---
title: "2026 Ontario Fishing Licence: Who Needs One & How to Get It"
description: 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....
image: https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21118949/boater/on-the-water/20160421-DiscoverBoating_Knighton_72512.jpg
---

![Ontario Fishing Licence Guide](https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21118949/hubfs/boater/on-the-water/20160421-DiscoverBoating_Knighton_72512.jpg?width=1100&height=733&name=20160421-DiscoverBoating_Knighton_72512.jpg)

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**](https://www.huntandfishontario.com/) — a plastic identification card that’s valid for **three calendar years**. The [Outdoors Card](https://www.huntandfishontario.com/) is your official ID for hunting and fishing in Ontario.

![outdoors card Ontario](https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21118949/hubfs/courses/pcoc2021/images/outdoor-card.png?width=1100&height=702&name=outdoor-card.png)

### **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**](https://www.huntandfishontario.com/), 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](https://www.huntandfishontario.com/) 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](https://www.huntandfishontario.com/). 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**](https://www.huntandfishontario.com/) 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**](https://www.huntandfishontario.com/) 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.

 

![Ontario Fishing Licence  ](https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21118949/hubfs/boater/on-the-water/20160421-DiscoverBoating_Knighton_72523.jpg?width=1100&height=733&name=20160421-DiscoverBoating_Knighton_72523.jpg)

### **9. What You’ll Need to Apply**

When applying for or renewing your [Outdoors Card](https://www.huntandfishontario.com/), be prepared to provide:

- Your **first and last name**
- **Date of birth**
- **Mailing and residential address** (including postal code)
- **Height and eye color**

These details help verify your identity and ensure the card is linked correctly to your record.

### **10. How to Buy or Renew Your Licence**

#### **Online**

- Visit the [**Ontario Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service** ](https://www.ontario.ca/locations/serviceontario)website.
- Pay securely with **Visa or Mastercard**.
- Save your **Licence Summary** digitally on your smartphone or print it for your records.

#### **In Person**

- Visit a **participating [ServiceOntario location](https://www.ontario.ca/locations/serviceontario)** or an authorized **licence issuer** near you.

#### **By Phone**

- Call **1-800-288-1155** to renew your Outdoors Card and purchase a three-year licence.

### **11. Important Notes for Anglers**

- You must carry your Outdoors Card and Licence Summary whenever you fish, unless your licence appears directly on the back of your Outdoors Card.
- Only **one type of Outdoors Card** is now issued, valid for both fishing and hunting.
- Always follow **catch and possession limits** to protect Ontario’s fish populations.
- If you move to a new address or change your name, update your Outdoors Card information.

### **12. Conservation and Responsibility**

Fishing in Ontario isn’t just about recreation — it’s about respect for nature and sustainable practices. Choosing a **conservation licence** when you don’t need full catch limits helps preserve fish stocks for future generations. Properly releasing fish, using legal bait, and following size restrictions all play a role in protecting Ontario’s aquatic ecosystems.

### **Conclusion**

Before you cast your line in Ontario’s lakes or rivers, make sure you have the right licence and understand the rules. Whether you’re a lifelong resident, a visiting Canadian, a veteran, or a first-time angler, Ontario’s licensing system is designed to keep fishing safe, fair, and sustainable.

By carrying your Outdoors Card or identification, respecting limits, and purchasing the appropriate licence, you’re helping to ensure that Ontario’s world-class fisheries remain healthy and accessible for years to come.

For more information, visit **ontario.ca/fishing** or contact the **Natural Resources Information and Support Centre** at **1-800-387-7011**.

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