Fishing in Ontario? Here’s how to get your fishing license

Fishing in Ontario is a popular pastime for both Canadians and tourists alike. To ensure the fish population remains healthy, all anglers are required by law to obtain a fishing license before they can cast their lines.

This article will help you understand how to get your fishing license and explore the great outdoors of Ontario worry-free. We'll also explain how Wise can make the financial aspect of getting your license easier.

All about the fishing license in Ontario

A license and an Outdoors Card are required¹ for non-residents who are 18 years or older. Non-residents under the age of 18 do not need either, but they must be accompanied by someone who has them. However, the fish they catch are owned by the card and license holder and apply to their catch limits. If they would like to keep the fish, non-residents under 18 must apply for their own license and Outdoors Card.

A traditional license applies for one to three calendar years. If you plan to fish for eight days or less, you can get a one- or eight-day license instead. A one-day license does not require an Outdoors Card¹.

How to get a fishing license in Ontario

You cannot buy a fishing license in Ontario without buying your Outdoors Card first, except for one-day licenses, which we will discuss later. You can buy your Outdoors Card online and you will be shipped a plastic physical card that will have your fishing license printed on the back¹.

You can purchase your license and card one of three ways:

• Online from the Hunting and Fishing License Ontario website
• In-person from a ServiceOntario location or a license issuer
• By phone at 1-800-288-1155 (for renewing Outdoor Cards and three-year licenses only)¹

You’ll need to tell them your

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Mailing and residential addresses
• Height, and
• Eye colour.

Your license will either be a physical card or can be saved digitally or printed when purchased online¹.

Use Wise for all your travel expenses to avoid excessive fees

If you're looking to get your fishing license online, Wise can help make it easier and more affordable. By transferring money with us, you won't be subject to hidden fees and markups on foreign exchange rates that are often associated with credit cards.

Plus, when you send money with Wise, you'll benefit from the mid-market rate - the same one seen on Google - as well as minimal fees. And if you plan to travel to Canada for your fishing trip, keep in mind that Wise lets you hold multiple currencies with the Wise account so your travel budget will be ready and waiting in Canadian dollars.

Ontario requires that online license purchases and renewals be made via Mastercard or Visa¹. You can save money here by using the Wise card. This is a Visa card that would work for getting your license online. The Wise card allows you to make payments in CAD from your account. This way, you can avoid costly currency conversion charges.

The Wise card is on its way to being available in 150+ countries. You can check this list of countries to see if you can currently access the Wise card.

How to renew a fishing license in Ontario

Ontario fishing license renewal has the same options as buying, except you also have the option to do so by phone for a three-year license or Outdoors Card¹. You will go through a similar process as when you first got your license and card, except online will be faster because you already have an account and stored information. You will still need to get a new physical card.

How much does a fishing license cost in Ontario

First of all, an Outdoors Card is going to cost non-residents 8.57 CAD.² From there, the license fees will depend on whether you’re getting a sport or conservation license.

The difference between these licenses impacts what size of fish you are allowed to keep.

Sport fishing licenses have a “catch and possession limit of 4”, “only 1 fish can be longer than 90 cm”, and you are required to “immediately release any fish you catch between 70-90 cm long”.

Conservation fishing licenses have a “catch and possession limit of 1” and “no size restriction”³.

Here’s a look at the Ontario non resident fishing license costs² without an Outdoors Card:

1 day licenses do not require the purchase of an Outdoors Card

Essential information you might need about fishing in Ontario

Is there a recommended checklist for fishing in Ontario?

Anglers should always come prepared with the following:

• A valid fishing license & Outdoors Card (if using a license for more than one day)
• Fishing gear such as a rod, line and lure
• Appropriate clothing for the weather and terrain
• Food and water
• First aid kit in case of an emergency

What are the rules and limits of fishing in Ontario?

Limits depend on which license you purchase. Sport fishing licenses have a “catch and possession limit of 4”, “only 1 fish can be longer than 90 cm”, and you are required to “immediately release any fish you catch between 70-90 cm long”. Conservation fishing licenses have a “catch and possession limit of 1” and “no size restriction”³.

You can see all the official rules in the Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary based on season, type of fish, and zone³.

What time of the year is best for fishing in Ontario?

The best time of the year for fishing in Ontario depends on your location. Generally, spring and summer provide the most productive times as they offer a greater variety of fish species. However, fall and winter can also bring some great opportunities for ice fishing. You should research to see when is the best season based on the type of fish you’re looking to catch.

What fish are open in Ontario?

Ontario has a wide variety of fish species that are available for anglers. These include bass, walleye, pike, muskellunge, lake trout and rainbow trout just to name a few.

For more information about the types of fish you can catch in Ontario and where they’re found, check out Fish ON-Line. This interactive map from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry allows you to search by species and distance to find the closest place to fish for certain species⁴.

How many fish can you keep in Ontario?

This depends on which license you purchase. People with an Ontario sport fishing license can keep up to four fish, while people with a conservation fishing license cannot keep more than one. The four fish must be within specific size limits, but there is no size limit for conservation licenses³.