limits, ideal for anglers who want to release the majority of fish they catch.
- One-day, eight-day, one-year, or three-year licenses are available for both sport and conservation fishing.
License fees vary for Ontario residents, Canadian residents, and non-Canadian residents. For example, in 2024, a three-year sport fishing license costs $79.71 for Ontario residents, $167.43 for Canadian residents, and $249.57 for non-Canadian residents.
Purchase Your License
You can purchase your fishing license:
- Online through the Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service.
- At a license issuer or participating ServiceOntario location.
- By calling the automated telephone service at 1-800-288-1155 (when renewing your Outdoors Card).
If you purchase your license online, make sure you have a printer ready to print your purchase summary. This summary, along with your Outdoors Card, must be carried with you at all times while fishing.
Understand the Regulations
Once you have your Outdoors Card and fishing license, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the fishing regulations in Ontario. These regulations include:
- Possession limits: The maximum number of fish you can keep.
- Size restrictions: The minimum and maximum size of fish you can keep.
- Catch and release: The requirement to release certain fish back into the water.
You can find detailed information on the fishing regulations in Ontario by downloading or viewing the Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary online on the Government of Ontario website.
By following these steps and familiarizing yourself with the regulations, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a successful and legal fishing trip in Ontario in 2024.