NEWS RELEASE
MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND FORESTRY
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To celebrate Mother’s Day, all Canadian residents can fish for free this weekend anywhere in Ontario.
“Free fishing is a great way to get out as a family to celebrate Mother’s Day and enjoy our beautiful lakes, rivers and streams,” said Graydon Smith, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. “Whether you’re new to fishing or have been doing it for years, what better way to kick off the spring season than enjoying fishing with family or friends.”
If you are fishing for free on the Mother’s Day weekend, all conservation licence catch limits, size limits, sanctuaries and all other fishing regulations and rules still apply.
Quick Facts
- Over one million licensed anglers spend $1.75 billion per year on recreational fishing in Ontario.
- Additional annual free fishing events coming up this year include Father’s Day weekend (June 15 and 16), and Family Fishing Week to celebrate Canada Day (June 29-July 7).
- Canadian residents taking part in free fishing periods need to carry physical identification issued by the provincial or federal government, showing name and date of birth.
- Ontario fishing licences can be purchased online at huntandfishontario.com. If buying online, always look for the Ontario logo. You can also purchase in person at participating ServiceOntario or licence issuer locations.
- Outside of free fishing periods, most Canadians between the ages of 18 and 64 must have an Outdoors Card and a fishing licence.
- All veterans and active Canadian Armed Forces members residing in Ontario can enjoy free recreational fishing in the province any time of year.
Additional Resources
- What You Need to Know about Free Family Fishing
- Fishing in Ontario
- Find a new fishing spot using Fish ON-Line
- Purchase an Outdoors Card and fishing licence
- Guide to eating Ontario fish
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