Ontario Fishing Licence Guide: Who Needs One, What It Costs, and How to Get It

Fishing in Ontario is one of the province’s great outdoor traditions. Whether you’re casting a line in a quiet northern lake or joining friends at a local river, you’ll need to make sure you have the correct licence and identification before heading out. Ontario’s fishing regulations are designed to ensure fair access, conservation, and responsible enjoyment of this cherished resource.

This comprehensive guide explains who qualifies as an Ontario or Canadian resident, the different types of fishing licences available, special exemptions for youth, seniors, and veterans, and how to purchase or renew your Outdoors Card and fishing licence.

1. Who Is Considered an Ontario Resident?

An Ontario resident is anyone whose primary residence is located in Ontario and who has lived in the province for at least six consecutive months during the 12 months immediately before applying for a licence.

If you meet that definition, you’re eligible to purchase fishing licences at Ontario resident rates. These fees are generally lower than those for non-residents.

2. Who Is a Canadian Resident?

A Canadian resident is a person whose primary residence is anywhere in Canada other than Ontario and who has also lived in Canada for at least six consecutive months in the 12 months before applying for a licence.

Canadian residents who live outside Ontario can still fish in the province, but they must purchase a Canadian resident fishing licence, which has slightly different fees than those for Ontario residents.

3. Understanding Licence Types and Fees

Ontario offers two main types of recreational fishing licences:

1. Sport Fishing Licence – allows normal catch and possession limits.

2. Conservation Fishing Licence – has reduced catch limits and is ideal for those who fish occasionally or wish to support conservation efforts.

Both licence types can be purchased for one year or three years.

Before you can buy a licence, you must have a valid Outdoors Card — a plastic identification card that’s valid for three calendar years. The Outdoors Card is your official ID for hunting and fishing in Ontario.

4. Age Requirements and Exemptions

Fishing licence requirements depend on your age:

If You Are Between 18 and 64 Years Old

You must have both:

• A valid Outdoors Card, and

• a fishing licence (valid for either one or three calendar years)

Your licence can be purchased for one or three years.

If You Are Under 18 or 65 and Older

You do not need to buy an Outdoors Card or a fishing licence to fish in Ontario. However, you must carry government-issued identification that shows your name and date of birth whenever you fish.

Your identification acts as your licence, and you must still follow all fishing seasons, quotas, and possession limits.

5. Veterans and Active Canadian Armed Forces Members

Since January 1, 2019, Ontario residents who are veterans or active members of the Canadian Armed Forces can fish for free across the province as a sign of appreciation for their service.

To fish legally, they must carry one of the following identification cards:

• Canadian Forces Identification Card (NDI 20)

• Record of Service Card (NDI 75)

• Canadian Armed Forces Veteran’s Service Card (NDI 75)

These individuals must still follow all seasons, quotas, and limits that apply to a sport fishing licence.

For further information, veterans can contact the Natural Resources Information and Support Centre at 1-800-387-7011.

6. One-Day Sport Fishing Licence

If you only plan to fish for one day, you do not need an Outdoors Card. Instead, you can simply buy a one-day sport fishing licence. This is ideal for visitors, occasional anglers, or those trying fishing for the first time.

Even for a one-day licence, you must follow the same size, catch, and possession limits as any other sport fishing licence holder.

7. Fishing Rules and Limits

Ontario’s fishing rules protect fish populations and the environment. You must follow regulations that specify:

• When and where you can fish.

• The species, size, and number of fish you can keep.

• What types of bait and tackle are allowed.

• What you can and cannot do in specific regions (Ontario is divided into 20 Fisheries Management Zones).

When fishing, always carry your Outdoors Card and Licence Summary listing your valid fishing licence. If your licence is printed directly on the back of your Outdoors Card, you only need to carry that card.

All anglers are expected to read and follow Ontario’s Fishing Regulations Summary, which is available online and in print.

8. Where and How to Buy Your Licence

You must first buy or renew an Outdoors Card before you can purchase an annual or three-year fishing licence. However, you may buy a one-day sport licence without an Outdoors Card.

Once purchased, a plastic Outdoors Card will be mailed to you, and your fishing licence will be printed on the back. Until it arrives, you can use your Licence Summary, which is issued at the time of purchase and allows you to fish immediately.