2022-Apr-06
Ontario's New 2022 Fishing Regulations
Importance of the Sport Fishery
Recreational anglers across Ontario contribute to a sustainable fishery worth over 1.75 billion a year. To maintain and manage this fishery the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry publishes an annual Fishing Ontario Guide.
Protecting this valuable fishery is achieved when the guide’s regulations, such as catch and possession limits, protection of fish sanctuaries, open/closed seasons, and bait restrictions, are respected. Anglers can do their part by following the Guide’s regulations and avoiding activities potentially harmful to fish, thereby ensuring that Georgian Bay and the North Channel’s fisheries remain healthy and sustainable.
Fisheries Management Zone 14
Georgian Bay and the North Channel, including the rivers and countless streams running into these waters, are identified in the Guide as Fisheries Management Zone 14.
Fishing Opportunities
Zone 14 offers recreational anglers excellent near and offshore fishing for popular fish species as walleye, small and largemouth bass, northern pike, muskellunge, Lake Trout, yellow perch, chinook salmon and rainbow trout.
The Commercial Fishery:
Commercial fishing also plays an important part of Zone 14’s heritage, providing healthy food and local employment. Offshore anglers are reminded in the Guide that tampering with commercial fishing gear, nets, and traps, is prohibited under the provincial Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and can be unsafe. You can learn more about commercial fishing in Ontario here. Commercial fishing is also referred to in Georgian Bay Association’s 2020 Report on the State of Lake Huron’s Commercial Fisheries.
Getting an Outdoors Card:
Anglers 18 and under 65 require an Outdoors Card which offers two choices: Those choosing a Sport fishing licence, allows catch and possession fishing, subject to Zone 14 regulations; and, those preferring a reduced limit – including catch and release – may opt for a Conservation fishing licence. Anglers purchasing a licence are supporting an annual stocking program of over 8 million fish into Ontario lakes. For information on getting a three or one-year Sport or Conservation licence, including fees, size and possession limits, live bait restrictions and exceptions can call toll free 1-800-387-7011 or 1-800-667-1940 or visit Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service
Opportunities to Fish for Beginners:
Those without a fishing licence but keen to fish, the province is offering two opportunities: One, is a Learn to Fish Guide covering all the basics: choosing the right fishing rod and tackle, tying knots, casting techniques, identifying fish species, and, using catch and release techniques. And the other is the opportunity to fish FREE without a licence on the following dates:
- Mother’s Day Weekend (May 7-8, 2022)
- Father’s Day Weekend (June 18-19, 2022)
- Ontario Family Fishing Week (July 2 to 10, 2022)
More information on free family fishing can be found here.
The rules for live bait have also changed in 2022. More information on new the live bait regulations can be found here.