Regulations & Licenses

Canadian Fishing Regulations & Licenses: Complete Compliance Guide

Fishing legally in Canada requires understanding complex, multi-layered regulations that vary by province, territory, species, water body, and even time of year.

CanadaFever’s Regulations & Licenses category is your authoritative resource for navigating Canadian fishing laws, obtaining proper licenses, understanding catch limits, and staying compliant across all 13 provinces and territories.

Whether you’re a resident angler or visiting from abroad, our detailed guides ensure you fish legally, ethically, and confidently anywhere in Canada.

Understanding Canadian Fishing License Structure

Federal vs. Provincial Jurisdiction

• Federal Waters: Oceans, tidal areas, some migratory species (salmon)
• Provincial Waters: Lakes, rivers, streams within provincial boundaries
• Most Fishing: Governed by provincial regulations
• Key Point: Different rules in different provinces—always check local regulations

Who Needs a License?

• Adults: Generally anyone 18+ years old (varies by province)
• Youth: Often free licenses for ages 16-17
• Children: Usually exempt under 16 (varies—some provinces 12 or 14)
• Seniors: Some provinces offer reduced rates for 65+

Resident vs. Non-Resident Licenses

• Resident: Proof of provincial residency required
  • Cost: $25-$50 annually (varies by province)
  • More species/methods included
  • Often includes family members
• Non-Resident: Canadian residents from other provinces
  • Cost: $30-$75 (varies significantly)
  • May have restrictions
• International Visitors: Non-Canadian residents
  • Cost: $50-$100+ (highest rates)
  • Often restricted to certain waters/species
  • Short-term licenses available (1-day, 3-day, 7-day)

How to Obtain a Fishing License in Canada

Online Purchase (Easiest Method)

Ontario

• Website: www.ontario.ca/page/fishing-licence
• System: Outdoors Card + fishing license tags
• Cost: Resident $28.16, Non-resident $54.13
• Requirements: Outdoors Card (one-time $8.53 fee)

British Columbia

• Website: www.gov.bc.ca/fishinglicences
• System: Annual freshwater license
• Cost: Resident $36, Non-resident $55
• Requirements: Online account creation

Alberta

• Website: mywildalberta.ca
• System: Wildlife ID Number + license
• Cost: Resident $28, Non-resident $73
• Requirements: Create MyWild account

Other Provinces

• Quebec: $25.27 resident, $53.34 non-resident
• Manitoba: $25 resident, $50 non-resident
• Saskatchewan: $35 resident, $75 non-resident
• Atlantic Provinces: $20-$27 resident, $53-$68 non-resident
• Northern Territories: $15-$25 resident, $50 non-resident

In-Person Purchase

• Retailers: Canadian Tire, Bass Pro Shops, local tackle shops
• Government Offices: Service Ontario, ServiceBC centers
• Parks: Some provincial parks sell licenses on-site
• Required: Government-issued photo ID, proof of residency

What You Receive

• Digital License: Email confirmation, PDF (print or show on phone)
• Physical Card: Some provinces mail card (keep in wallet)
• Tags: Salmon tags, sturgeon tags (where applicable)
• Regulations Summary: Booklet or link to online rules

Conservation vs. Sport Licenses

Conservation License (Lower Cost)

• Reduced Limits: Typically 50% of sport license limits
• Species Restrictions: Some species prohibited
• Cost: $5-$15 less than sport license
• Best For: Catch-and-release anglers, occasional fishers
• Example (Ontario): 2 walleye vs. 4 on sport license

Sport Fishing License (Standard)

• Full Limits: Maximum legal harvest
• All Species: Access to all open species
• Cost: Standard pricing
• Best For: Most anglers who plan to keep fish

Key Regulations by Province

Season Dates

• Open Season: When you can legally fish for a species
• Closed Season: Protect spawning fish (typically spring)
• Examples:
  • Walleye: Often closes late February-mid May (varies by water)
  • Bass: Often closed late April-late June (spawning protection)
  • Trout: Varies widely—some waters open year-round, others seasonal
  • Pike: Usually open year-round (some exceptions)

Catch Limits (Possession Limits)

• Daily Limit: Maximum you can catch and keep in one day
• Possession Limit: Maximum you can have in your possession (usually 1-2x daily)
• Examples (Ontario Sport License):
  • Walleye: 4 per day, only 1 over 18 inches (slot limit)
  • Northern Pike: 4 per day, only 1 over 27.5 inches
  • Smallmouth Bass: 6 per day
  • Lake Trout: 2 per day, varies by lake
  • Panfish (Perch, Sunfish): 50 per day combined

Size Limits

• Minimum Size: Must release fish below this length
• Maximum Size: Must release fish above this length (protect breeding stock)
• Slot Limits: Must release fish within a size range
• Example: Walleye in many Ontario waters—must release 18.1″-21.9″ (protect spawners)

Method Restrictions

• Allowed: Single hook, artificial lures, specific bait types
• Prohibited: Typically includes:
  • Snagging (intentionally hooking fish outside mouth)
  • Use of live fish as bait (many waters)
  • Multiple lines without permit
  • Fishing with net (except baitfish)

Special Regulations & Exemptions

Sanctuary Waters

• Definition: No fishing allowed, ever (spawning/nursery areas)
• Identification: Marked on maps, posted signs
• Penalty: Serious fines for violation

Catch-and-Release Only Waters

• All fish must be released immediately
• Often trophy waters (large fish populations)
• Artificial lures only (in many cases)

Indigenous Fishing Rights

• Constitutional Rights: Treaty rights for food, social, ceremonial fishing
• Jurisdiction: Separate from recreational licenses
• Respect: Non-Indigenous anglers must respect Indigenous harvesting

National & Provincial Parks

• Parks Canada: Separate regulations, may require park fishing permit
• Provincial Parks: Usually follow provincial regulations
• Check Ahead: Some parks have unique rules

Enforcement & Penalties

Conservation Officers

• Authority: Federal and provincial officers enforce regulations
• Inspections: Can check license, catch, gear anytime
• Cooperation: Required by law to provide information
• Courteous: Officers are professionals—be respectful

Common Violations & Fines

• Fishing Without License: $200-$500+
• Over-Limit: $100-$1000+ per fish
• Undersized Fish: $100-$500+ per fish
• Closed Season: $500-$5000+
• Sanctuary Violations: $1000-$10,000+
• Serious Violations: Equipment confiscation, court appearance, criminal record

Avoiding Violations

• ✓ Always Carry License: Physical or digital copy
• ✓ Know the Rules: Read regulations summary before fishing
• ✓ Measure Every Fish: Carry measuring tape
• ✓ Count Your Catch: Track daily limits
• ✓ When in Doubt, Release: If unsure about size/species/limit
• ✓ Ask Questions: Conservation officers help with clarification
• ✓ Check Updates: Regulations can change—verify before each season

Reporting Requirements

Mandatory Reporting (Some Fisheries)

• Sturgeon: Must report all catch (kept or released)
• Atlantic Salmon: Mandatory reporting in some provinces
• Steelhead: BC requires reporting
• Apps: iHunter, FishingBC for easy reporting

Illegal Activity Reporting

• Poaching Hotlines:
  • Ontario: 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667)
  • BC: 1-877-952-RAPP (7277)
  • Other provinces have similar hotlines
• Anonymous: Can report without identifying yourself
• Rewards: Some provinces offer rewards for information

Special Considerations

Fishing from Boats

• Each Angler: Needs individual license
• Lines Per Person: Usually 1 line per license (some provinces allow 2)
• Downriggers/Multiple Rods: Check provincial rules
• Boat Registration: Separate requirement (Transport Canada)

Ice Fishing

• Tip-Ups: Count as lines (usually 2 tip-ups + 1 jigging rod = limit)
• Unattended Lines: Regulations vary—some require name tags
• Shelters: Must be removed by specific dates (varies)

Catch-and-Release Best Practices

• Handling: Wet hands, support fish properly
• Photos: Quick photos (under 30 seconds out of water)
• Hooks: Barbless easier to remove (required in some waters)
• Deep-Hooked: Cut line if hook deep (fish survival better)
• Revive: Hold fish upright in water until swims away strongly

License Reciprocity & Multi-Province Fishing

No National License

• Each province requires separate license
• Example: Ontario license doesn’t work in Quebec
• Border Waters: Check which province governs specific water body
• Multi-Province Trips: Buy multiple licenses (some offer short-term options)

Discounted Multi-Day Licenses

• 1-Day License: $15-$25 (perfect for single outing)
• 3-Day License: $25-$40 (weekend trip)
• 7-Day License: $35-$50 (week-long vacation)

Staying Updated on Regulations

Annual Updates

• Regulations Change: Check every spring for new rules
• Provincial Websites: Most reliable source
• Regulation Summaries: Free booklets at retailers
• Apps: Digital regulation guides (iHunter, Fishbrain)

Water-Specific Rules

• Lake Management Plans: Special rules for certain lakes
• Posted Signs: Always check waterfront postings
• Local Knowledge: Tackle shops have current information

Start Fishing Legally & Confidently

Browse our province-specific regulation guides and licensing tutorials to ensure you’re fully compliant on every fishing trip. Whether you’re obtaining your first license or navigating complex multi-province fishing adventures, CanadaFever’s Regulations & Licenses category provides the authoritative, up-to-date information you need to fish legally and ethically across Canada.

Remember: Fishing regulations exist to protect fish populations, ensure sustainable fisheries, and provide quality angling for future generations. Following the rules isn’t just legal compliance—it’s conservation stewardship and respect for Canada’s incredible aquatic resources.

When in doubt, release the fish. It’s always better to err on the side of caution than risk a violation or harm to fisheries.

Visit Fishing Regulations and Licenses for more information.