If you are a Canadian resident between the ages of 18 and 64, inclusive, you will require a fishing licence.  Those 17 and under, and 65 and over are exempt, but only if you are a Canadian resident!  All non-Canadian residents 18 and over require a licence to fish in Ontario.  Those 17 and under do not need a licence but can only fish without one if they are accompanied by someone having a valid licence. 

Ontario Residents, Canadian Residents & Non-Canadian Residents

There are a variety of different licence types issued to each of Ontario residents, non-Ontario Canadian residents and non-Canadian residents, and also different options within each category, but they are somewhat obscure and you need to deal with the licencing department yourself personally to determine what it is you need.  If you are not in a rush you can obtain your Outdoor Card (licence) through the mail by calling 1-800-387-7011 (it’ll take about 6 weeks), otherwise you can obtain a temporary paper licence at any of more than 1,800 (thats right, 1,800!) authorized licence issuers across the province, which includes most Canadian Tire stores.

Ontario Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary

I’m not going to try to explain the Ontario fishing regulations here because they are far too complex for my feeble mind.  The “Fishing Ontario – 2008/9 Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary” runs to 96 pages and is available free anywhere that sells fishing licences.  The regulations are also available online in PDF format (the link is below) or you can have the free booklet mailed to you by paying the shipping cost of about $5.00.  Call 1-800-668-9938 from anywhere in Canada but if you are outside Canada you’ll have to call long distance to 416-326-5300.

http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/LetsFish/Publication/STEL02_163615.html 

Tight lines,

Don