Ontario Fishing Licence (2026)
Complete guide to Ontario fishing licence costs in 2026. Learn about Outdoors Card requirements, Sport vs Conservation options, online purchase steps, and age exemptions.
Quick Answer
A Ontario fishing licence costs $26.57 for residents. Canadian residents under 18 can fish free with valid government-issued ID. Sport fishing limits apply. Purchase online at Hunt & Fish Ontario.
Overview
Ontario is Canada's most popular fishing destination, attracting over 1.3 million licensed anglers each year. The province is home to more than 250,000 lakes and countless rivers, offering world-class fishing for walleye, bass, northern pike, lake trout, and muskellunge. Ontario's licensing system requires an Outdoors Card as a prerequisite and offers two tiers: Sport (full limits) and Conservation (reduced limits at lower cost). The province is divided into 20 Fisheries Management Zones (FMZs), each with specific regulations. CAF veterans and active military fish free.
Licence Prices
Current prices for Ontario fishing licences (January 1 to December 31).
| Licence Type | Ontario Resident | Canadian Resident | Non-Canadian Resident |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Year Sport | $26.57 CAD | $55.81 CAD | $83.19 CAD |
| 3-Year Sport | $79.71 CAD | $167.43 CAD | $249.57 CAD |
| 1-Year Conservation | $15.07 CAD | $33.43 CAD | $52.71 CAD |
| 3-Year Conservation | $45.21 CAD | $100.29 CAD | $158.13 CAD |
| 1-Day Sport | $12.21 CAD | $15.21 CAD | $24.86 CAD |
| 8-Day Sport | — | — | $54.38 CAD |
| 8-Day Conservation | — | — | $31.52 CAD |
Prices shown before HST. Outdoors Card ($8.57, valid 3 years) required for most licences. Replacement Outdoors Card: $9.29.
Prerequisites
Cost: $8.57 | Validity: 3 calendar years | Not required for 1-day sport fishing licence. Replacement Outdoors Card costs $9.29.
Age Exemptions
Youth (Under 18)
Canadian residents under 18 can fish free with valid government-issued ID. Sport fishing limits apply.
Seniors (65+)
Canadian residents 65 and older can fish free with valid government-issued ID. Sport fishing limits apply. Non-Canadian residents 65+ still require a licence.
How to Get Your Ontario Fishing Licence
Get an Outdoors Card
Apply online at huntandfishontario.com or at a licence issuer. The plastic card costs $8.57 and is valid for 3 calendar years. You can select your licence start date when purchasing online.
Choose Your Licence Type
Select between Sport (full catch limits) or Conservation (reduced limits, lower cost). Available in 1-year, 3-year, or 1-day options.
Purchase Online or In Person
Buy online at huntandfishontario.com (credit card required) or visit any authorized licence issuer across Ontario. Purchase in advance of your trip.
Print or Save Your Licence
Print your electronic licence or save it on your mobile device. You must carry your licence and Outdoors Card while fishing.
Sport vs Conservation Licence: Which Should You Choose?
Ontario offers two licence tiers. A Sport licence provides full catch and possession limits. A Conservation licence costs less but comes with reduced daily catch and possession limits — typically about half. Conservation licences are a great choice for casual anglers who want to keep a few fish for dinner. If you plan to fish frequently or want maximum flexibility, the Sport licence is the better value.
Understanding the Outdoors Card
The Outdoors Card is a plastic identification card unique to Ontario. It costs $8.57 and is valid for 3 calendar years regardless of when you purchase it. You must have an Outdoors Card before you can buy most fishing licences — the only exception is the 1-day sport fishing licence. The card is linked to your personal information in the Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service (FWLS) database. You can apply for it online or at any authorized licence issuer. If you lose your card, you can get a replacement for $9.29.
Fisheries Management Zones (FMZs)
Ontario divides the province into 20 Fisheries Management Zones, each with specific regulations on species, catch limits, size restrictions, and open seasons. Before fishing, you must know which FMZ you are in. The Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary, published annually, lists all rules by zone. You can find your FMZ using the interactive map at ontario.ca/fishing.
Canadian Armed Forces: Free Fishing
Ontario residents who are active members or veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces can fish without purchasing a licence. They must carry appropriate military or veteran identification while fishing. Sport fishing limits apply.
2026 Regulation Updates
- 2026 Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary effective January 1, 2026.
- Updated catch limits in several FMZs across Northern Ontario.
- Four Free Fishing events scheduled: Family Day Weekend (February), Mother's Day Weekend (May), Father's Day Weekend (June), and Canadian National Fishing Week (July).
- Ontario-resident CAF veterans and active military fish free with appropriate ID.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Ontario fishing licence cost in 2026?
An Ontario resident 1-year Sport fishing licence costs $26.57, plus the Outdoors Card fee of $8.57 (valid 3 years). A Conservation licence is $15.07. Non-Canadian residents pay $83.19 for a Sport licence. All prices before HST.
Do kids need a fishing licence in Ontario?
No. Canadian residents under 18 years old can fish in Ontario without a licence. They must carry valid government-issued identification showing their age and Canadian residency. Sport fishing limits apply.
What is the difference between Sport and Conservation fishing licence?
A Sport licence gives you full daily catch and possession limits. A Conservation licence has reduced limits (roughly half) but costs less. For example, a 1-year resident Sport licence is $26.57 versus $15.07 for Conservation.
Can I buy an Ontario fishing licence online?
Yes. You can purchase online at huntandfishontario.com using a credit card. You will need to create an account and provide identification. Your electronic licence can be printed or saved on your mobile device. You can select the start date for your licence.
Do seniors need a fishing licence in Ontario?
Canadian residents aged 65 and older can fish in Ontario for free with Sport fishing limits. You must carry valid government-issued identification showing your age and Canadian residency. Non-Canadian residents aged 65+ still require a licence.
What is an Ontario Outdoors Card and do I need one?
The Outdoors Card is a $8.57 plastic ID card valid for 3 years. You need it before purchasing most Ontario fishing licences. The only exception is the 1-day sport licence. Apply online or at any authorized licence issuer. Replacement cost: $9.29.