As the world continues to navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, many outdoor enthusiasts are eager to know whether they can still enjoy their favorite activities, such as fishing, across international borders. In the case of the United States and Canada, the border restrictions and regulations surrounding fishing have been a topic of interest for anglers on both sides. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the current rules and requirements for US citizens who wish to fish in Canadian waters in 2024.
Border Restrictions for Fishing in Canadian Waters
As of June 2021, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reminds foreign national boaters and anglers that travel restrictions are still in place. Unless exempt, foreign nationals, including United States citizens, cannot enter Canadian waters for any discretionary (non-essential) reasons, such as crossing via boat to a cottage or summer home in Canada, pleasure and competitive fishing, fishing tours, or sightseeing.
These restrictions apply regardless of the vaccination status of boaters and include any movements in Canadian waters for discretionary purposes, even if boaters are not coming to port, anchoring, or mooring. However, boaters may still navigate through international or Canadian waters while in transit directly from one place outside Canada to another place outside Canada if the transit is direct, continuous/uninterrupted, and by the most reasonable route.
If at any point during transit, boaters come to port, anchor, moor, or make contact with another vessel, they must report to the CBSA immediately. Transiting through a canal or lock system that requires mooring or anchoring does not constitute an uninterrupted route and is therefore prohibited under the current border measures.
Foreign national boaters found to be in Canadian waters for discretionary purposes may face severe penalties, including maximum penalties up to $750,000 and/or imprisonment for six months. Boaters who enter Canada without reporting to the CBSA (including for the purpose of refueling) may face monetary penalties, seizure of their vessels, and/or criminal charges.
Fishing Access Limits Under the U.S.-Canada Albacore Treaty
For the 2024 season, there is no limit on the number of U.S. vessels allowed to fish in Canadian waters under the U.S.-Canada Albacore Treaty. However, U.S. vessels fishing under the Treaty will only be allowed to fish in Canada’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) from June 15, 2024, through October 31, 2024.
Canadian troll vessels may access U.S. waters from June 15, 2024, through September 15, 2024, and their total number will be limited to 45 vessels. It’s important to note that Canadian vessels may still be transiting U.S. waters after September 15, 2024, but will not be allowed to fish in U.S. waters after that date.
Reporting Requirements for U.S. Vessels Fishing in Canadian Waters
U.S. albacore fishing vessels that wish to engage in fishing in Canadian waters under the Treaty must comply with certain reporting requirements. These vessels are authorized to enter, land their catches, sell or transship their catch, and obtain fuel, supplies, repairs, and equipment only at Coal Harbour, Port Hardy, Prince Rupert, Victoria, Vancouver, and Ucluelet ports.
Before any person or cargo is allowed to disembark the vessel, vessels will be required to clear with the Canadian Customs and Border Services Agency (CBSA). U.S. vessels operating under the Treaty are also permitted to fish for albacore tuna using live northern anchovy as bait in Canadian waters.
For U.S. vessels transiting Canadian waters to fish in Alaska, the Treaty does not affect their rights to transit. However, these vessels must hail-in to the Canadian Coast Guard (Prince Rupert) before entering Canadian waters and have their gear stowed in an unfishable condition while transiting.
Vessels must provide their vessel name, call sign, vessel documentation number, home port, flag state, captain’s name, Canadian waters entry and departure date, intention (fishing or port access), and date of activity in Canadian waters. At the end of the call, they will receive a confirmation number that should be kept on the vessel or available to refer to in the event they are questioned either in Canadian waters or in a Canadian port.
If a vessel enters Canadian waters without hailing, it will be fishing and/or transiting illegally and may be prosecuted either by Canada and/or the United States. Similarly, if a vessel leaves Canadian waters without reporting, it will be in violation of Canadian and U.S. regulations and may be arrested and prosecuted either by Canada and/or the United States.
Reporting Requirements for Private Boat Operators Entering Canada from the U.S.
Private boat operators entering Canada from the U.S. must comply with specific reporting requirements. If you enter Canadian waters, you are not required to present yourself and report your goods to the CBSA if you do not land on Canadian soil, do not anchor, moor, or make contact with another conveyance while in Canadian waters, and do not embark or disembark people or goods in Canada.
However, if at any point during the transit you come to port, anchor, moor, or make contact with another vessel, you must report to the CBSA immediately. You may do so by calling the Telephone Reporting Centre (TRC) using a cell phone from your location in Canadian waters if you meet all the other conditions for an exception.
It’s important to note that you must report restricted and prohibited goods on board, such as firearms, to the CBSA and obtain the necessary permits (if required), even if you meet the conditions for a reporting exception. Undeclared restricted and prohibited goods found on board will be seized, and you could face criminal charges.
Under Canadian immigration law, foreign nationals, including passengers on board commercial passenger conveyances, are required to always carry proper identification and a valid visa (if necessary) for entry into Canada.
Entering Canada by Boat: What to Expect
When a private pleasure boat enters Canada, the boat must dock at an approved marine reporting site, and the captain must immediately report to the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) by calling the Telephone Reporting Centre (TRC): 1-888-226-7277 before proceeding to any other Canadian destination.
If weather forces docking at another location, the master must immediately call the TRC, a CBSA office, or the RCMP and follow instructions. U.S. citizens require photo ID and proof of citizenship to enter Canada, and Americans returning home must have additional identification to comply with U.S. rules.
American citizens may be refused entry to Canada due to criminal, security lists, or medical reasons, and Canadian border officials can refuse entry to Canada if you’ve been convicted of a misdemeanor or a DUI (driving under the influence car or boat). American citizens may be eligible for a Temporary Resident Permit Canada (TRP) in such cases.
When entering Canada, Canada Border Services Agency officers can request phone passwords, but cannot access information stored “remotely or online”. Refusal means the device could be “detained for a forensic examination”.
It’s important to have the required paperwork for the boat and all passengers before arriving at the border. When reporting at the border, just answer yes or no unless asked for details, as Canadian border agents are only concerned about what you bring into Canada – guns and certain foods are not allowed.