Who needs a fishing licence in Ontario?
Anyone 18 to 64 needs to carry both a valid Outdoors Card and a Fishing Licence when fishing in Ontario. Kids under 18 and Canadian residents 65+ can fish under Conservation limits without a licence, but must carry government-issued photo ID.
Sport vs. Conservation Fishing Licence
The Sport Licence gives you the full catch and possession limits published for each species. The Conservation Licence is cheaper but caps you at (usually) half those limits. If you plan to eat what you catch, buy the Sport licence.
The Outdoors Card explained
The Outdoors Card is a 3-year plastic ID card that ties every hunting and fishing licence you buy to your record. Renew it every 3 years for a small fee — your Fishing Licence attaches to it each time you buy one. See our full Ontario Outdoors Card guide for how to get, renew, and use it.
2026 licence fees (approximate)
- Resident 1-year Sport: ~$58
- Resident 1-year Conservation: ~$35
- Non-resident 1-year Sport: ~$95
- Non-resident 8-day Sport: ~$54
- Outdoors Card renewal (every 3 yrs): ~$10
Current fees at ontario.ca/fishing .
Where to buy your licence
- Online at ontario.ca/fishing
- Any Service Ontario location
- Licensed retailers (bait shops, outdoor stores)
- By phone: 1-800-288-1155
Exemptions and Family Fishing Weeks
Ontario runs two licence-free Family Fishing Weeks each year — one in mid-February and one in early July. During these weeks, Canadian residents can fish without a licence (still bound by all size and possession limits).
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to fish in Ontario?
Yes. Anyone 18 to 64 must carry an Outdoors Card plus a valid Sport or Conservation Fishing Licence. Children under 18 and Canadian residents 65+ can fish licence-free using a Conservation limit but must carry government-issued photo ID.
What's the difference between a Sport and a Conservation Fishing Licence?
A Sport licence lets you keep the higher catch and possession limits shown in the Regulations Summary. A Conservation licence costs less but limits you to lower conservation limits (usually about half). Sport is the right choice for anyone who plans to keep fish for eating.
How much does an Ontario fishing licence cost in 2026?
For Ontario residents, a one-year Sport licence is roughly $58 (plus $10 Outdoors Card renewal every 3 years). One-year Conservation is around $35. Non-residents pay more — $95+ for a Sport licence. Check ontario.ca/fishing for the current 2026 fees.
Where do I buy an Ontario fishing licence?
Online at ontario.ca/fishing, in person at any Service Ontario location, at licensed retailers (most bait shops and outdoor stores), or by phone at 1-800-288-1155.
Who is exempt from needing a fishing licence in Ontario?
Canadian residents under 18 or 65+, First Nations members exercising Aboriginal or treaty rights, and everyone fishing during Ontario's designated Family Fishing Weeks (mid-February and early July).
Can I use one licence in every FMZ (Fisheries Management Zone)?
Yes — your Ontario licence is valid in every FMZ. Rules, limits, and seasons vary by zone, but the licence itself covers you province-wide.
Next: know the rules
Once you have your licence, dial in the zone-specific seasons, size limits, and slot rules.
Ontario Fishing Rules & Zones →