Ontario Residents Can Fish Licence-Free from June 28 to July 6

All Canadian residents will be able to fish in Ontario without a licence from June 28 to July 6, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources. This nine-day period includes Canada Day and is the last free recreational fishing opportunity in Ontario for 2025.

The Ministry reports that more than one million licensed anglers spend about $1.75 billion each year on recreational fishing in Ontario. The free fishing week offers an opportunity for both new and experienced anglers, and highlights the economic role of fishing in the province.

The Ministry advises that all conservation licence catch and size limits, sanctuary rules, and other fishing regulations remain in effect during the free fishing period. Anyone fishing must carry identification, issued by the provincial or federal government, showing their name and date of birth. Additional details about these regulations can be found in the Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary, available through the Ministry.

According to the Ministry, outside of designated free fishing periods, most people aged 18 to 64 must have both an Outdoors Card and a fishing licence to fish in Ontario. Veterans and active Canadian Armed Forces members residing in Ontario are permitted to fish for free at any time, when fishing is allowed at the chosen location.

Ontario fishing licences are available for purchase online at huntandfishontario.com or in person at participating ServiceOntario offices and authorized licence issuer locations. For full details on free fishing periods, licence requirements, and regulations, the Ministry directs the public to its website.