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As Minister of Natural Resources, I’m pleased to welcome you to a new year of angling in Ontario.

Ontario is home to thousands of lakes, rivers, and wetlands that provide habitat for a rich diversity of species and world class fisheries. In fact, with 128 species of native fish and 17 naturalized species, these bodies of water contain the highest fish diversity in Canada. It’s no wonder, then, why people from all over the world travel to our great province to take advantage of the abundant angling and recreational opportunities Ontario has to offer.

Fishing in Ontario is a big business contributing $1.75 billion to our province’s economy every year. It benefits local communities and businesses and the tourism industry in many ways, such as visits to fishing lodges and the purchase of bait from a small business in rural Ontario.

And the fees collected from the sale of fishing licences are put back into angling opportunities in Ontario, including conservation efforts, protection of resources, fish stocking and education.

This year we took steps to protect vulnerable salmon during peak migration season in the lower Ganaraska River by creating a new fish sanctuary. We also extended the fall season to create additional opportunities for anglers to catch a variety of trout and salmon species in this area. Please visit Fishing regulation changes for a summary of updates across Fisheries Management Zones.

Science informs decision making to ensure responsible management of our fisheries now and in the future. However, ensuring the long-term sustainability and conservation of our fisheries is a shared responsibility between all resource users including recreational anglers, commercial fishers, and Indigenous communities.

I encourage you to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations listed in this summary, and to be safe as you discover what makes angling in Ontario so special.

To honour the service of our veterans and active Canadian Armed Forces members residing in Ontario, Ontario offers them free recreational fishing in the province, whenever and wherever fishing is allowed. You can find out more about this on Recreational fishing licences and fees.

So whether you want to fish in the winter or summer months, the province offers great opportunities.

Happy fishing!

The Honourable Graydon Smith
Minister of Natural Resources

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Fish are of central importance to Indigenous communities in Ontario. The history of Indigenous fisheries pre-dates the existence of the province. Harvest traditionally occurred year-round, including during spawning times. Harvesting tools included weirs, nets, traps, spears and baited hooks.

Although tools have evolved over time, fishing continues to play a significant role in the lives of Indigenous peoples, contributing to the dietary, social, cultural and economic needs of communities in Ontario.

Indigenous communities in Ontario have constitutionally protected rights to fish. The ministry recognizes and respects these rights, whether it be for food, social, ceremonial, and sometimes commercial purposes. These rights are fundamentally different than the privileges given to licensed recreational anglers. For example, this may mean Indigenous people fish with different means or at different times than under Ontario’s fishing regulations. Just as the ministry respects these rights, we ask that licensed recreational anglers do the same.

For recreational fishing purposes, Ontario is divided into 20 Fisheries Management Zones. Please follow these step-by-step instructions to be sure that you comply with the regulations.

1. Make sure that you have a valid Ontario fishing licence by reviewing the recreational fishing licences and fees section.
2. Carefully read the general fishing regulations, bait and invasive species and VHS sections for information that applies to fishing in all Zones, including the following:
   • glossary of terms
   • general prohibitions
   • provincial possession limits
   • catch and retain rules
   • transporting and packaging fish
   • ice fishing and huts
   • non-angling methods of fishing
   • boundary waters
   • Crown land camping regulations
3. Using the Fisheries Management Zones map, determine the zone in which you plan to fish. For a more detailed map, see the Zone section to identify the Zone’s boundaries.
4. At the start of each Zone, the general information section indicates regulations and information that are applicable to the Zone. Regulations are then broken down into 5 distinct categories. The following categories and descriptions will assist you in identifying the regulations that are applicable to your waterbody:

   Zone-wide seasons and limits

   • Defines the season and limits for fish species present within the Zone. Unless otherwise stated in the species exceptions or waterbody exceptions, these seasons and limits apply to all waterbodies within the Zone.

   Species exceptions

   • If a waterbody’s limits or seasons for a particular species are different from the rest of the Zone, this will be indicated in the species exceptions.
   • Additional fishing opportunities are included under species exceptions. They provide anglers with increased limits and/or extended seasons.

   Waterbody exceptions

   • Some waterbodies have regulations that are unique to them and different from other waterbodies in a Zone. In many cases, these waterbodies have a combination of various regulations including species exceptions, bait restrictions, gear restrictions and/or fish sanctuaries. Where applicable, these waterbodies are indicated in the waterbody exceptions and highlighted under the general information at the beginning of each Zone.

   Bait restrictions

   • There are some areas and waterbodies within the province where the use and/or possession of live bait is prohibited. Where this is the case, these areas and waterbodies are indicated in the bait restrictions section. Zone-wide bait restrictions in Zones 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 are indicated in the general information section.

   Fish sanctuaries

   • Fish sanctuaries include waterbodies or portions of a waterbody where no fishing of any kind is permitted for all or part of the year. Where applicable, these areas and waterbodies are indicated in the fish sanctuaries section.

   In Zones 5, 10, 11, 15, 16 and 17, some waterbodies listed as additional fishing opportunities may also be listed under waterbody exceptions, bait restrictions and/or fish sanctuaries. In all other Zones, waterbodies are only listed under one section.

5. If you are a non-Canadian resident fishing in Northwestern Ontario, there are additional regulations that are applicable to you. Refer to the Fishing restrictions for non-Canadian residents section of the general fishing regulations for more information.

  
View Fisheries Management Zones (FMZ) map using Fish ON-line.

New regulations and information in this Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary have been listed on this page and link to the corresponding section within this Summary for your convenience. In the print and PDF versions of this Summary these changes are highlighted in bold red font.

Updates for anglers

Changes FMZ 6:

• changes to the list of lake trout and rainbow trout waterbodies in additional fishing opportunities

Changes FMZ 7:

• changes to the list of brook trout waterbodies in additional fishing opportunities
• opening Borealis Lake as part of the three-year aurora trout rotational cycle

Changes FMZ 8:

As part of the three-year aurora trout season rotational cycle:

• closing Big Club, Pallet and Nayowin Lakes
• opening Lake 57 and Pack Can Lake

Changes FMZ 10:

• changes to the list of lake trout waterbodies in additional fishing opportunities

Changes FMZ 11:

• changes to extend dip netting season for cisco (lake herring) and lake whitefish to apply to all waters where angling is permitted in Zone 11

Changes FMZ 17:

• changes to the extended fall season for Atlantic salmon, brown trout, Pacific salmon and rainbow trout in the Ganaraska River
• new fish sanctuary:
  • no fishing from September 1 to October 14
  • Ganaraska River: from the south side of the Jocelyn Street Bridge to the southerly limit of the C.N.R. right-of-way

Most people require a recreational fishing licence or deemed licence to legally fish in Ontario. If you purchased a recreational fishing licence, other than a 1-day licence, you must carry your Outdoors Card when fishing. You must carry your licence summary if the current fishing licence is not listed on the Outdoors Card or if you have not yet received your Outdoors Card. If requested, you must present these documents to a conservation officer. An Outdoors Card is a plastic, wallet-sized card valid for 3 calendar years and used for administration purposes.

A licence summary is a document that lists all valid fishing and hunting licences. The licence summary can be either a printed copy or saved as a digital format.

Digital format: You can carry your licence summary in a digital format, such as on a mobile device. You can have a copy of your licence summary sent to your email address by accessing your account using the Fish and Wildlife Licencing Service. If you choose to carry your licence summary on your mobile device, it must be in the PDF format provided to you from the Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service (a photograph or screenshot of your licence summary is not valid). You are responsible for ensuring that your device has battery power and is protected from the elements to be able to display it when and where requested by a conservation officer (unless you are also carrying a paper copy with you).

The province of Ontario sells 2 different types of recreational fishing licences.

• Sport fishing licence: For anglers who want full catch and possession fishing privileges. In this summary, S refers to limits under a sport fishing licence (such as S-4 = catch and possession limit of 4).
• Conservation fishing licence: A reduced catch and possession limit licence that is ideal for anglers who want to live-release the majority of fish caught. In this summary, C refers to limits under a conservation fishing licence (for example, C-2 = catch and possession limit of 2).

Contact us: For more information on purchasing an Ontario fishing licence, visit Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service or call the Natural Resources Information and Support Centre at 1-800-387-7011.

Residency definitions

Ontario resident:

A person whose primary residence is in Ontario and has lived in Ontario for a period of at least 6 consecutive months during the 12 months immediately before applying for a licence. This also includes a member or civilian employee of the RCMP or Canadian Armed Forces, or their immediate family, who is stationed and resides in Ontario for at least one month.

Canadian resident:

A person who is not an Ontario resident, whose primary residence is in any part of Canada and has lived in Canada for a period of at least 6 consecutive months during the 12 months immediately before applying for a licence.

Non-Canadian resident:

A person who is neither an Ontario nor Canadian resident.

When you don’t need to purchase a fishing licence — Deemed licences

Instead of purchasing and carrying an Outdoors Card and recreational fishing licence, persons described below carrying the specified documents while fishing may use them as a fishing licence. Catch and possession limits for a sport fishing licence apply in these situations.

Regardless of residency, a person who has been issued any of the following documents may use it as a fishing licence:

• an accessible parking permit issued under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act
• the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) national identity card

The persons described below can carry a licence, permit, certificate or identification card issued by a federal, provincial or territorial government of Canada that indicates their name and date of birth and use it as a fishing licence.

• Ontario and Canadian residents who are under 18 or 65 years of age or older.
• Individuals, regardless of residency, who require the direct assistance of another person to fish and to follow applicable laws due to a disability defined in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If the accompanying person is only assisting, they do not require a fishing licence, but must have one if they engage in fishing.
• A person, regardless of residency, who also holds a black and white photocopy or printed version of an accessible parking permit issued under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act. A visitor who holds an out-of-province accessible parking permit can apply for an Ontario visitor accessible parking permit, more information at get an accessible parking permit.

Ontario residents who are active members or veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces can use one of the following documents as a fishing licence:

• Canadian Forces Identification Card (NDI 20)
• Record of Service Card (NDI 75)
• Canadian Armed Forces Veteran’s Service Card (NDI 75)

Family fishing opportunities

Ontario and Canadian residents are also provided 4 opportunities throughout the year to fish without having to purchase a fishing licence. These dates include:

• Family Fishing Weekend (February 15–17, 2025)
• Mother’s Day Weekend (May 10–11, 2025)
• Father’s Day Weekend (June 14–15, 2025)
• Ontario Family Fishing Week (June 28–July 6, 2025)

Anglers participating in family fishing opportunities must carry government issued identification and must follow catch and possession limits for conservation fishing licences. For more information on these fishing opportunities, contact the Natural Resources Information and Support Centre at 1-800-387-7011 or visit free family fishing.

Requirements for Indigenous persons

Many Indigenous communities in Ontario hold Aboriginal or treaty rights to fish. We are committed to respecting these constitutionally-protected rights. After conservation goals are met, Aboriginal and treaty rights to fish take priority before allocation and management of the resource for other purposes.

Aboriginal rights to fish stem from customs, practices or traditions that are integral to the distinctive culture of an Indigenous community. Treaty rights to fish are reserved through treaties between the Crown and Indigenous peoples. Aboriginal and treaty rights are collectively held and are associated with an Indigenous community’s traditional or treaty territory. These rights are not generic and different communities may hold different rights.

Aboriginal and treaty rights to fish can be exercised using modern means.

Members of Indigenous communities exercising an Aboriginal or treaty right generally do not require an Outdoors Card and Ontario fishing licence when fishing for food, social or ceremonial purposes within their traditional or treaty territory. Indigenous individuals should be prepared to provide identification showing their community membership if requested by conservation officers. Members of Indigenous communities fishing outside of their traditional or treaty area must hold a valid fishing licence and follow the corresponding seasons, limits, slot sizes and gear restrictions, or have permission from a First Nation to fish within their traditional or treaty territory. Licensing requirements are also applicable to members of Indigenous communities from the United States who do not have Aboriginal or treaty rights in Ontario. Non-Indigenous people fishing with Indigenous people must have a licence and follow appropriate regulations when fishing on their own behalf.

Non-Canadian residents

Anyone who is not an Ontario or Canadian resident is considered a non-Canadian resident for the purposes of fishing licence regulations. Most non-Canadian residents require an Outdoors Card and recreational fishing licence to fish in Ontario, including those 65 years of age or older. In addition to the general exceptions, the following exceptions apply:

• Non-Canadian residents under 18 years of age may fish without an Outdoors Card and licence if accompanied by a person who has a valid Ontario recreational fishing licence. Any fish kept are part of the catch and possession limit of the person who holds the licence. Alternatively, non-Canadian residents under 18 years of age may purchase an Outdoors Card and recreational fishing licence to have their own limits.
• Non-Canadian youth, under 18 years of age, attending an organized camp may use a government issued photo identification (or a photocopy) together with a camp identification card as a deemed licence to fish. The camp identification card must state the name and location of the camp, the name and date of birth of the camper and the dates that the camper is at the camp.
  • For the purpose of these rules, an organized camp means a camp for youth under 18 years of age operated for recreational or educational purposes which provides accommodation and meals for a minimum of five campers at a time.
  • These campers fishing under a deemed licence must follow Conservation Fishing Licence limits.

Non-Canadian residents camping on Crown lands in certain areas of Northwestern Ontario are subject to conservation fishing licence limits. Read Crown Land Camping Regulations for more details.

Applying for your Outdoors Card and licence

An Outdoors Card will be automatically mailed to you after you have completed your card purchase. The delivery time for an Outdoors Card is approximately 20 days. You will be able to fish while you wait for your Outdoors Card to arrive in the mail by carrying your licence summary, which lists your valid Outdoors Card and your fishing licence. If you’ve applied for an Outdoors Card and haven’t received it within the stated timeframe or have additional questions related to your Outdoors Cards, call 1-800-387-7011.

Note the following rules:

• All fishing licence products are issued on a calendar year basis from January 1 to December 31.
• You must notify us within 10 days of any changes to your name, contact information, address and/or residency. You can update your information by calling 1-800-387-7011, or online.
• Your Outdoors Card, recreational fishing licence or licence summary is not transferable to another person – they provide privileges to you alone.
• Regardless of the date of purchase, a 1-year fishing licence expires on December 31 of the year printed on the licence, while a 3-year fishing licence expires on December 31 of its third year.
• It is against the law to attempt to obtain more than one Outdoors Card or provide false information when applying for your Outdoors Card, recreational fishing licence or licence summary.
• If your Outdoors Card, recreational fishing licence or licence summary is lost or stolen, you can reprint your licence summary online at no charge and/or order a replacement plastic card for a fee. You can also visit a local licence issuer or participating ServiceOntario centre that offers our services for replacement.
• Anglers are able to purchase their Outdoors Card and fishing licences online.
• Outdoors Cards are not required when purchasing a 1-day licence.

Licence fees

The 2025 annual licence fees are in effect until December 31, 2025. For the location of the licence issuer nearest you, visit get an Outdoors Card and licence summary or call 1-800-387-7011.

The following licences are available online or through all licence issuers or participating ServiceOntario locations. A 3-year sport and conservation fishing licence can also be purchased through our automated telephone line at 1-800-288-1155 when renewing your Outdoors Card.

Some anglers may use other documents instead of purchasing and carrying an Outdoors Card and recreational fishing licence. Learn more: fishing licence (Canadian residents).

All products with a fee are subject to 13% HST.

Outdoors Card

Ontario residents:

Canadian residents:

Non-Canadian residents:

Glossary of terms

Additional fishing opportunities

There are some waters where regulations for certain species are more liberal than the zone regulations and provide anglers with increased limits and or extended seasons. These additional fishing opportunities are often provided through fish stocking.

Aggregate (combined) limits

Aggregate or combined limits are catch and possession limits for a combination of fish species. Where there are aggregate limits, you may not catch and retain a separate limit of each species. In this summary, aggregate limits are referred to as combined limits and apply to walleye and sauger, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and black and white crappie.

Aggregate limits for trout and salmon (including splake)

There are standard aggregate limits for all species of trout and salmon in combination. Anglers holding a sport fishing licence may only catch and keep (in one day), or possess, no more than 5 fish from trout and salmon species combined. Anglers holding a conservation fishing licence may only catch and keep (in one day), or possess, no more than 2 fish from trout and salmon species combined. In addition to the aggregate limit, you may not exceed individual species limits where they are otherwise stated.

Angling

Angling means fishing with a line that is held in the hand or attached to a rod that is held in the hand or closely attended.

Artificial fly

An artificial fly means a single or multi-pointed hook dressed with lightweight silk, wool, fur, feathers or similar material, but does not include other types of artificial lures or organic bait. Wet flies, dry flies and streamers are all considered artificial flies.

Artificial lure

An artificial lure means a spoon, plug, jig, artificial fly or other such device that is designed to catch fish by means of angling.

Bait

Bait includes live or dead animals, plants or parts. The use of any form of bait is not allowed in some areas of the province. Anglers should always check for bait restrictions in waters they plan to fish within.

Bait Management Zone

In Ontario, 4 Bait Management Zones (BMZ) limit the movement, possession, and use of baitfish and leeches. The Great Lakes (including Manitoulin Island) and Ottawa River are not considered BMZs. Go to bait for more details.

Baitfish

Only permitted species of fish may be used live as bait. Go to bait for a list of permitted species.

Barbless hook

A barbless hook means a hook without barbs or one that has barbs that are compressed so as to be completely in contact with the shaft of the hook.

Catch and possession limits

The catch limit is the number of fish you are allowed to catch and keep in one day. It includes fish that are not immediately released and any fish eaten or given away. Catch limits apply to each individual and any fish gifted to another person count towards your catch limit even if they are gifted to a member of your fishing party.

The possession limit is the number of fish you are allowed to have in your possession on hand, in cold storage, in transit or anywhere. Possession limits are the same as one day’s catch limit except where otherwise specified. If you catch a fish after reaching the daily catch or possession limit for that species, the fish must be released immediately.

Catch and Release Seasons

It is against the law to target species when the season is closed. If there is an open season but the limit is zero (catch and release only), anglers may target the species but any fish caught must be released immediately, and if alive, in a manner that causes the least harm.

Check stations

Conservation officers operate random fish check stations throughout the year. At these stations, conservation officers collect information on fish taken and make sure that regulations are being followed in order to better manage our fisheries resources. Remember to keep all licences, equipment and fish easily accessible for inspection.

Conservation officers

Conservation officers promote the use and enjoyment of natural resources to all resource users across Ontario, educating the public about the rules that protect natural resources and public safety and enforcing fisheries regulations. They have powers of inspection, arrest, search and seizure under the various statutes they enforce, including the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and the Fisheries Act. When carrying out their duties, conservation officers may:

• stop and inspect a vehicle, boat or aircraft
• ask questions relevant to the inspection
• inspect buildings or other places
• require assistance to complete inspections
• enter onto private property to perform their duties
• search with a warrant
• search without a warrant in circumstances requiring immediate action
• seize items related to an offence
• arrest anyone they believe has committed, is committing, or is about to commit an offence

Crappie

For the purpose of this summary, crappie includes both black crappie and white crappie.

Exceptions

In specified waterbodies or for particular species, there are exceptions to the general zone regulations. These include species exceptions (such as size, limits, seasons), waterbody exceptions (such as a combination of species exceptions, fish sanctuaries, gear or bait restrictions), bait restrictions and fish sanctuaries.

Some waters are grouped with other waters that have the same regulatory exceptions and these will generally be listed under the proper name for the largest or most significant water body. If there is nothing stated in the exceptions, then the regulations for the zone apply.

Export of fish

A person may not take more than the designated limits of fish when leaving Ontario.

Fish sanctuaries

No fishing of any kind is permitted in a fish sanctuary. Some bodies of water, or parts of them, are declared fish sanctuaries for all or part of the year. Fish sanctuaries are not always marked with signs. Sanctuary dates are inclusive: all dates including the first and last dates stated in the summary are closed.

Fisheries Management Zone or Zone

The province is divided into 20 Fisheries Management Zones (FMZs) for which there are general regulations that establish seasons, limits and size limits for sport fish species.

Hook

A hook includes a single-pointed or multiple-pointed hook on a common shaft but does not include a snagger or spring gaff. The number of hooks includes any single-pointed or multiple-pointed hooks that are part of a lure.

Hooks and lines

An angler may use only one line, unless otherwise stated in the regulations. Two lines may be used when angling from a boat in parts of the Great Lakes and for ice fishing in many areas. A fishing line must not have more than 4 hooks attached.

Immediate release of fish

All fish that are caught unlawfully or are illegal to possess (such as during a closed season, prohibited size or exceeding the catch and possession limits) must be immediately released at the place and time of capture. This includes fish that may be injured (even fatally) during catch. This rule does not apply to regulated invasive species (such as round goby), which should be destroyed and not released back into any waters. For a list of regulated invasive species, go to Invasive species in Ontario.

Lead sinkers and jigs

It is illegal to use or possess lead fishing sinkers or jigs in Canada’s national parks and national wildlife areas.

Live holding boxes

If you use a live holding box or impounding device, it must be clearly marked with your name and address and it must be legible without having to lift the box, unless it forms part of or is attached to a boat. Fish in holding boxes are part of your catch and retain or possession limits. Always monitor the health of fish in your possession; allowing fish to spoil is against the law.

Live release boats

Operators of live release boats used for competitive fishing events must have a special licence to transport the catches of multiple anglers and to be in possession of more than an individual’s possession limit of fish.

Livewell

A livewell is a compartment designed to keep fish alive. It must be attached to or form part of a boat, hold a total volume of not less than 46 litres (10 gallons) of water, have the capacity for water exchange and be aerated at all times when live fish are being held in it. Livewells should be drained and emptied of all contents, including live fish, before being transported overland.

Muskellunge

For the purposes of this summary, muskellunge includes muskellunge and hybrids of muskellunge and northern pike.

Open seasons

Fishing season opening and closing dates vary depending on the species and the area. Dates are inclusive: all dates including the first and last dates stated in the summary are open or closed. It is illegal to attempt to catch fish for which the season is closed, even if you are going to release them. Fish accidentally caught during the closed season must be immediately released back to the water. Unless stated otherwise, species that are not listed (such as rock bass) have a year-round open season for angling.

Pacific salmon

For the purpose of this summary, Pacific salmon include chinook salmon, coho salmon and pink salmon.

Plant-based bait

Bait made from one of the following:

• bait that is made entirely from plants (such as corn)
• primarily from plants (such as boilies and doughballs), and cannot: contain visible pieces of fish or animal parts, be fish or animal flavoured, or include poultry eggs (except if they are used to bind ingredients together)

Primary residence

The place with which a person has the greatest connection in terms of present and anticipated future living arrangements and the activities of daily living. For greater clarity, a person may only have one primary residence. Go to bait for more details.

Size limits

Size limits refer to total length which is a measure from the tip of the mouth with the jaws closed to the tip of the tail, with the tail fin lobes compressed to give the maximum possible length.

Sunfish

For the purpose of this summary, sunfish includes pumpkinseed, bluegill, green sunfish, northern sunfish, orange-spotted sunfish and their hybrids.

Units of measure

Provincial regulations use the metric system. Converting from imperial units to metric units can be done using the following conversion ratios:

• 1 inch is equal to 2.54 centimetres
• 1 foot is equal to 0.305 metres
• 1 mile is equal to 1.609 kilometres

General prohibitions

In Ontario, it is illegal to:

• Import any crayfish, salamanders, live fish or leeches for use as bait, or transport any live or dead baitfish or leeches into or out of a BMZ (exceptions). Contact the Canada Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) or Canada Border Services Agency (CSBA) to confirm federal import rules related to bait (including earthworms)
• Transport live fish, other than baitfish, taken from Ontario waters or to transfer or stock any live fish or spawn into Ontario’s waters without a special licence to transport or stock fish
• Fish for or possess any species of fish listed as Endangered or Threatened under the provincial Endangered Species Act and/or federal Species at Risk Act
• Sell or buy any recreationally caught fish (including taxidermy mounts), crayfish, leeches, frogs or fish eggs. Only holders of commercial fishing or commercial bait licences may sell their catch
• Take fish with a gaff, snare, snagger or spear gun, or possess a spring gaff, snagger or spear gun, or a snare for the purpose of fishing, within 30 metres of any waters. A spear is only permitted within 30 metres of any waters when it is being used in accordance with non-angling methods of capturing fish. A gaff, other than a spring gaff, may be used to assist in landing fish caught by lawful means. A spring gaff includes any device which uses a mechanical spring, other than the fishing rod under tension, to set the hook for an angler
• Catch or retain a fish by impaling or snagging it with a hook through any part of the body other than the mouth. Fish hooked in this way must be released immediately
• Take fish by any means other than angling, spear, bow and arrow, dip or seine net or baitfish trap. Go to non-angling methods of capturing fish and bait for more details
• Use artificial lights to attract fish except when fishing for rainbow smelt, lake whitefish or lake herring (cisco) using a dip net or if the light is part of a lure attached to a line used in angling
• Use dynamite or other explosives to take or destroy fish
• Fish within 25 metres of a pound net or cage in which fish are held for culture
• Fish in any manner within 23 metres downstream from the lower entrance to any fishway, obstruction, or leap
• Abandon fish or permit the flesh to spoil, if the fish is suitable for human consumption

Provincial possession limits

Provincial possession limits restrict the total number of fish of a given species a person can have in their possession (including storage) which have been harvested from more than 1 zone. They may differ from zone limits which restrict the number of fish an individual can catch and retain from a specific zone. Aggregate limits for trout and salmon (including splake) also apply. Always check the regulations for the zone you are fishing in to ensure that you aren’t exceeding the catch and possession limits for that zone. The provincial possession limits are as follows:

• Atlantic salmon: 1
• aurora trout: 1
• brook trout: 5
• brown trout: 5
• channel catfish: 12
• crappie: 30
• lake trout: 3
• lake whitefish: 25
• largemouth or smallmouth bass combined: 6
• muskellunge: 1
• northern pike: 6
• Pacific salmon: 5
• rainbow trout: 5
• splake: 5
• walleye or sauger combined: 6
• yellow perch: 100

Catch and retain rules

Generally, daily catch limits include all fish that are retained for any period of time and not immediately released.

Anglers fishing from a boat may catch, hold, and selectively live release more walleye, northern pike, largemouth or smallmouth bass than the daily limit, provided:

• the fish are held in a livewell with a mechanical aerator operating at all times
• the fish comply with any applicable size limits
• the sport or conservation fishing licence daily catch and retain limits for walleye or northern pike are not exceeded at any one time
• no more than 6 largemouth and smallmouth bass (combined) are held at any one time for fish caught under a sport fishing licence
• the conservation fishing licence catch and retain limits for largemouth and smallmouth bass (combined) are not exceeded at any one time for fish caught under a conservation fishing licence

Anglers are reminded to closely monitor the condition of fish held in a livewell. Only fish that are in such a condition that they will survive may be released. Releasing a fish that will not survive and allowing the flesh of that fish to be wasted is an offence. Any fish not live released are part of your catch and possession limit.

Transporting sport fish

It is illegal to stock fish without a permit or transport live fish overland, other than baitfish, without a permit. Sportfish transported overland must be dead and should be transported on ice, not in a livewell filled with water. Anglers need to ensure they are transporting fish in compliance with the regulations, which are designed to protect fisheries resources. The fish that you catch and keep may be cleaned, but must be readily measurable at all times if they are from waterbodies where size limits exist, unless the fish are:

• being prepared for immediate consumption
• prepared at an overnight accommodation for storage
• being transported on the water from a temporary overnight accommodation to your residence and you are not engaged in sport fishing
• being transported overland

Tips for packaging fish

1. All fish must be packaged so that they can be easily counted and identified, not just those with limits.
2. To ensure fish can be easily counted, package each fish separately, or arrange fillets spread flat in a clear freezer bag. Do not freeze fillets in container or a large lump frozen together in bags.
3. Since anglers often transport or store various species of fish, it is their responsibility to ensure every fillet of their catch can be easily identified. Ensure you leave at least a large patch of skin on all fish fillets for identification purposes. Some species (such as lake whitefish or lake herring (cisco)) may require additional identifying features such as the head.
4. Conservation officers may inspect your catch at any time. Always have your fish and your licence easily accessible, and place coolers of fish where they can be easily inspected.
5. If a conservation officer inspects fish captured through sport fishing and you are transporting them improperly packaged your catch may be seized for evidence, you could get a ticket and be fined and/or you may have to attend court close to where the inspection took place, which may be far from where you live.
6. The following pictures demonstrate examples of improperly packaged fish since they are frozen in a clump, cannot be identified or counted and no skin is attached to the fillets.
   
7. The following pictures demonstrate examples of properly packaged fish since they can be identified and counted easily, the skin is attached to the fillets and they are not frozen in a large clump.
   

Bullfrogs

Holders of valid recreational fishing licences may catch and retain bullfrogs during the open season. For details on the current harvest areas, season dates and catch and possession limits, go to the Ontario Hunting Regulations Summary.

Ice fishing

Two lines may be used for ice fishing in most waters with some exceptions. When ice fishing, you must be within 60 metres of any line or tip-up and you must have a clear and unobstructed view of the lines at all times. Any spring-loaded device which sets the hook for an angler may not be possessed within 30 metres of any waters.

Ice hut registration

Ice fishing huts in the following Zones must be registered online and removed before these dates:

• March 2: Zones 17 and 20
• March 16: Zones 14, 16, 18, 19 and 12 (below Timiskaming Dam)
• April 1: Zones 9, 10, 11, 15 and 12 (above Timiskaming Dam)
• Removal dates and registration do not apply in Zones 1 to 8 and 13

Once registered, an ice hut can be used anywhere in Ontario. Additional approvals may be required for ice fishing within provincial parks and conservation reserves. Individuals only need to register once. If your ice hut already has a registration number then you do not need to re-register. You do not need to register an ice hut that is a tent made of cloth or synthetic fabric that has a base area of 7 square metres or less when erected.

It is an offence under the Public Lands Act to leave your ice hut out after ice break up, regardless of whether registration and removal dates apply. Ice hut registration numbers must be at least 6.3 centimetres in height and clearly displayed on the outside of the hut.

Multiple lines for common carp

Anglers in zones 12 to 20 may use up to 3 lines while targeting common carp. To use more than 1 line, you must meet all of the following conditions:

• use baits that are plant-based or artificial corn
• when fishing from shore, each line you use must be no further than 2 metres away from another line you are using
• when fishing from a vessel (such as a boat), all lines must be on board the vessel with you

The following are not allowed when fishing with multiple lines for common carp:

• baits like worms, leeches or baitfish
• artificial lures including soft plastic lures

When targeting common carp with more than 1 line (up to 3), the restrictions listed above apply to all lines that an angler is using. Any fish species caught, other than common carp, must be immediately released as defined in the glossary.

Non-angling methods of capturing fish

Ontario and Canadian residents and non-Canadian residents with a valid recreational fishing licence may fish with one dip net, one seine net, one spear or a bow and arrow for the species and during the periods outlined below. If the Zone is not identified below, then there is no open season
for that species.

Dip nets: may be no more than 183 centimetres on each side if angular, or 183 centimetres in diameter if circular.

Seine nets: may be no more than 10 metres long and 2 metres high.

Spears: cannot be possessed on or within 30 metres of the edge of any waterbody except when fishing for carp and white sucker as described within the non-angling methods of capturing fish.

Bow and arrow: includes all long-bows. Long-bows are considered a firearm under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act.

People fishing with a longbow who handle or discharge it without due care for people or property may be liable to a fine and/or imprisonment. Any injury requiring treatment by a physician that is caused by the discharge of a firearm while it was possessed for fishing must be reported to a conservation officer.

Bowfin

Season: May 1 to July 31 in Zones 10, 13, 14, 19        
Method: bow and arrow during daylight hours only       
Limit: no limit

Common carp

Season: May 1 to July 31 in Zones 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15 (except Algonquin Park), 16, 18, 19, 20        
Season: Second Saturday in May to July 31 in Zone 17        
Method: bow and arrow, spear, and dip net during daylight hours only       
Limit: no limit

Lake herring (cisco)

Season: October 1 to December 15 in Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 15 (in designated waters only in Zone 15; contact local work centre for details)        
Method: dip net day or night       
Limit: no limit

Lake whitefish

Season: October 1 to December 15 in Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15 (in designated waters only in Zone 15; contact local work centre for details)        
Method: dip net day or night       
Limit: same as angling limit in zone

Rainbow smelt

Season: March 1 to May 31 in Zones 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 (except Algonquin Park), 16, 18, 19, 20        
Season: second Saturday in May to May 31 in Zone 17        
Method: dip net and seine day or night       
Limit: no limit

In most areas of Ontario, rainbow smelt are an introduced species and can negatively impact waterbodies. Be careful when cleaning rainbow smelt and do not rinse or dump entrails into a lake or river as fertilized eggs can easily invade new waters.

White sucker

Season: March 1 to May 31 in Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 (except Algonquin Park), 16, 18, 19, 20        
Season: second Saturday in May to May 31 in Zone 17        
Method: bow and arrow, spear, and dip net during daylight hours only       
Limit: no limit

Boundary waters

Anglers who fish in waters that lie both in Ontario and another province or state must include the total number of fish caught anywhere in those waters as part of the number caught and kept or possessed under the Ontario recreational fishing regulations when bringing those fish into Ontario.

Ontario-Quebec boundary

Anglers may fish in the following waters with either an Ontario resident fishing licence or a Quebec resident fishing licence.

• Clarice Lake (48°20′N., 79°32′W.)
• Labyrinth Lake (48°14′N., 79°31′W.)
• Lake St. Francis (45°08′N., 74°25′W.) and the waters of the St. Lawrence River between the easterly side of the dam at the Robert H. Saunders Generating Station and the Ontario-Quebec boundary
• Lake Timiskaming (47°20′N., 79°30′W.)
• Ottawa River (45°34′N., 74°23′W.) lying south of the dam situated in Temiscamingue, Quebec
• Raven Lake (48°03′N., 79°33′W.)

Ontario-Manitoba boundary

Anglers may fish in the following waters with either an Ontario resident fishing licence or Manitoba resident fishing licence and must follow conservation or sport possession limits applicable within their respective province.

• Davidson Lake (50°21′N., 95°09′W.)
• Frances Lake (51°43′N., 95°08′W.)
• Garner Lake (50°48′N., 95°11′W.)
• High Lake (49°42′N., 95°08′W.)
• Mantario Lake (49°95′N., 95°10′W.)
• Moar Lake (52°00′N., 95°07′W.)
• Ryerson Lake (50°23′N., 95°09′W.)

Crown land camping

Most Crown land and conservation reserves in Ontario are available year-round for personal, temporary use, at no cost. Restrictions may apply in some areas as indicated by the posting of signs, or land use planning or management direction. For more information go to the Crown Land Use Policy Atlas or the Provincial parks and conservation reserves planning webpages. In addition, some areas may have restricted travel zones for forest fire prevention, closed access roads or specific areas posted with signs to prohibit all or certain kinds of uses or travel.

Canadian residents

Canadian residents can camp on Crown land and Conservation Reserves for free up to 21 days on any one site in a calendar year. For the purposes of camping on Crown land or a conservation reserve, a resident of Canada includes both Canadian citizens as defined in the Citizenship Act (Canada) or individuals who have resided in Canada for at least seven months during the preceding 12-month period.

Non-Canadian residents

Non-Canadian residents 18 years of age or older, require a permit to camp on Crown land in Northern Ontario (north of the French and Mattawa rivers) and in a conservation reserve anywhere in Ontario. Non-Canadian resident Crown land camping permits are $9.35 plus tax per person per day. In addition to any local access restrictions, non-Canadian residents are also prohibited from camping in designated green zones in Northern Ontario at any time of year. For more information on purchasing a permit, a map of green zones and other requirements related to non-Canadian resident Crown land camping, visit recreational activities on Crown land.

Fishing restrictions for non-Canadian residents

Holders of non-Canadian resident fishing licences who are camping on Crown land in Zones 2, 4, 6 and the portion of Zone 5 that lies outside of the Border Waters Area, may not take fish in excess of the conservation catch and possession limits. Holders of non-Canadian resident fishing licences camping on Crown land in the part of Zone 5 identified as the Border Waters Area must follow the Zone 5 regulations. For more information on the boundary of these waters and applicable fishing limits, contact the nearest ministry office or visit Fisheries Management Zone 5.

There are also exceptions for the Winnipeg River (Zone 5) and the Sydney Lake Area (Zones 2 and 4) that affect non-Canadian resident fishers - go to waterbody exceptions for Zones 2, 4 and 5.

Bait Management Zones (BMZ) Map

Ontario is divided into 4 BMZs that limit the movement, possession and use of baitfish and leeches. BMZ boundaries are generally based on FMZ boundaries. The Great Lakes and Ottawa River, as well as portions of the Far North (hatched area on the map below), are not considered BMZs.

Baitfish or leeches, whether live or dead, may not be transported into or out of a BMZ, with some limited exceptions.

• Southern BMZ – consists of FMZs 16, 17, 18 and the part of 20 that is within the County of Prince Edward.
• Central BMZ – consists of FMZ 15.
• Northeastern BMZ – consists of FMZs 3, 8, 10, and 11 except the part of FMZ 10 that is within Cockburn Island, Michipicoten Island, St. Joseph Island, and Manitoulin Island. Manitoulin Island is defined as all islands that can be accessed by land south of the causeway connecting Great LaCloche Island and Whitefish River First Nation (known as Swift Current Bridge), including Manitoulin Island, Great LaCloche Island, Little LaCloche Island, and Barrie Island.
• Northwestern BMZ – consists of FMZ 2 south of the 11th baseline at latitude 51°48’11”N. and east of longitude 89°00’00”W., and FMZs 4, 5, 6, and 7, except the part of FMZ 6 that consists of St. Ignace Island and Simpson Island.

Refer to bait and Fisheries management zones for more information and detailed maps of FMZ boundaries.

Bait

It is illegal to (or attempt to) deposit or release into, or within 30 metres of, any waters:

• live or dead bait or baitfish, including fish eggs, gametes or fish parts
• the water, soil or other materials used to hold any of these items

The capture and use of live bait is not allowed in some waters — always check the rules for the waterbody that you intend to fish.

It is illegal to bring any crayfish, salamanders, live fish or leeches into Ontario for use as bait. Non-residents must purchase bait within the BMZ where it is to be used and retain the receipt (refer to receipts section).

Recent changes regarding the movement and personal harvest of baitfish and leeches in Ontario are outlined in the following sections.

Movement of baitfish and leeches

To help protect our waters from harmful invasive species and fish diseases, 4 BMZs limit the movement, possession, and use of baitfish and leeches (see bait). Baitfish or leeches, may not be transported into or out of a BMZ with some limited exceptions. The following rules apply when using baitfish or leeches for fishing.

Transport exception

To reach a destination in the BMZ that bait was lawfully acquired in, a person may transport bait through an adjacent BMZ only if they use a direct route through the adjacent BMZ.

Receipts

Anglers using or possessing baitfish or leeches for fishing in a BMZ where their primary residence is not located (see general regulations), must obtain them from the holder of a commercial licence and be able to immediately produce a legible receipt upon request by a conservation officer. Baitfish or leeches, whether live or dead, can only be possessed or used within 2 weeks following the date on which they were obtained. The receipt must list the location and date it was obtained from the commercial licence holder, the business name, (if applicable), commercial licence number and quantity of baitfish or leeches obtained.

Receipts are not required when an angler is using baitfish or leeches:

• in the BMZ where their primary residence is located
• in the Great Lakes or Ottawa River
• that are preserved

Receipts are not needed for other forms of bait (such as worms).

Personal harvest

Anglers are only permitted to personally harvest baitfish and leeches in the BMZ where their primary residence is located, or within the Great Lakes or Ottawa River. Bait that is personally harvested within the Great Lakes or Ottawa River must be used in that waterbody and can only be moved into an adjacent BMZ to be disposed of immediately more than 30 metres from the water.

Preserved bait

Preserved baitfish or leeches may be transported into or out of BMZ's if the bait:

• is dead
• has been preserved (treated or prepared in a manner to prevent decay or decomposition) using a method of preservation other than refrigeration or freezing

Great Lakes and the Ottawa River

The Great Lakes and Ottawa River are not considered BMZs, baitfish and leeches may be moved from an adjacent BMZ into the Great Lakes or Ottawa River, provided they are not moved through another BMZ. Baitfish and leeches can only be moved out of the Great Lakes or Ottawa River into an adjacent BMZ to be disposed of immediately more than 30 metres from the water.

With respect to the movement of baitfish and leeches, the Great Lakes and Ottawa River are defined as the folliowing.

Great Lakes

• FMZs 9, 13, 14, 19, and 20, except for the part of FMZ 20 that is within the County of Prince Edward
• The portions of FMZ 6 consisting of St. Ignace Island and Simpson Island
• The portions of FMZ 10 consisting of Cockburn Island, Michipicoten Island, St. Joseph Island, and Manitoulin Island. Manitoulin Island is defined as all islands that can be accessed by land south of the causeway connecting Great LaCloche Island and Whitefish River First Nation (known as Swift Current Bridge), including Manitoulin Island, Great LaCloche Island, Little LaCloche Island, and Barrie Island

Ottawa River

• All of FMZ 12

Dead baitfish species

Dead lake herring (cisco), longnose sucker, and white sucker may be moved into or out of a BMZ only if they are for the purposes of consumption.

Permitted baitfish

Bait regulations protect rare and endangered species, conserve biodiversity and prevent the spread of invasive species. Anglers are responsible to ensure that any live fish in their possession intended for use as bait are permitted baitfish species. Only the fish species listed below are considered permitted baitfish and may be used live as bait.

Limits and capture methods

A recreational fishing licence is required to capture baitfish, leeches, crayfish or frogs.

Baitfish

Limit: 120 (includes those caught or purchased)

Ontario and Canadian resident anglers may use non-angling methods to capture all baitfish species while non-residents may only capture longnose sucker, white sucker and lake herring using non-angling methods. Anglers are only permitted to personally harvest baitfish in the BMZ where their primary residence is located, or within the Great Lakes and Ottawa River (must be used in that waterbody, and, unless dead and preserved, can only be moved into an adjacent BMZ to be disposed of immediately more than 30 metres from the water). Only the following non-angling methods may be used.

• One baitfish trap no more than 51 centimetres long and 31 centimetres wide can be used day or night. Baitfish traps must be clearly marked with the licence holder’s name and address.
• One dip-net no more than 183 centimetres on each side if angular or 183 centimetres across if circular, during daylight hours only (after sunrise and before sunset).

Dip-nets and baitfish traps may not be used in Algonquin Park.

Leeches

Limit: 120 (includes those caught or purchased)

Only Ontario and Canadian resident anglers may capture leeches. Anglers are only permitted to personally harvest leeches in the BMZ where their primary residence is located or within the Great Lakes and Ottawa River (must be used in that waterbody, and can only be moved into an adjacent BMZ to be disposed of immediately more than 30 metres from the water). Only the following methods may be used.

• Only one leech trap no more than 45 centimetres in any dimension can be used day or night to capture leeches. Leech traps must be clearly marked with the licence holder’s name.

Crayfish

Limit: 36

• Must be used in same waterbody where caught.
• May not be transported overland.
• May be captured using methods outlined for baitfish above.

Frogs

Limit: 12

• Only Northern leopard frogs may be captured or used as bait.

Salamanders

• May not be captured, imported or used as bait in Ontario.

Chumming

Chumming (baiting an area to attract fish) is allowed for common carp and for attracting other fish species, but only with plant-based baits as defined in general fishing regulations.

Invasive species

Invasive species are often spread unknowingly. Anglers and boaters need to be aware of the rules that apply to them and should always take precautions to help stop invasive species. Ontario’s Invasive Species Act, 2015 regulates activities to prevent the introduction and spread of species that negatively affect Ontario’s biodiversity and/or economy. Federal regulations also prohibit the introduction of all aquatic species to an area where they are not naturally found.

For more information on invasive species in Ontario, visit Invasive species in Ontario. To report a sighting call the Invading Species Hotline 1-800-563-7711 or visit eddmaps.org.

Prohibited invasive species

In Ontario, it’s illegal to import, possess, deposit, release, transport, breed, grow, buy, sell, lease or trade these species.

Additionally, it’s against the law to possess, transport or release live round goby, tubenose goby, rudd or ruffe in Ontario or to import zebra or quagga mussels into Canada.

Restricted invasive species

In Ontario, the following aquatic plant species are illegal to import, breed, grow, buy, sell, lease or trade, or to possess or transport within a provincial park or conservation reserve:

Sale of prohibited invasive species

Only the following prohibited invasive species may be imported, possessed, transported, bought or sold:

• dead and eviscerated (gutted) bighead carp, black carp, grass carp, Prussian carp, silver carp, tench, zander or snakeheads
• dead red swamp crayfish, white river crayfish and signal crayfish that have been prepared for human consumption (such as cooked)

Boating rules

It is illegal to transport watercraft and watercraft equipment (anything that is used to aid in the operation, movement or navigation of a watercraft including ropes, fenders or anchors) overland unless:

• drain plugs or other devices used to control drainage have been removed or opened to allow water to drain out
• reasonable measures have been taken to remove any aquatic plants, animals, or algae from the watercraft, watercraft equipment, vehicle, and trailer

Persons who move watercraft or watercraft equipment overland must additionally ensure that prior to arriving at a launch site or placing a watercraft in any body of water, the watercraft, watercraft equipment, vehicle, and trailer are free of all aquatic plants, animals, and algae.

In addition to the rules above, if you are boating in waterbodies where European water chestnut or water soldier plants exist, you must:

• take reasonable precautions to prevent transport and deposit of plants outside the infested area to other parts of the waterbody (such as avoid boating through the infested area if you can)
• dispose of these plants so they don’t end up back in any waterbody

In general, avoid running boats through aquatic plants as propellers can break aquatic plants loose and spread invasive species.

Fishing

If you happen to catch a prohibited fish, invertebrate or plant, you must immediately destroy it in a way that ensures it cannot reproduce or grow.

Round goby

Round goby have become widely established in Southern Ontario and Lake Huron and have negative impacts on native fish. It is illegal to use gobies as bait or have live gobies in your possession. Anglers should know how to identify round goby since these aggressive fish are easily caught by hook and line. If you catch a round goby it should be destroyed as it cannot be released live into any waters. Report any new sightings.

Help slow the spread of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS)

VHS is an infectious disease of fish that has been documented in Ontario. Infected fish may show some of the following signs:

• pale gills and organs
• bloated abdomen
• bulging eyes
• bleeding of the body and organs
• a darker body colour

VHS is not a threat to human health. Fish carrying the VHS virus are safe to eat and handle.

More information is available at Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia or call the Natural Resources Information and Support Centre at 1-800-387-7011.

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General information

• Refer to general fishing regulations for more information on how to use this summary.
• In Zone 1, only one barbless hook may be used and live fish may not be used as bait or possessed for use as bait.
• The following species are not present in this Zone and are closed to fishing all year:
  • Atlantic salmon
  • brown trout
  • channel catfish
  • crappie
  • largemouth and smallmouth bass

  • muskellunge
  • rainbow trout
  • splake
  • sunfish
  • Pacific salmon

Zone-wide seasons and limits

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General information

• Refer to general fishing regulations for more information on how to use this summary.
• Non-Canadian residents camping on Crown land must follow conservation fishing licence limits.
• Rainbow smelt may not be used as bait or possessed for use as bait, except in the tributaries of Lake Nipigon within FMZ 2.
• Live fish may not be used as bait or possessed for use as bait in all waters north of the 11^th baseline at latitude 51°48′11″ N. and west of longitude 89°00′ W.
• The following waterbodies, or portions of them, have different regulations that are listed in the waterbody exceptions:
  • Lake St. Joseph
  • Opapimiskan Lake
  • Sydney Lake area
• The following species are not present in this Zone and are closed to fishing all year:
  • Atlantic salmon
  • channel catfish
  • crappie
  • Pacific salmon
• The portion of FMZ 2 that is south of the 11^th baseline at latitude 51°48′11”N. and east of longitude 89°00′ W. is part of the Northwest Bait Management Zone (BMZ). Live or dead baitfish or leeches may not be transported into or out of a BMZ. These rules do not apply to baitfish and leeches which are both dead and preserved. Refer to bait for more details.

Zone-wide seasons and limits

Zone-wide seasons and limits apply to all waters in the Zone except for the specific waters and species listed in the species exceptions, waterbody exceptions and fish sanctuaries.

Species exceptions

Brook trout

Additional fishing opportunities

Season: open all year

Limits: S-5 and C-2; no size limits

• Blue Lake (50°20′04″ N., 88°56′56″ W.)
• Johnny Lake (50°17′35″ N., 87°02′52″ W.)
• Secret Lake (50°18′53″ N., 88°58′29″ W.)
• Unnamed Lake (Whiz Lake) (51°38′11″ N., 89°58′01″ W.)

Lake sturgeon

Season: closed all year

• All waters located within the portion of Zone 2 from the Ontario/Manitoba interprovincial boundary east along the line of 52°35′N. latitude, to the intersection with 93°50′ W. longitude, thence south to the intersection with 52°10′N. latitude, thence east to the intersection with 92°10′ W. longitude, thence south to the Zone 2 boundary, including all of the waters within Woodland Caribou Provincial Park; thence in a westerly direction to the Ontario/Manitoba interprovincial boundary, thence northerly to the intersection with 52°35′N. latitude.
• All waters in Zone 2 draining into Lake Nipigon including the Little Jackfish River beginning at the hydro control dam at Mojikit Lake.

Lake trout

Limits: S-1 and C-0

• Faircloth Lake (Greytrout Lake) (51°09′20″ N., 88°11′24″ W.)
• Merpaw Lake (51°38′53″ N., 88°58′13″ W.)

Limits: S-1 in one day and possession limit of two, not more than one greater than 65 centimetres and C-1; any size

• Echoing Lake (54°31'14" N., 92°14'24" W.)

Limits: S-2 and C-1; not more than one greater than 56 centimetres

• Gordon Reid Lake (South Lake, I-100 Lake) (51°01′14″ N., 88°02′37″ W.)
• Luella Lake (51°11′20″ N., 88°42′26″ W.)
• Opichuan Lake (51°14′46″ N., 87°46′14″ W.)
• O’Sullivan Lake (50°25′00″ N., 87°03′00″ W.)
• Superb Lake (50°30′55″ N., 86°58′21″ W.)
• Troutfly Lake (51°41′59″ N., 88°53′22″ W.)

Walleye and sauger combined

Season: January 1 to April 14 and June 10 to December 31

Limits: S-2 and C-2; not more than one greater than 46 centimetres

• Little Jackfish River - downstream from and including the first rapids upstream of the Pikitigushi Road Bridge to the centre line of the CN railway bridge

Waterbody exceptions

Lake St. Joseph (51°03'13" N., 90°49'37" W.)

• Only one barbless hook may be used
• Non-Canadian residents require a special tag which is available at no charge from the Lake St. Joseph tourist operators
• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from March 1 to June 14 in the following areas:
  • Twiname Bay east of a line beginning at the north shore at 51°09′10″N., 90°27′10″ W., southeast to 51°08′54″N., 90°25′52″ W. and south to 51°08′30″N., 90°25′35″ W.

Opapimiskan Lake (52°37′39″ N., 90°24′27″ W.)

• All species: S-0 and C-0

Sydney Lake area - North Kenora Pilot Project area - waters south and east of Kilburn Lake (50°43'05" N., 94°28'28" W.) in Zone 2, including Sydney (50°39'41" N., 94°26'10" W.), Rowdy (50°33'28" N., 94°28'33" W.) and Leano Lake (50°47'10" N., 94°26'39" W.) lakes

• Species based regulations for all non-Canadian anglers:
  • lake trout - S-1 and C-1
  • lake whitefish - S-6 and C-6
  • largemouth and smallmouth bass combined - S-1 and C-1; must be less than 35 centimetres from January 1 to June 30 and December 1 to December 31
  • muskellunge - S-0 and C-0
  • northern pike - S-2 and C-2; none between 70-90 centimetres, not more than one greater than 90 centimetres
  • walleye and sauger combined - S-2 and C-2; not more than one greater than 46 centimetres
  • yellow perch - S-25 and C-25

Fish sanctuaries

No fishing - closed all year

• Zeemel Lake - including the Paseminon River upstream to 300 metres above the Musselwhite Mine Road

No fishing - from April 1 to June 14

• Kawashkagama River - from Abamasagi Lake to 100 metres above Albert Falls
• Upper Twin Lake - Pete’s Bay, beginning at the intersection of Shamokan Creek and the Rail Line Road continuing downstream to include all of Pete’s Bay of Upper Twin Lake

No fishing - from March 1 to June 14

• Esnagami River - from the northern boundary of Esnagami Township (50°21′36″ N., 86°46′45″ W.) downstream (north) to the second set of rapids (50°25′20″ N., 86°40′45″ W.)
• Lake St. Joseph - refer to waterbody exceptions

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General information

• Refer to general fishing regulations for more information on how to use this summary.
• The following species are not present in this Zone and are closed to fishing all year:
  • Atlantic salmon
  • brown trout
  • channel catfish
  • crappie
  • muskellunge
  • Pacific salmon
• FMZ 3 is part of the Northeast Bait Management Zone (BMZ). Live or dead baitfish or leeches may not be transported into or out of a BMZ. These rules do not apply to baitfish and leeches which are both dead and preserved. Refer to bait for more details.

Zone-wide seasons and limits

Zone-wide seasons and limits apply to all waters in the Zone except for the specific waters and species listed in the species exceptions and fish sanctuaries.

Species exceptions

Brook trout

Additional fishing opportunities

Season: open all year

• Pelican Lake (49°54′41″ N., 84°08′09″ W.)
• Scaup Lake (50°01′58″ N., 84°09′01″ W.)

Lake trout

Additional fishing opportunities

Season: open all year

• Brave Lake (49°51′15″ N., 84°20′43″ W.)

Rainbow Trout

Additional fishing opportunities

Season: open all year

Limits: S-5 and C-2

• Swallow Lake (49°55′14″ N., 84°08′11″ W.)

Fish sanctuaries

No fishing - from April 1 to June 15

• French Creek - Hanlan Township, from its outflow at French Lake to the area between Hanlan and Wolverine lakes from Lot 13, Concession 10 to Lot 16, Concession 11 (known locally as Hanlan Narrows) and Ryland Creek from its outflow at French Lake to its intersection with the Concession 7 road
• Fushimi Lake, Valentine River and Hanlan Lake – The embayment of Fushimi Lake northeast of the narrows (49°49'44"N., 83°52'20"W.), the Valentine River, and the northwest embayment of Hanlan Lake at the mouth of the Valentine River (49°50'39"N., 83°49'49"W.)
• Holland Lake and Holland Creek - Stoddart Township
• Pivabiska River - lying between its outflow from Pivabiska Lake in Lot 28, Concession 12 (Casgrain Township) downstream to the point where it intersects 49°52′N. (Ritchie Township)
• Sainte Therese Creek - from its mouth at Lac Sainte Therese upstream to the point where it crosses the south boundary of Lot 26, Concession 7 (Casgrain Township) and the unnamed tributary lying between Sainte Therese Creek and Highway 583 in Lots 25 and 26, Concession 8
• Stoddart Creek - Stoddart Township, between Stoddart Lake and the Valentine River
• Valentine River - from Wolverine Lake to Pivabiska Lake

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General information

• Refer to general fishing regulations for more information on how to use this summary.
• Non-Canadian residents camping on Crown land must follow conservation fishing licence limits.
• Rainbow smelt may not be used as bait or possessed for use as bait.

• The following waterbodies, or portions of them, have different regulations that are listed in the waterbody exceptions:

  • Big Vermillion Lake
  • Cedar Lake
  • Cloudlet Lake
  • Hooch Lake
  • Lac Seul
  • Maskinonge Lake

  • Minnitaki, Abram, Pelican, and Botsford Lakes (including Duck Lake, Hidden Lake, English River and Rice River)
  • Red Lake and Gullrock System (including Chukuni River, Keg Lake, Ranger Lake and Two Island Lake)
  • Sydney Lake Area
• The following species are not present in this Zone and are closed to fishing all year:
  • Atlantic salmon
  • brown trout
  • channel catfish
  • Pacific salmon
• FMZ 4 is part of the Northwest Bait Management Zone (BMZ). Live or dead baitfish or leeches may not be transported into or out of a BMZ. These rules do not apply to baitfish and leeches which are both dead and preserved. Refer to bait for more details.

Zone-wide seasons and limits

Zone-wide seasons and limits apply to all waters in the Zone except for the specific waters and species listed in the species exceptions, waterbody exceptions and fish sanctuaries.

Species exceptions

Brook trout

Additional fishing opportunities

Season: open all year  
Limits: S-5 and C-2; no size limit

Lake trout

Season: closed all year

• Cedarbough Lake (49°58′49″ N., 92°11′37″ W.) and all connecting streams to Little Vermilion Lake (50°00'06″ N., 92°09′18″ W.)
• Little Vermilion Lake (50°00′06″ N., 92°09′18″ W.) and all connecting streams to Cedarbough Lake (49°58′49″ N., 92°11′37″ W.)

Muskellunge

Limits: S-1; must be greater than 91 centimetres, and C-0

• Confusion Lake (50°40′00″ N., 94°09′00″ W.)
• Flat Lake (50°57′43″ N., 93°57′12″ W.) - Baird Township
• Russett Lake (50°58′31″ N., 93°55′45″ W.) - Baird Township
• Unnamed Lake (Paul-Orr Lake) (50°59′24″ N., 93°56′02″ W.)
• Unnamed Lake (Spires Lake) (50°58′42″ N., 93°58′45″ W.)

Limits: S-1; must be greater than 137 centimetres, and C-0

• Cliff Lake (50°10′08″ N., 93°17′60″ W.) - at Highway 105
• Longlegged Lake (50°45′00″ N., 94°05′00″ W.)
• Perrault Lake (50°17′ N., 93°08′ W.)

Walleye

Season: January 1 to March 31 and June 15 to December 31

• Graystone Lake (49°59′11″ N., 91°02′38″ W.) - from Highway 599 to a line drawn across Graystone Lake at 91°03′13″ W.
• Post Creek - from the base of the waterfall in Post Bay to latitude 49°55′36″ N. on Sturgeon Lake
• Sturgeon Lake (49°55′38″ N., 90°53′49″ W.) - described as Trappers Point Bay from 50°11′55″ N. to the intersection of Trout Creek and Second Creek with Highway 599

Waterbody exceptions

Big Vermilion Lake (50°02'00" N., 92°13'00" W.)

• Only artificial lures may be used
• Only 1 line may be used when angling through the ice
• Lake trout - none between 45-60 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 60 centimetres

Cedar Lake (50°10′08″ N., 93°07′11″ W.)

• Muskellunge - S-1; must be greater than 137 centimetres and C-0

Cedar Lake - Louise Rapids and Nelson Lake

• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from April 1 to June 14

Cloudlet Lake (49°58'50" N., 92°21'13" W.), Hooch Lake (49°57'57" N., 92°19'20" W.), Muskie (Maskinonge) Lake (49°56'58" N., 92°17'41" W.) and all connecting waters - Echo, Lomond, Pickerel and Vermilion Townships

• Only artificial lures and 1 barbless hook may be used
• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from January 1 to Friday before the third Saturday in June and December 1 to December 31
• Muskellunge - S-0 and C-0
• Northern pike - S-0 and C-0
• Smallmouth bass - S-0 and C-0

Lac Seul and all connecting waters including, but not limited to Broad (50°26'32" N., 92°37'50" W.), Sunlight (50°29'14" N., 92°34'17" W.), Root River, Vaughan (Whitefish Lake) and Lost Lakes, and Wenasaga River, from the first rapids upstream from Lac Seul approximately three kilometres downstream to the last group of islands.

• No person may possess any live fish taken by angling other than baitfish
• Muskellunge - S-0 and C-0
• Walleye and sauger combined - S-4 and C-2; none between 46-53 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 53 centimetres

Minnitaki (49°58'19" N., 91°57'29" W.), Abram (50°03'33" N.,91°55'44" W.), Pelican (50°06'41" N., 91°57'40" W.), and Botsford Lakes (50°08'19" N., 91°39'32" W.) - including Duck Lake, Hidden Lake (50°07'26" N., 91°44'33" W.), English River, and Rice River

• No person may possess any live fish taken by angling other than baitfish
• Northern pike - open from January 1 to April 14 and the third Saturday in May to December 31
• Walleye and sauger combined - S-4 and C-2; none between 46-53 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 53 centimetres

Minnitaki Lake - Red Pine Bay

• All species - S-0 and C-0; from third Saturday in May to June 14

Minnitaki Lake (49°58'19" N., 91°57'29" W.)

• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from April 1 to June 14 in the following areas:
  • Grassy Bay and English River - between English Falls downstream to include all of Grassy Bay of Minnitaki Lake
  • Twin Bay and the Rice River - including Twill Lake (49°56'38" N., 91°59'02" W.), Flower Lake (49°56'47" N., 91°57'19" W.), Twinflower Lake (49°56'27" N., 91°55'44" W..), Purity Lake, Parnes Lake (49°56'27" N., 91°54'23" W.) and connecting streams, Twinflower Creek, and Twin Bay of Minnitaki Lake (49°57'48" N., 91°52'56" W.) (collectively known as the Rice River) and waters extending approximately 300 m north, to the parallel of latitude 49°58’34” N., drawn across Minnitaki Lake

Red Lake and Gullrock System - those waters upstream of Snowshoe Dam (50°54′22″ N., 93°31′05″ W.) on the Chukuni River, including Red Lake (51°03′21″ N., 93°57′12″ W.), Gullrock Lake (50°58′28″ N., 93°37′00″ W.), Keg Lake (50°59′32″ N., 93°41′01″ W.), Ranger Lake (51°03′54″ N., 93°34′33″ W.), Two Island Lake (50º55′30″ N., 93º34′53″ W.) and all portions of the Chukuni River in between these lakes and any waters flowing into the Red Lake/Gullrock System

• Only artificial lures and 1 single-pointed barbless hook may be used while angling for lake trout
• Lake trout - S-0 and C-0

Red Lake (51°03'21" N., 93°57'12" W.) - Fairlie Township

• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from April 1 to June 14 in the following areas:
  • Red Lake and Chukuni River - McDonough and Bateman Townships, from Little Vermilion Lake south to Red Lake, including part of Hoyles Bay
  • Red Lake and Golden Creek - Bateman Township, from the Pine Ridge Road, south to Red Lake, including part of East Bay
  • Red Lake and Parker Creek - Fairlie Township, from Parker Lake to Red Lake, including an unnamed bay
  • Red Lake and Ranger Lake - Ranger Creek and part of North Bay of Gullrock Lake

Sydney Lake Area - North Kenora Pilot Project area - Waters within boundaries of Manitoba/Ontario border to south shore of the English River System including Goshawk (50°13'07" N., 94°48'48" W.) and Tourist (50°16'05" N., 94°41'58" W.) lakes to Separation Rapids Bridge and South Pakwash Road to Leano Lake (50°47'10" N., 94°26'39" W.), south boundary of Woodland Caribou Provincial Park to Manitoba/Ontario border

• Regulations for all non-Canadian anglers:
  • lake trout - S-1 and C-1
  • lake whitefish - S-6 and C-6
  • largemouth and smallmouth bass combined - S-1 and C-1; must be less than 35 centimetres from January 1 to June 30 and December 1 to December 31
  • Muskellunge - S-0 and C-0
  • Northern pike - S-2 and C-2; none between 70-90 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 90 centimetres
  • walleye and sauger combined - S-2 and C-2; not more than 1 greater than 46 centimetres
  • yellow perch - S-25 and C-25

Fish sanctuaries

No fishing - January 1 to Friday before the third Saturday in June and December 1 to December 31

• Cloudlet Lake, Hooch Lake and Maskinonge Lake - refer to waterbody exceptions

No fishing - from April 1 to June 14

• Agimak River and Little Indian Lake - Gour Township, downstream from Sandbar Lake to the mouth of the Agimak River where it enters Indian Lake
• Barnard Creek (50°06′ N., 90°51′ W.) - between Fourbay Lake and Eady Lake
• Bruce Lake - from Bruce Creek at Highway 105 north to, and including, the south half of Bruce Lake
• Camp Creek and part of Indian Lake - Gour Township
• Cedar Lake - refer to waterbody exceptions
• English River - from an unnamed island at Talking Falls to latitude 49°33′ 45″ N. drawn across Franks Lake
• Jackfish Creek - from the outflow of Jackfish Lake to the inflow of Perrault Lake
• Megikons River and Sowden Lake - that part downstream from confluence of Megikons River and Reba River to longitude 91°10′ W. drawn through Sowden Lake
• Minnitaki Lake - refer to waterbody exceptions
• Mud Lake (50°25′25″ N., 93°14′07″ W.) - Kenora District, all waters in the unsurveyed portion of the territorial District of Kenora starting from where its mouth enters Wabaskang Lake
• Nelson Lake - Kenora District, from a line between the western shoreline at approximately 50°13′09″ N., 93°09′44″ W. and the eastern shoreline at 50°13′05″ N., 93°09′26″ W. upstream including the north part of Nelson Lake and the creek and Richmond Lake
• Ord River - Kenora District, from 50°15′22″ N., 93°01′40″ W. upstream to the top of first set of rapids at 50°12′55″ N., 93°01′08″ W.
• Pakwash Lake - Fisherman’s Bay
• Perrault Falls and Wabaskang Lake - Town of Perrault Falls, between Highway 105 bridge and a point 500 metres northeast of the bridge
• Puzzle Bay of Ord Lake - south of the narrows at latitude 50°08′ 18″ N.
• Red Lake - refer to waterbody exceptions
• Richmond Lake - Kenora District
• Savant Lake (North Arm) (50°28′ N., 90°25′ W.) - Savant Township
• Troutlake River - from the top of Whitefish Falls to a point 2 kilometres downstream where the river intersects Latitude 50°52′ N.
• Vermilion River - and tributaries between Elbow Lake and Expanse Lake
• Wenasaga River - from the first rapids upstream from Lac Seul approximately 3 kilometres downstream to the last group of islands

No fishing - from January 1 to June 14 and September 1 to December 31

• Root River - between latitudes 50°42′30″ N., and 50°52′30″ N.

No fishing - from January 1 to June 14 and December 1 to December 31

• Root River (Adamhay River) - between latitudes 50°39′00″ N. and 50°42′30″ N.
• Vaughan Lake (Whitefish Lake) (50°13′ N., 92°22′ W.)

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General Information – for all anglers in FMZ 5

• Refer to general fishing regulations for more information on how to use this summary.
• Rainbow smelt may not be used as bait or possessed for use as bait.

• The following waterbodies, or portions of them, have different regulations that are listed in the waterbody exceptions:

  • Dinorwic Lake (including Minnehaha Lake, Rock Lake and Turtlepond Lake)
  • Dryberry Lake
  • Eagle Lake
  • Experimental Lakes Area
  • Kakagi Lake
  • Lake of the Woods
  • Quetico Provincial Park

  • Rainy Lake
  • Rainy River
  • Seine River System
  • Shoal Lake
  • Wabigoon River (including Butler Lake, Larson Lake, Mile Lake, Olsen Lake, Paulson Lake and Trap Lake)
  • Winnipeg River System
• The following species are not present in this Zone and are closed to fishing all year:
  • Atlantic salmon
  • Channel catfish
  • Pacific salmon
• FMZ 5 is part of the Northwest Bait Management Zone (BMZ). Live or dead baitfish or leeches may not be transported into or out of a BMZ. These rules do not apply to baitfish and leeches which are both dead and preserved. Refer to bait for more details.

General Information – for non-Canadian resident anglers in FMZ 5

• Conservation Fishing Licence limits must be followed when camping on Crown land in portions of Zone 5 (that is, within shaded area on map).
• The Zone-wide daily catch and retain limits and possession limits for walleye and sauger combined and lake trout is different for non-Canadian residents than for Ontario and Canadian residents.
• Non-Canadian residents shall not possess more fish on board the vessel they are angling from than the applicable daily limit for that species.

Zone-wide seasons and limits

Zone-wide seasons and limits apply to all waters in the Zone except for the specific waters and species listed in the species exceptions, waterbody exceptions and fish sanctuaries.

Species exceptions

Lake trout

Season: closed all year

• Centre for Northern Forest Ecosystem Research Lakes:
  • Lake 20 (49°07′46″N., 92°08′19″W.)
  • Lake 26 (49°07′23″N., 92°08′40″W.)
  • Lake 39 (49°05′42″N., 92°09′56″W.)
  • Lake 42 (49°05′05″N., 92°09′36″W.) (research lakes)
  • contact Atikokan work centre for more information
• Seahorse Lake (49°06′03″N., 93°18′03″W.)

Muskellunge

Limits: S-1; must be greater than 122 centimetres and C-0

Limits: S-1; must be greater than 137 centimetres, and C-0

• Rowan Lake (49°19′00″N., 93°33′00″W.)

Waterbody exceptions

Dinorwic Lake (49°37′40″N., 92°33′25″W.) - including Minnehaha Lake (49°31′27″N., 92°38′45″W.) , Rock Lake (49°32′37" N., 92°35′51" W.) and Turtlepond Lake (49°32'43" N., 92°36′46" W.)

• Crappie - S-15 and C-10
• Largemouth and smallmouth bass combined - S-2 and C-1; must be less than 35 centimetres from January 1 to June 30 and December 1 to December 31, S-4 and C-2; no size limit from July 1 to November 30
• Muskellunge - S-1; must be greater than 137 centimetres, and C-0
• Walleye and Sauger combined
  • Ontario and Canadian residents: S-4 and C-2; none between 46–58 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 58 centimetres
  • Non-Canadian residents:
    • Daily catch and retain limit: S-2 and C-2;none between 46–58 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 58 centimetres
    • Possession limit: S-4 and C-2;none between 46-58 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 58 centimetres

Dryberry Lake (49°32'49"N., 93°51'00"W.) - including Northwest Bay (48°49'47"N., 92°42'15"W.), Point Bay (49°34'38"N., 93°44'01"W.) and Point Lake (48°09'40"N., 91°32'15"W.)

• Fish or fish parts may not be possessed or used as bait from January 1 to Friday before third Saturday in May
• Only barbless hooks may be used from January 1 to Friday before third Saturday in May
• Lake trout
  • All anglers:
    • Daily catch and retain limit: S-1 and C-1; any size
    • Possession limit: S-2; not more than 1 greater than 65 centimetres, and C-1; any size
• Muskellunge - S-1; must be greater than 137 centimetres, and C-0

Eagle Lake (49°42'00"N., 93°13'00"W.)

• No angling at night for any species
• Lake trout
  • All anglers:
    • Daily catch and retain limit: S-1 and C-1; any size
    • Possession limit: S-2; not more than 1 greater than 65 centimetres, and C-1; any size
• Largemouth and smallmouth bass combined - S-2 and C-1; must be less than 35 centimetres from January 1 to June 30 and December 1 to December 31, S-4 and C-2; no size limit from July 1 to November 30
• Muskellunge - S-1; must be greater than 137 centimetres, and C-0
• Northern pike - S-4 and C-2; none between 70-90 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 90 centimetres
• Walleye and sauger combined
  • Ontario and Canadian residents: S-4 and C-2; none between 46-58 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 58 centimetres
  • Non-Canadian residents:
    • Daily catch and retain limit: S-2 and C-2; none between 46-58 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 58 centimetres
    • Possession limit: S-4 and C-2; none between 46-58 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 58 centimetres

Eagle Lake - portions of Eagle Lake including Whiteclay Narrows, Brule Narrows, Niven Bay, Bunyon Lake, Godson Creek, Kekekwa Creek, Wawapus Creek, Bear Narrows, Froghead Bay, Rice Bay, Violet Lake, One Mile Rapids, Two Mile Rapids, Meridian Bay

• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from April 1 to May 31

Experimental Lakes Area - Pine Road Area, Dryden District, Lakes 111, 189, 191, 221, 222, 223, 224, 239, 260, 305, 373, 375, 377, 378, 382, 442, 622, 623, 626 and 658

• Closed to angling all year – contact the Dryden office for more details

Kakagi Lake (Crow Lake) (49°12′60″N., 93°52′00″W.) - Kenora District

• Largemouth and smallmouth bass - S-0 and C-0; from January 1 to June 30
• Muskellunge - S-1; must be greater than 137 centimetres, and C-0

Lake of the Woods - all portions of Lake of the Woods excluding waters of Clearwater Bay (49°42'23"N., 94°45'13"W.), Deception Bay, Woodchuck Bay, Kendall Inlet, Echo Bay (49°39'00"N., 94°53'58"W.), Cul de Sac Lake (49°37'54"N., 94°49'47"W.) and Whitefish Bay (49°22'25"N., 94°08'17"W.), including Regina (49°24'32"N., 94°02'13"W.), Snake, Boot (48°43'13"N., 93°23'05"W.), Ghost (49°21'42"N., 94°14'08"W.), Brule (49°23'11"N., 94°13'42"W.), Devils (49°14'47"N., 94°05'07"W.), Atikaminike (49°14'29"N., 94°02'36"W.), Camp (49°15'11"N., 94°02'26"W.), Cloverleaf (49°25'12"N., 94°07'58"W.), Log (49°26'14"N., 94°09'52"W.), Reedy (49°25'15"N., 94°05'27"W.), Willow (48°36'33"N., 92°47'13"W.) and Sammons bays (49°23'45"N., 93°59'28"W.), and Knickerbocker (49°23'16"N., 94°18'27"W.), Louis (49°25'30"N., 94°17'08"W.), Cross (49°28'04"N., 94°19'08"W.), and Alfred inlets (49°13'34"N., 94°07'25"W.)

• Lake Trout
  • All anglers: S-0 and C-0

Lake of the Woods - including waters of the Western Peninsula, Aulneau Peninsula, Cul de Sac Lake (49°37'54"N., 94°49'47"W.) and an unnamed lake at 49°36′N., 94°51′W.

• Lake whitefish - S-4 and C-2
• Largemouth and smallmouth bass combined - S-0 and C-0; from January 1 to June 30
• Muskellunge - S-1; must be greater than 137 centimetres, and C-0
• Walleye and sauger combined
  • Canadian and Ontario Residents: S-4; none between 43–70 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 70 centimetres, and C-2; none greater than 43 centimetres
  • Non-Canadian residents:
    • Daily catch and retain limit - S-2; none between 43–70 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 70 centimetres, and C-2; none greater than 43 centimetres
    • Possession limit - S-4; none between 43–70 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 70 centimetres and C-2; none greater than 43 centimetres
• Yellow perch - S-15 and C-10

Lake of the Woods - Sabaskong Bay (49°09′ N., 94°09″W.) - Godson Township, Kenora District

• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from April 1 to June 14

Lake of the Woods - Echo Bay (49°39'00"N., 94°53'58"W.), Cul de Sac Lake (49°37'54"N., 94°49'47"W.), Clearwater Bay (49°42'23"N., 94°45'13"W.), Deception Bay (49°42′ N., 94°48′ W.), Woodchuck Bay (49°41′ N., 94°2′ W.) and Kendall Inlet (49°44′ N., 94°52′ W)

• Fish or fish parts may not be possessed or used as bait
• Barbless hooks only
• Lake trout
  • All anglers:
    • a lake trout tag is required to catch and retain lake trout
    • in addition to a sport or conservation fishing licence, anglers must have a valid lake trout tag to catch and retain them from these waters
    • for more information about lake trout tags or to apply for one, contact Kenora work centre
    • S-0 and C-0 (except for tag holders); open from third Saturday in May to September 30
    • only 1 barbless hook may be used and for lake trout

Lake of the Woods - Whitefish Bay (49°22'25"N., 94°08'17"W.) - including Regina (49°24'32"N., 94°02'13"W.), Snake, Boot (48°43'13"N., 93°23'05"W.), Ghost (49°21'42"N., 94°14'08"W.), Brule (49°23'11"N., 94°13'42"W.), Devils (49°14'47"N., 94°05'07"W.), Atikaminike (49°14'29"N., 94°02'36"W.), Camp (49°15'11"N., 94°02'26"W.), Cloverleaf (49°25'12"N., 94°07'58"W.), Log (49°26'14"N., 94°09'52"W.), Reedy (49°25'15"N., 94°05'27"W.), Clipper, Willow (48°36'33"N., 92°47'13"W.) and Sammons bays (49°23'45"N., 93°59'28"W.) and Knickerbocker (49°23'16"N., 94°18'27"W.), Louis (49°25'30"N., 94°17'08"W.), Cross (49°28'04"N., 94°19'08"W.), Alfred inlets (49°13'34"N., 94°07'25"W.)

• Possession and/or use of fish or fish parts as bait is prohibited from January 1 to Friday before third Saturday in May
• Only barbless hooks may be used from January 1 to Friday before the third Saturday in May
• Lake trout
  • All anglers:
    • Daily catch and retain limit: S-1 and C-1; any size
    • Possession limit: S-2; not more than 1 greater than 65 centimetres, and C-1; any size

Quetico Provincial Park

• Only artificial lures may be used
• Only barbless hooks may be used

Rainy Lake (48°43′20″N., 93°15′41″W.)

• Largemouth and smallmouth bass combined - S-2 and C-1; must be less than 35 centimetres from January 1 to June 30 and December 1 to December 31, S-4 and C-2; no size limit from July 1 to November 30
• Muskellunge - S-1; must be greater than 122 centimetres, and C-0
• Northern pike - S-4 and C-2; none between 70-90 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 90 centimetres
• Walleye and sauger combined
  • Ontario and Canadian residents: S-4 and C-2; must be between 35-45 centimetres or greater than 70 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 70 centimetres, and sauger any size
  • Non-Canadian residents:
    • Daily catch and retain limit: S-1 and C-1; must be between 35-45 centimetres or greater than 70 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 70 centimetres, and sauger any size
    • Possession limit: S-4 and C-2; must be between 35-45 centimetres or greater than 70 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 70 centimetres, and sauger any size

Rainy Lake - Squirrel Falls between Namakan Lake and Rainy Lake, downstream for 250 metres on the north shore and 200 metres on the south shore from the Canadian Kettle Falls Dam

• Fish sanctuary - closed all year

Rainy Lake Stanjikoming Bay, Big Canoe River (48°48′ N., 93°13′ W.), Falls River and Pipestone River from Stokes Bay of Rainy Lake upstream to first rapids, Little Canoe River (48°54′ N., 93°18′ W.), Crooked Narrows to Sand Island Falls of Redgut Bay, Halfway Inlet and Lost Bay, Porter Inlet of Redgut Bay, Rat River Bay from the narrows and small island at the entrance to Rat River Bay, upstream to, and including the first rapids of both the West Branch Rat River and the East Branch Rat River

• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from April 1 to June 14

Rainy River - from dam in Fort Frances downstream to Wheeler’s Point at Lake of the Woods

• Lake whitefish - S-4 and C-2
• Largemouth and smallmouth bass combined - S-0 and C-0; from January 1 to June 30
• Muskellunge - S-1; must be greater than 137 centimetres, and C-0
• Walleye and sauger combined
  • Ontario and Canadian residents:
    • from January 1 to the last day in February and third Saturday in May to December 31 - S-4 and C-2; not more than 1 greater than 46 centimetres
    • from March 1 to April 14 - S-2 and C-2; must be less than 46 centimetres
  • Non-Canadian residents:
    • season: January 1 to April 14 and third Saturday in May to December 31
    • daily catch and retain from January 1 to the last day in February, and third Saturday in May to December 31: S-2 and C-2; not more than 1 greater than 46 centimetres
    • daily catch and retain from March 1 to April 14: S-2 and C-2; must be less than 46 centimetres
    • possession limit: January 1 to the last day in February and third Saturday in May to December 31 - S-4 and C-2; not more than 1 greater than 46 centimetres
    • possession Limit: March 1 to April 14 - S-2 and C-2; must be less than 46 centimetres
• Yellow perch - S-15 and C-10

Rainy River - from Rainy Lake downstream to the Fort Frances dam

• Largemouth and smallmouth bass combined - S-2 and C-1; must be less than 35 centimetres from January 1 to June 30 and December 1 to December 31, S-4 and C-2; no size limit from July 1 to November 30
• Muskellunge - S-1; must be greater than 122 centimetres, and C-0
• Northern pike - S-4 and C-2; none between 70-90 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 90 centimetres
• Walleye and sauger combined
  • Ontario and Canadian residents: S-4 and C-2; must be between 35-45 centimetres or greater than 70 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 70 centimetres, and sauger any size
  • Non-Canadian residents:
    • Daily catch and retain limit: S-1 and C-1; must be between 35-45 centimetres or greater than 70 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 70 centimetres, and sauger any size
    • Possession limit: S-4 and C-2; must be between 35-45 centimetres or greater than 70 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 70 centimetres, and sauger any size

Seine River System - from Kettle Point of Rainy Lake upstream to Sturgeon Falls Dam (Crilly Dam), situated immediately north of Highway 11, including Little Grassy, Grassy (48°39'53"N., 92°43'05"W.), Shoal, Wild Potato (48°43'00"N., 92°28'36"W.) and Partridge Crop Lakes (48°43'46"N., 92°22'12"W.)

• Largemouth and smallmouth bass combined - S-2 and C-1; must be less than 35 centimetres from January 1 to June 30 and December 1 to December 31, S-4 and C-2; no size limit from July 1 to November 30
• Muskellunge - S-1; must be greater than 122 centimetres, and C-0
• Northern pike - S-4 and C-2; none between 70-90 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 90 centimetres
• Walleye and sauger combined
  • Ontario and Canadian residents: S-4 and C-2; must be between 35-45 centimetres or greater than 70 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 70 centimetres, and sauger any size
  • Non-Canadian residents:
    • Daily catch and retain limit: S-1 and C-1; must be between 35-45 centimetres or greater than 70 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 70 centimetres, and sauger any size
    • Possession limit: S-4 and C-2; must be between 35-45 centimetres or greater than 70 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 70 centimetres, and sauger any size

Shoal Lake above Ash Rapids - Kenora District

• Live baitfish may not be used as bait or possessed for use as bait
• Lake whitefish - S-4 and C-2
• Largemouth and smallmouth bass - S-0 and C-0; from January 1 to June 30
• Muskellunge - S-1; must be greater than 137 centimetres, and C-0
• Walleye and sauger combined - closed all year
• Yellow perch - S-15 and C-10

Wabigoon Lake (49°44′09″N., 92°43′52″W.) - including Butler Lake (49°40′24″N., 92°39′02″W.), Larson Lake (49°38′23″N., 92°37′06″W.), Mile Lake (49°40′53″N., 92°46′43″W.), Olsen Lake (49°39′06″N., 92°37′47″W.), Paulson Lake (49°37′26″N., 92°36′54″W.) and Trap Lake (49°39′34″N., 92°47′19″W.)

• Crappie - S-15 and C-10
• Largemouth and smallmouth bass combined - S-2 and C-1; must be less than 35 centimetres from January 1 to June 30 and December 1 to December 31, S-4 and C-2; no size limit from July 1 to November 30
• Muskellunge - S-1; must be greater than 137 centimetres, and C-0
• Walleye and sauger combined
  • Ontario and Canadian residents: S-4 and C-2; none between 46-58 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 58 centimetres
  • Non-Canadian residents:
    • Daily catch and retain limit: S-2 and C-2; none between 46-58 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 58 centimetres
    • Possession limit: S-4 and C-2; none between 46-58 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 58 centimetres

Wabigoon Lake - Zealand Township, 100 metres from Christie Island

• Fish sanctuary – no fishing from April 1 to June 14

Winnipeg River System - from outflow of Lake of the Woods to the Manitoba Border including the waters of Big Sand Lake (50°06'45"N., 94°37'54"W.), Eaglenest Lake (50°12'35"N., 95°08'27"W.), English River, from the Winnipeg and English Rivers upstream to the Caribou Falls dam, Gun Lake (49°56'41"N., 94°40'12"W.), Hidden Lake (50°04’56“N., 94°35’58“W.), Little Sand Lake (50°02'11"N., 94°41'05"W.), Lost Lake (50°01’16”N., 94°39’39”W.), MacFarlane River to Ena Lake Dam (49°58'35"N., 94°32'03"W.), Middle Lake (49°46'54"N., 94°36'21"W.), Muriel Lake (49°48'40"N., 94°40'51"W.), Pistol Lake (49°59'49"N., 94°42'38"W.) and Roughrock Lake (50°06'41"N., 94°45'56"W.), Swan Lake (50°03'57"N., 94°54'43"W.) and Tetu Lake (50°10'54"N., 95°02'18"W.)

• Lake whitefish - S-4 and C-2
• Largemouth and smallmouth bass combined - S-0 and C-0; from January 1 to June 30
• Muskellunge - S-1; must be greater than 137 centimetres, and C-0
• Walleye and sauger combined
  • All anglers: open from January 1 to March 14 and third Saturday in May to December 31
  • Ontario and Canadian residents: S-4 and C-2
  • Non-Canadian residents:
    • Daily catch and retain limit: S-2 and C-1
    • Possession limit: S-2 and C-1
• Walleye
  • All anglers: must be between 35-45 centimetres
• Sauger
  • All anglers: not more than 1 greater than 45 centimetres
• Yellow perch - S-15 and C-10

Winnipeg River (west branch) - from Norman Dam to westerly tip of Tunnel Island, thence in a southwesterly direction to the north-east survey post Lot B, Plan M33 (part of Location A16)

• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from April 1 to June 14

Bait restrictions (all anglers)

Live fish may not be used as bait or possessed for use as bait

• High Lake (49°42′00"N., 95°08′00"W.) - Territorial District of Kenora
• Shoal Lake - refer to waterbody exceptions

Fish or fish parts may not be used as bait

• Dryberry Lake - refer to waterbody exceptions
• Lake of the Woods - refer to waterbody exceptions

Fish sanctuaries (all anglers)

No fishing - closed all year

• Grimshaw Lake (48°58′ N., 93°04′ W.)
• Rainy Lake - refer to waterbody exceptions

No fishing - from January 1 to May 31 and October 1 to December 31

• Lilac Lake (48°17′ N., 92°22′ W.) - between Little Vermilion Lake and Lac la Croix
• Trout Lake (48°17′ N., 92°20′ W.) - between Little Vermilion Lake and Lac la Croix

No fishing - from January 1 to July 31 and September 1 to December 31

• Scattergood Lake (49°17′ N., 92°42′ W.)

No fishing - from February 1 to June 30 and August 1 to December 31

• Crook Lake (49°04′ N., 92°08′ W.)
• Little Grey Trout Lake (49°03′ N., 92°03′ W.)
• Rutter Lake (49°04′ N., 92°12′ W.)
• Secret Lake (49°04′ N., 92°08′ W.)

No fishing - from April 1 to May 31

• Eagle Lake - refer to waterbody exceptions
• Passover Creek - between the southern end of Meridian Bay of Eagle Lake (49°42′00"N., 93°13′00"W.) and Chancellor Lake

No fishing - from April 1 to June 14

• Crowrock Lake - upstream from the narrows at 49º00′00″N., 91º43′50″W.
• Ladysmith Creek and Unnamed Creek - Ladysmith Township, between Rugby Lake and the confluence of Ladysmith Creek and the unnamed creek flowing out of Tent Lake
• Lake of the Woods - refer to waterbody exceptions
• Moose Creek - between Big Moose Lake and Cobble Lake including part of Cobble Lake
• Nugget Creek - Zealand Township, between Hughes Creek and C.P.R. crossing at Wabigoon Lake
• Rainy Lake - refer to waterbody exceptions
• Rugby Lake (49°57′28″N., 92°57′48″W.) - the northern arm that falls within Ladysmith and Rowell Townships
• Trout River (49°01′ N., 92°53′ W.) - from the falls of Sakwite Lake to Otukamamoan Lake
• Wabigoon Lake - refer to waterbody exceptions
• Wabigoon River - Satterly Township, Snake Bay Road to the Wabigoon Lake Indian Reserve
• White Otter Lake (49°07′ N., 91°52′ W.)
• Winnipeg River - refer to waterbody exceptions

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General information

• Refer to general fishing regulations for more information on how to use this summary.
• Non-Canadian residents camping on Crown land must follow conservation fishing licence limits.
• Rainbow smelt may not be used as bait or possessed for use as bait.

• The following waterbodies, or portions of them, have different regulations that are listed in the waterbody exceptions:

  • Arrow River
  • Cushing Lake
  • NewD'Arcy Lake
  • NewHades Lake
  • Jessie Lake
  • Lac des Mille Lacs
  • Lake Helen
  • Lake Nipigon

  • Little Savanne River
  • McIntyre River
  • Nipigon River
  • NewPass Lake
  • Polly Lake
  • Savanne River
  • NewUncle Al's Lake
  • NewWednesday Lake
• FMZ 6, with the exception of St. Ignace Island and Simpson Island, is part of the Northwest Bait Management Zone (BMZ). Live or dead baitfish or leeches may not be transported into or out of a BMZ. These rules do not apply to baitfish and leeches which are both dead and preserved. Refer to bait for more details.

Zone-wide seasons and limits

Zone-wide seasons and limits apply to all waters in the Zone except for the specific waters and species listed in the species exceptions, waterbody exceptions and fish sanctuaries.

Species exceptions

Brook trout

Additional fishing opportunities

Season: open all year

Limits: S-5 and C-2; no size limit

View these waterbodies and additional information on Fish ON-Line.

Limits: S-1; must be greater than 56 centimetres, and C-0

• All tributaries to Lake Superior in Zone 6 described as follows:
  • Current River downstream from the Boulevard Lake Dam (48°27′N., 89°11′W.)
  • Coldwater Creek downstream from Ouimet Canyon Road (48°45′N., 88°36′W.)
  • Spring Creek downstream from Dorion Fish Culture Station (48°50′N., 88°36′W.)
  • Wolf River downstream from the lower falls (48°50′58″N., 88°34′87″W.)
  • Black Sturgeon River downstream from the dam (48°55′N., 88°23′W.)
  • Nipigon River, entire length including Jessie Lake, Polly Lake and Lake Helen (49°04'20"N., 88°16'17"W.)
  • from the Pigeon River to the Nipigon River, all tributaries lying downstream from Highway 61 and Highway 11/17, including Sibley and Black Bay Peninsula and all islands and excluding those listed in the first 6 sub-bullets above

Lake trout

Additional fishing opportunities

Season: open all year          
Limits: S-2 and C-1; no size limit

• Black Sturgeon Lake (49°19′27″N., 88°51′34″W.)
• Keemle Lake (49°17′00″N., 88°07′00″W.)
• Pasha Lake (49°42′00″N., 87°43′00″W.) - Walters Township
• NewPass Lake (48°33′45″N., 88°44′05″W.)

Season: closed all year

• Shebandowan Lakes (48°38′53″N., 90°19′22″W.)

Rainbow Trout

Additional fishing opportunities

Limits: S-5 and C-2

Limits: S-1; must be greater than 69 centimetres, and C-0

• Neebing River

Walleye

Season: closed all year

• Black Sturgeon River - downstream from the dam (48°55′N., 88°23′W.) to Lake Superior

Yellow Perch

Limits: S-50; in 1 day, possession limit of 100 and C-25

• Whitefish Lake (48°13′00"N., 90°00′00"W.)

Waterbody exceptions

Arrow River

• Live fish may not be used as bait or possessed for use as bait
• Only barbless hooks may be used
• Brown trout - S-0 and C-0
• Brown trout - open from fourth Saturday in April to September 30

Arrow River - between the dam on Arrow Lake (Hardwick Township) and the Robbins/Hartington Township line (48°07'52"N., 90°01'34"W.)

• Only artificial flies may be used

Arrow River - between the Robbins/Hartington Township Line and its confluence with the Pigeon River in Devon Township (48°07'52"N., 90°01'34"W.)

• Only artificial lures may be used

Cushing Lake (48°56′10″N., 90°30′11″W.) - Inwood Township

• Northern pike - open from January 1 to April 14 and second Saturday in May to December 31
• Walleye - S-4 and C-2; must be greater than 33 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 46 centimetres

Jessie Lake (49°11′19″N., 88°19′52″W.) - Purdom Township

• Dead rainbow smelt may be used as bait or possessed for use as bait
• Brook trout - S-1; must be greater than 56 centimetres, and C-0
• Lake trout - open from February 15 to March 15 and fourth Saturday in May to September 30
• Northern pike - S-4 and C-2; none between 70-90 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 90 centimetres

Lac des Mille Lacs (48°52′36″N., 90°30′46″W.)

• Northern pike - open from January 1 to April 14 and second Saturday in May to December 31
• Walleye - S-4 and C-2; must be greater than 33 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 46 centimetres

Lake Helen (49°04′20″N., 88°16′17″W.)

• Dead rainbow smelt may be used as bait or possessed for use as bait
• Brook trout - S-1; must be greater than 56 centimetres, and C-0
• Northern pike - S-4 and C-2; none between 70-90 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 90 centimetres
• Walleye and sauger - closed all year

Lake Nipigon and its tributaries downstream from the first falls, rapids, dams or lakes or the entire stream if there are no falls, rapids, dams or lakes, also including:

• Waters on the islands of Lake Nipigon - including Forgan Lake, Bonner Lake, Little Bonner Lake and Jackpot Lake (Madeline Lake);
• Gull River - downstream from the Highway 527 bridge
• Kabitotikwia River - downstream from the Highway 527 bridge
• Poshkokagan River - downstream from and including the rapids (49°25′45″N., 89°04′55″W.) located 13 kilometres upstream from the Black Sturgeon Road bridge;
• Wabinosh River - downstream from Wabinosh Lake
• Little Jackfish River - downstream from the centre line of the CN railway bridge.
• Dead rainbow smelt may be used as bait or possessed for use as bait
• Only artificial lures may be used when angling through the ice
• Only 1 barbless hook may be used
• No person shall use stringers, impounding devices or live holding boxes
• A person may hold fish, other than Brook Trout or Lake Trout, in a livewell
• No possession of live Lake Trout or Brook Trout permitted
• Brook trout - open from fourth Saturday in April to September 15
• Brook trout - S-1; must be greater than 56 centimetres, and C-0
• Lake trout - open from March 1 to September 30
• Lake trout - S-2 and C-1; not more than 1 greater than 70 centimetres
• Northern pike - open from January 1 to April 14 and third Saturday in May to December 31
• Northern pike - S-4 and C-2; none between 70-90 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 90 centimetres
• Walleye and sauger - open from January 1 to April 14 and June 10 to December 31

Lake Nipigon - Ombabika Bay (50°15′N., 88°15′W.) and Wabinosh Bay (50°02′N., 88°50′W.) and the tributaries of the bays up to the first barrier including the Little Jackfish River downstream from the centre line of the CN railway bridge and Wabinosh River downstream of Wabinosh Lake

• Walleye and sauger combined - S-2 and C-2; not more than 1 greater than 46 centimetres

Lake Nipigon - West Bay, the waters lying north and west of the north tip of Boles Island

• Fish sanctuary - closed all year

Little Savanne River (48°57′N., 90°15′W.)

• Walleye - S-4 and C-2; must be greater than 33 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 46 centimetres

Little Savanne River (48°57′N., 90°15′W.) - from the C.P.R. right-of-way to the first C.N.R. right-of-way

• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from April 1 to May 31

McIntyre River

• Rainbow trout - S-1; must be greater than 69 centimetres, and C-0

McIntyre River - from the footbridge to the dam on the University property in the City of Thunder Bay

• Fish sanctuary - closed all year

Nipigon River

• Dead Rainbow Smelt may be used as bait or possessed for use as bait
• Northern pike - S-4 and C-2; none between 70-90 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 90 centimetres

Nipigon River and Nipigon Bay - the Nipigon River from the Alexander Falls Dam in Zone 6 to Nipigon Bay in Zone 9, and the waters of Nipigon Bay in Zone 9 north of a line drawn from Simpson Island (48°49'48"N., 87°40'40"W.) across the bay to the mainland at 48°51'21"N., 87°38'47"W.

• Walleye and sauger - closed all year

Nipigon River

• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from January 1 to Friday before fourth Saturday in May and Tuesday after Labour Day to December 31 in the following areas:
  • Nipigon River - Backpool below the Alexander Dam east of a line drawn south from the Alexander Dam Log Chute to the northernmost tip of the point of land on the east shore of the Nipigon River
  • Nipigon River - Gapen's Pool (49°01′N., 88°15′W.) that part of the Nipigon River lying east of a line drawn north from the eastern shore abutment of Highway 11/17 bridges to the western tip of a point of land on the eastern shore of the outflow from Lake Helen
  • Nipigon River - Parmacheene (49°05′N., 88°19′W.) from the downstream edge of the Parmacheene C.N.R. bridge abutments, upstream approximately 400 metres to the first narrows

Polly Lake (49°07′52″N., 88°15′58″W.)

• Dead rainbow smelt may be used as bait or possessed for use as bait
• Brook trout - S-1; must be greater than 56 centimetres, and C-0
• Northern pike - S-4 and C-2; none between 70-90 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 90 centimetres
• Walleye and sauger - closed all year

Savanne River (48°56′N., 90°17′W.)

• Walleye - S-4 and C-2; must be greater than 33 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 46 centimetres

Savanne River (48°56′N., 90°17′W.) - from One Mile Creek to Dexter Creek.

• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from April 1 to May 31

Bait restrictions

Live fish may not be used as bait or possessed for use as bait - refer to waterbody exceptions

• Arrow River

Dead Rainbow Smelt may be used as bait or possessed for use as bait - refer to waterbody exceptions

• Jessie Lake (49°11'19"N., 88°19'52"W.)
• Lake Helen (49°04'20"N., 88°16'17"W.)
• Nipigon River
• Polly Lake (49°07'52"N., 88°15'58"W.)

Fish sanctuaries

No fishing - closed all year

No fishing – from January 1 to Friday before fourth Saturday in May and Tuesday after Labour Day to December 31

• Nipigon River - refer to waterbody exceptions

No fishing - April 1 to May 31

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General information

• Refer to general fishing regulations for more information on how to use this summary.

• The following waterbodies, or portions of them, have different regulations that are listed in the waterbody exceptions:

  • NewBorealis Lake
  • Dayohessarah Lake
  • Little Dayohessarah Lake
  • Dog Lake
  • Kabinakagami River
  • Magpie River
  • Michipicoten River

  • Nagagami River
  • Oba Lake and River
  • Onaman Lake
  • Rock Lake
  • Three Finger Lake
  • Wabatongushi Lake
• The following species are not present in this Zone and are closed to fishing all year:
  • crappie
  • channel catfish
• FMZ 7 is part of the Northwest Bait Management Zone (BMZ). Live or dead baitfish or leeches may not be transported into or out of a BMZ. These rules do not apply to baitfish and leeches which are both dead and preserved. Refer to bait for more details.

Zone-wide seasons and limits

Zone-wide seasons and limits apply to all waters in the Zone except for the specific waters and species listed in the species exceptions, waterbody exceptions and fish sanctuaries.

Species exceptions

Brook trout

Additional fishing opportunities

Season: open all year

Limits: S-5 and C-2; no size limit

View these waterbodies and additional information on Fish ON-Line.

Season: open from fourth Saturday in April to Labour Day

Limits: S-1 and C-0, must be greater than 56 centimetres

• All tributaries to Lake Superior in Zone 7 described as follows:
  • Jackfish River - downstream from the falls (49°03′N., 88°06′W.)
  • Jackpine River - downstream from Wilson’s Falls (49°07′N., 87°53′W.)
  • Cypress River - downstream from falls (48°57′N., 87°50′W.)
  • Cypress River - west tributary downstream from the falls (48°57′N., 87°51′W.)
  • Gravel River - downstream from the falls (48°55′26″N., 87°41′46″W.)
  • Little Gravel River - downstream from the falls (48°56′01″N., 87°46′36″W.)
  • Steel River - downstream from the Golden Staircase (outflow of Santoy Lake)
  • McKellar River - downstream from the falls 150 metres north of Highway 17
  • Prairie River - downstream from the first hydro line north of Lake Superior
  • From the east shore of the Nipigon River to Camp 81 Road, all tributaries lying downstream from Highway 17, excluding those listed in the first 9 sub-bullets above
  • From Camp 81 Road east to the Whitesand River (48°50′N., 87°24′W.), all tributaries lying downstream from the first hydro line north of Lake Superior, excluding those listed in the first 9 sub-bullets above
  • From and including the Whitesand River to the west shore of the Pic River all tributaries lying downstream from Highway 17, excluding those listed in the first 9 sub-bullets above
  • All tributaries to Lake Superior in Zone 7 from the Pic River to the Michipicoten River, inclusive, downstream from the first falls, rapids, dam or lake or the entire tributary if there are no falls, rapids, dams or lakes

Season: open from fourth Saturday in April to Labour Day

• Buckaday Lake (48°58′52″N., 87°45′06″W.) - including headwaters lakes
• Macutagon Ponds (49°07′24″N., 85°37′19″W.)

Limits: S-2 and C-1; any size

• All waters in the Townships of Broughton, Atkinson, Cooper, Doucette, Nameigos, McGowan and Mosambik
• Missing Lake (48°00′07″N., 85°29′08″W.)
• Waters east of Pukaskwa National Park - within the following boundary: beginning at the southwest corner of Legarde Township, then west along the projection of the southeast boundary of Legarde Township, to the east boundary of Pukaskwa National Park, then northerly along the Park Boundary to the northeast corner of Pukaskwa National Park, then in a straight line easterly to the northwest corner of Memaskwash Township, then east along the north boundary of Memaskwash Township, then south along the east boundary of Memaskwash Township and Charbonneau Township, then west along the south boundary of Charbonneau Township, then south along the east boundary of Keating Additional and Legarde Additional to the beginning; and including the waters of Little Beaver Lake (48°14′13″N., 85°19′19″W.), Coronation Creek, Coronation Lake (48°15′57″N., 85°18′51″W.) and their tributaries in Keating Township; and the tributaries of Farewell Creek in Legarde Township; but not including the waters of East Pukaskwa Lake (48°06'12″N., 85°37'00"W.)

Lake sturgeon

Season: open from January 1 to April 30 and July 1 to December 31

Limits: S-0 and C-0

• All waters located within the portion of Zone 7 north of Highway 11 and east of Highway 584

Lake trout

Additional fishing opportunities

Season: open all year

Limits: S-2 and C-1; not more than 1 greater than 56 centimetres

• Fernow Lake (49°54′52″N., 86°03′18″W.)
• McKay Lake (49°37′14″N., 86°25′19″W.)

Limits: S-1 and C-0

• Grehan Lake (49°29′21″N., 86°37′27″W.)
• Little Pic Lake (49°22′00″N., 86°38′00″W.)
• Sun Lake (49°25′16″N., 86°34′48″W.)
• Yucca Lake (49°23′24″N., 86°37′50″W.)

Rainbow trout

Additional fishing opportunities

Limits: S-5 and C-2

Limits: S-2 and C-1

• All tributaries to Lake Superior in Zone 7 east of and including the Pic River to the boundary with Zone 10

Walleye and sauger combined

Season: closed all year

• Jackfish River - between Nipigon Bay (Lake Superior) and the First Barrier
• Wabenung Lake (48°24′09″N., 84°47′37″W.)

Limits: S-2; not more than 1 greater than 40 centimetres, not more than 1 less than 40 centimetres, and C-1; must be less than 40 centimetres

• Obatanga Provincial Park (all waters) including Bogle, Burnfield, Cotton, Knife, Obatanga and Patron Lakes

Limits: S-2 and C-1; any size from these waters combined

• Maguire, Kapimchigama, Radford, Lund, Lost Sky Pilot, Pashoskoota, Rainbow, Reynolds Lakes, and all connecting waters - Territorial District of Algoma

Waterbody exceptions

New Borealis Lake (49°00'43"N., 86°44'08"W.)

• Live fish may not be used as bait or possessed for use as bait
• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from January 1 to July 31 and October 16 to December 31
  • Aurora trout - open from August 1 to October 15
  • Aurora trout - S-1 and C-0

Dayohessarah (48°47'00"N., 85°02'00"W.) and Little Dayohessarah Lakes (48°47'01"N., 85°00'15"W.) - Odlum and Hambleton Townships

• Only artificial lures may be used
• Lake trout - open from February 15 to March 15 and third Saturday in May to September 30

Dog Lake - Bay 57 Narrows (West Township) and Dog-McMurtry Narrows (Bruyere Township)

• Fish sanctuary - closed all year

Dog Lake

• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from March 15 to June 15 in the following areas:
  • Dog Lake and Dog River - West Township, from 200 metres out from river mouth to the northern township boundary up river
  • Dog Lake and McKee Creek (Bay 57) - Stover Township, from 200 metres out from creek mouth to 300 metres up creek
  • Dog Lake at Height of Land Bay - Stover Township, from 1.3 kilometres out into Dog Lake to Crooked Lake Portage
  • Dog Lake at Lochalsh Bay and Lochalsh River - Gutelius and Riggs Townships, lying within 182 metres radius measured from the C.P.R. bridge

Kabinakagami River and its tributary lakes and streams - McGowan, Atkinson, Broughton, Cooper, Doucett, Mosambik Townships and the southeast half of Nameigos Township, excluding Anahareo Lake (48°37'14"N., 84°41'08"W.)

• Only artificial lures and 1 barbless hook may be used

Kabinakagami River

• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from March 15 to June 15 in the following areas:
  • Kabinakagami River at Ermine Creek - Ermine Township, between Ermine Lake and Kabinakagami Lake
  • Kabinakagami River at Fairy Creek (Lipton Creek) - between Lipton Lake (Lipton Township) and Kabinakagami Lake (Lizar Township)
  • Kabinakagami River at Noisy Creek - Lizar Township, from Kabinakagami Lake to eastern boundary of Lizar Township
  • Kabinakagami River at Oba River - Ermine Township, from Kabinakagami Lake to northern boundary of Ermine Township
  • Kabinakagami River at Stoney Creek - Lizar Township, between Breckenridge Lake and Kabinakagami Lake
  • Kabinakagami River - Lizar and Mosambik Townships, from mouth of river in Little Kaby Bay to 100 metres above Chipmunk Falls

Magpie River Downstream of Steephill Falls and its tributaries lying west of the Algoma Central Railway and east of Highway 17 and including Catfish Creek downstream of Catfish Lake

• Brook trout - S-2 and C-1; any size

Magpie River - From Mission Falls to Michipicoten River

• Walleye and sauger - open from January 1 to April 14 and July 1 to December 31

Michipicoten River - from Scott Falls to Lake Superior

• Walleye and sauger - open from January 1 to April 14 and July 1 to December 31

Michipicoten River - tributaries flowing into the Michipicoten River in Rabazo Township

• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from April 15 to June 15

Nagagami Lake - Foch Bay

• Walleye - open from January 1 to March 14 and third Saturday in May to December 31

Nagagami Lake

• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from March 15 to June 15 in the following areas:
  • Nagagami Lake - Foch, Flanders and Frances Townships, mouth of Foch River
  • Nagagami Lake - Nagagami Township, at Obakamiga River from Nagagami Lake to the top of Sagi Rapids

Oba Lake and Oba River

• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from March 15 to June 15 in the following areas:
  • Oba Lake and Oba River (White Berry Creek) - from 200 metres out from river mouth to intersection of Oba River with Road 6
  • Oba Lake and Tatnall River - Carney and Martin Townships, from 200 metres out from river mouth to 3.5 kilometres up river
  • Oba River - Ermine Township, downstream from the north boundary of the township to Kabinakagami Lake

Oba Lake at Hoodoo Bay and Hoodoo Creek - Carney and Simpson Townships, from Algoma Central Railway trestle crossing the Bay to first falls on the Creek

• Fish sanctuary - closed all year

Onaman Lake (50°00′18″N., 87°26′49″W.)

• Closed to all species from March 1 to May 31

Rock Lake (48°30'09"N., 84°33'23"W.) - Tilston Township

• Only artificial lures may be used
• Brook trout - S-2 and C-1; any size

Three Finger Lake (48°43′32″N., 86°19′06″W.) - Pic Township

• Live fish may not be used as bait or possessed for use as bait
• Only barbless hooks may be used
• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from January 1 to June 30 and September 1 to December 31
• Walleye - S-0 and C-0

Wabatongushi Lake - Simpson, Moorehouse and Challener Townships, Dibben Bay from a point 1.3 kilometres west to a point 1.2 kilometres southwest of Dibben Creek and Dibben Creek upstream to Dibben Lake, and including the creek and connecting Dibben Creek to the unnamed lake due north of Dibben Lake

• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from March 15 to June 15

Wabatongushi Narrows (48°28′N., 84°14′W.) - Challener Township

• Fish sanctuary - closed all year

Bait restrictions

Live fish may not be used as bait or possessed for use as bait

• Borealis Lake (49°00′43″N., 86°44′08″W.)
• Clearwater Lake (48°40′37″N., 85°40′49″W.) - Laberge Township
• Greenwater Lake (49°38′29″N., 85°56′35″W.)
• Pukaskwa National Park and the surrounding waters south of a line running west from the south boundary of Knowles Township and east of the Thunder Bay-Algoma District Boundary, and including the waters of Pokei Creek, Gibson Lake (48°20′41″N., 85°19′53″W.), Jarvey Lake (48°18′45″N., 85°19′47″W.), Coronation Creek and Lake (48°15′57″N., 85°18′51″W.), Warbedeelius Lake (48°10′03″N., 85°19′53″W.), Soulier Lake (48°22′01″N., 85°19′29″W.) and all waters tributary to the Pukaskwa River in the Algoma District
• Three Finger Lake - refer to waterbody exceptions

Fish sanctuaries

No fishing - closed all year

No Fishing - January 1 to July 31 and October 16 to December 31

• New Borealis Lake (49°00'43"N., 86°44'08"W.)

No fishing - from January 1 to February 14 and March 16 to third Saturday in May

• Anahareo Lake (48°37'14"N., 84°41'08"W.) - Doucett Township
• Kabiskagami Lake (48°42′N., 84°34′W.) - Mosambik Township

No fishing - from January 1 to February 15 and March 15 to Friday before third Saturday in May

• Cirrus Lake (48°55′N., 86°10′W.)

No fishing - January 1 to Friday before third Saturday in May and October 1 to December 31

• Buhl Lake (49°17′N., 86°19′W.)
• Huck Lake (49°50′N., 86°16′W.)
• Madoson Lake (48°54′N., 86°10′W.)

No fishing - from January 1 to June 30 and September 1 to December 31

• Three Finger Lake - refer to waterbody exceptions

No fishing - March 1 to June 15

• Murray Lake and Blackfish Creek - Copenace Township, the entirety of the bay that Blackfish Creek discharges into, from the northwestern point of the bay (48°14′20″N., 84°07′09″W.) to the southeastern point of the bay (48°13′59″N., 84°07′41″W.) including 90 metres up Blackfish Creek

No fishing - March 15 to June 15

No fishing - April 1 to June 14

• Shamokan Creek - from the centre line of Rail Line Road downstream to the mouth of Shamokan Creek at 50°09′N., 86°37′W., where it flows into Upper Twin Lake

No fishing - April 1 to June 15

No fishing - April 15 to June 15

• Michipicoten River - refer to waterbody exceptions
• Trout Creek and its tributaries (47°56′N., 84°47′W.) - from the Michipicoten River to 2 kilometres upstream of the Hydro transmission line in the Townships of Rabazo, Lendrum and McMurray

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General information

• Refer to general fishing regulations for more information on how to use this summary.

• The following waterbodies, or portions of them, have different regulations that are listed in the waterbody exceptions:

  • Blanche River
  • Commando Lake
  • Edgar Lake
  • Groundhog River

  • Labyrinth Lake
  • Little Abitibi River
  • NewLake 57
  • NewPack Can Lake

• The following species are not present in this Zone and are closed to fishing all year:

  • Atlantic salmon
  • brown trout
  • channel catfish

  • crappie
  • Muskellunge
  • Pacific salmon
• FMZ 8 is part of the Northeast Bait Management Zone (BMZ). Live or dead baitfish or leeches may not be transported into or out of a BMZ. These rules do not apply to baitfish and leeches which are both dead and preserved. Refer to bait for more details.

Zone-wide seasons and limits

Zone-wide seasons and limits apply to all waters in the Zone except for the specific waters and species listed in the species exceptions, waterbody exceptions and fish sanctuaries.

Species exceptions

Brook trout

Additional fishing opportunities

Season: open all year

View these waterbodies and additional information on Fish ON-Line.

Lake Trout

Additional fishing opportunities

Season: open all year

View these waterbodies and additional information on Fish ON-Line.

Northern pike

Limits: S-2; not more than 1 greater than 71 centimetres and C-1; must be less than 71 centimetres

• Kesagami Lake (50°19′33″N., 80°14′24″W.)

Walleye

Limits: S-2 and C-2; none between 35-55 centimetres

• Porcupine Lake (48°29′06″N., 81°11′17″W.)

Waterbody exceptions

Blanche River - Marquis Township

• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from April 1 to June 15

Blanche River and its tributaries - including the Moose, Wright, Pontleroy and St. Jean Baptiste creeks, and the Englehart, Larder and Misema rivers, and the Wabi River and tributaries

• Lake sturgeon - closed all year

Commando Lake (49°04′N., 81°01′W.) - Glackmeyer Township

• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from January 1 to Saturday before second Sunday in February and September 16 to December 31
• Lake trout - open from second Sunday in February to September 15

Edgar Lake (50°22′N., 80°23′W.)

• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from January 1 to Friday before third Saturday in May and November 1 to December 31
• Northern pike - S-2; not more than 1 greater than 71 centimetres, and C-1; must be less than 71 centimetres

Groundhog River (The Pot) - Beardmore and Tucker Townships

• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from April 15 to July 15

Groundhog River - Reeves, Melrose, Strachan, Montcalm and Poulett Townships, from the bridge on Highway 101, downstream to the mouth of the Nat River

• Lake sturgeon - open from January 1 to April 14 and July 1 to December 31

Groundhog River - Keith Township, between the base of the Horwood Dam downstream to where it enters Groundhog Lake

• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from April 1 to June 15

Labyrinth Lake (48°13′46″N., 79°31′18″W.) - including that part of Waterhen Creek downstream from the Access Road Bridge

• Live fish may not be used as bait or possessed for use as bait
• Northern pike - open from January 1 to April 15 and third Friday in May to December 31
• Smallmouth bass - open from January 1 to April 15 and Friday before fourth Saturday in June to December 31
• Walleye - open from January 1 to March 31 and third Friday in May to December 31

New Lake 57 (48°17′00″N., 80°40′00″W.), Timmins Township

• Live fish may not be used as bait or possessed for use as bait
• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from January 1 to July 31 and October 16 to December 31
  • Aurora trout - open from August 1 to October 15
  • Aurora trout - S-1 and C-0

Little Abitibi River - McQuibban and Sangster Townships, from boundary between the two townships to a line at longitude 80°36′30″W.

• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from April 1 to June 15

Little Abitibi River

• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from April 15 to June 30 in the following areas:
  • Little Abitibi River - McQuibban Township, from Pierre Lake Road to part of Pierre Lake lying east of longitude 80°39′30″W.
  • Little Abitibi River and Montreuil Lake - Swartman Township, between northern narrows of Pierre Lake to portion lying east of longitude 80°47′W.

New Pack Can Lake (48°27′54″N., 79°59′29″W.), Garrison Township

• Live fish may not be used as bait or possessed for use as bait
• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from January 1 to July 31 and October 16 to December 31
  • Aurora trout - open from August 1 to October 15
  • Aurora trout - S-1 and C-0

Bait restrictions

Live fish may not be used as bait or possessed for use as bait

• Big Club Lake (48°27’45″N., 80°48’39″W.) - Bond and Macklem Townships
• Esker Lake Provincial Park - all lakes in or partially in the park
• Labyrinth Lake - refer to waterbody exceptions
• Lake 57 (48°17'46″N., 80°40'29″W.) - Timmins Township
• Nayowin Lake (47°47’27″N., 81°22’39″W.) - Burrows Township
• Pack Can Lake (48°27’54”N., 79°59’29”W.) - Garrison Township
• Pallet Lake (48°16’05”N., 80°39’05”W.) - Nordica Township

Fish sanctuaries

No fishing - closed all year

• Alexander Lake (48°17′N., 80°35′W.) - McEvay Township
• NewBig Club Lake (48°27'45"N., 80°48'39"W.)
• NewNayowin Lake (47°47'27"N., 81°22'39"W.)
• NewPallet Lake (48°16'31"N., 80°39'05"W.)

No fishing - January 1 to Saturday before second Sunday in February and September 16 to December 31

• Commando Lake - refer to waterbody exceptions

No fishing - January 1 to February 14 and October 1 to December 31

• Larder Lake - Hearst, McFadden, McVittie and McGarry Townships

No fishing - January 1 to Friday before third Saturday in May and November 1 to December 31

No Fishing - January 1 to July 31 and October 16 to December 31

• NewLake 57 (48°17'46”N., 80°40'29”W.) - Timmins Township
• NewPack Can Lake (48°27’54”N., 79°59’29”W.) - Garrison Township

No fishing - April 1 to June 14

• Mollie River - Champagne Township, Territorial District of Sudbury

No fishing - April 1 to June 15

No fishing - April 1 to June 30

• Departure Lake and Poplar Rapids River - Haggart Township, lying south of a line from a point on the west shore of Departure Lake at 49°13′22″N., 81°48′22″W. and the peninsula on the east shore at 49°13′44″N., 81°48′11″W. and the inflow of the Poplar Rapids River upstream to the first rapids, including 500 metres of Sydere Creek measured upstream from the mouth where it enters the Poplar Rapids River

No fishing - April 15 to June 30

• Little Abitibi River - refer to waterbody exceptions
• Thorning River - from the mouth of the river at Harris Lake upstream to the junction of the first creek

No fishing - April 15 to July 15

• Groundhog River - refer to waterbody exceptions

No fishing - from day after Labour Day to December 31

• Wakusimi River - Griffin, Seaton and Lisgar Townships

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General information

• Refer to general fishing regulations for more information on how to use this summary.
• FMZ 9 part of the Great Lakes. Baitfish and leeches that are both dead and preserved can be transported into and out of BMZs and the Great Lakes.
• Baitfish and leeches that are not both dead and preserved may be transported out of:
  • an adjacent bait management zone and used in the Great Lakes
  • the Great Lakes only to be disposed of immediately more than 30 metres from the water
  Refer to bait for more details.

Zone-wide seasons and limits

Zone-wide seasons and limits apply to all waters in the Zone except for the specific waters and species listed in the species exceptions and waterbody exceptions.

Species exceptions

Rainbow trout

Limits: S-2 and C-1

• Lake Superior, east of the Pic River (Zone 9)

Walleye and sauger

Season: closed all year

• Black Bay - from 48°37′N. (Bent Island) northward
• Nipigon River and Nipigon Bay – The Nipigon River from the Alexander Falls Dam in Zone 6 to Nipigon Bay in Zone 9, and the waters of Nipigon Bay in Zone 9 north of a line drawn from Simpson Island (48°49'48"N., 87°40'40"W.) across the bay to the mainland at 48°51'21"N., 87°38'47"W.

Season: open from January 1 to March 31 and July 1 to December 31

• Montreal River - from the first Great Lakes Power Dam to Lake Superior

Waterbody exceptions

All waters of FMZ 9

• Two lines may be used when trolling from a boat in open water

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General information

• Refer to general fishing regulations for more information on how to use this summary.
• All waters north of Highway 17 and all waters west of where the east bank of the Serpent River crosses Highway 17 are open year-round for largemouth and smallmouth bass.

• The following waterbodies, or portions of them, have different regulations that are listed in the waterbody exceptions:

  • Waterbodies within the Geographic Townships of Schembri and Scriven in the Territorial District of Sudbury and Way-White
  • Wlasy Bracci and Tupper in the Territorial District of Algoma
  • Biscotasi Lake
  • Blue Jay Creek
  • East Goulais River
  • French River
  • Garden River
  • Gong Lake

  • Goulais River
  • Greenhorn Lake
  • Kirkpatrick Lake
  • Manitoulin Island
  • McGovern Lake
  • Pancake Lake
  • Spanish River
  • Solo Creek
  • Thor Lake
  • Edna Lake
• FMZ 10, with the exception of Cockburn Island, Michipicoten Island, St. Joseph Island and Manitoulin Island, is part of the Northeast Bait Management Zone (BMZ). Live or dead baitfish or leeches may not be transported into or out of a BMZ. These rules do not apply to baitfish and leeches which are both dead and preserved. Refer to bait for more details.

Zone-wide seasons and limits

Zone-wide seasons and limits apply to all waters in the Zone except for the specific waters and species listed in the species exceptions, waterbody exceptions and fish sanctuaries.

Species exceptions

Brook trout

Additional fishing opportunities

Season: open all year

View these waterbodies and additional information on Fish ON-Line.

Season: open all year       
Limits: S-1 and C-0; must be greater than 55 centimetres

• Moss Lake (46°39'01”N., 84°09'26”W.)
• Lost Loon Lake (46°40'53”N.,84°08'25”W.)

Season: fourth Saturday in April to Labour Day       
Limits: S-1 and C-0; must be greater than 56 centimetres

• All tributaries to Lake Superior in Zone 10 described as follows:
  • That portion of the Montreal River (in Zone 9) downstream from the falls (47°14′16.73″N., 84°38′41.52″W.)
  • Batchewana River - downstream from the falls (46°59′13.15″N., 84°31′26.86″W.)
  • Chippewa River - downstream from the falls (46°55′47.57″N., 84°25′31.42″W.)
  • Carp River - downstream from the road crossing (46°57′43.09″N., 84°35′2.16″W.) where the Carp River Weir Road (east bank of the river) fords the river and joins the Carp Road (west bank of the river)
  • Harmony River - downstream from the hydro line crossing the river (46°51′2.82″N., 84°20′54.01″W.)
• From the boundary between Zone 7 and Zone 10 to the north shore of the Montreal River, all tributaries downstream from the first falls, rapids, dams or lakes or the entire stream if there are no falls, rapids, dams or lakes

Limits: S-2 and C-1; not more than 1 greater than 40 centimetres

• Maquon Lake (47°41′58″N., 84°38′47″W.) - Stone Township

Lake trout

Additional fishing opportunities

Limits: S-2 and C-1; no size limit

Season: closed all year

Season: February 15 to March 15 and third Saturday in May to Labour Day

Season: third Saturday in May to Labour Day

• Bell Lake (46°07’38”N., 81°12’33”W.) - Goschen Township, Killarney Provincial Park
• Johnnie Lake (46°05’53”N., 81°13’53”W.) - Carlyle Township, Killarney Provincial Park

Largemouth and smallmouth bass combined

Season: open all year

• All waters north of Highway 17 and all waters west of where the east bank of the Serpent River crosses Highway 17

Muskellunge

Limits: S-1; must be greater than 137 centimetres, and C-0

• Echo River and Echo Lake (46°33'36"N., 83°58'28"W.) – downstream from the dam (46°34'27"N., 83°56'07"W.) to Zone 14
• Mississagi River – downstream from the dam at Red Rock Lake (46°18'56"N., 83°17'27"W.) to Zone 14
• Serpent River – downstream from Highway 17 to Zone 14
• Thessalon River – downstream from Rydal Dam (46°21'55"N., 83°44'31"W.) to Zone 14
• Wanapitae River – downstream of Sturgeon Chutes (46°04'19"N., 80°49'50"W.) to the French River

Rainbow trout

Additional fishing opportunities

Limits: S-5 and C-2

Walleye

Season: closed all year

• La Cloche Lake (46°08′03″N., 82°02′39″W.) - Harrow Township

Limits: S-1 and C-0; must be greater than 50 centimetres

• Gough Lake (Birch Lake) (46°18′02″N., 81°58′30″W.) - Gough Township

Waterbody exceptions

All of the waters within the boundaries and all of the waters of which a portion falls within the boundaries of the geographic Townships of Schembri and Scriven in the Territorial District of Sudbury and Way-White, Wlasy, Bracci and Tupper in the Territorial District of Algoma, excepting those portions of Government Creek and Sawmill Creek in Tupper Townships in the Territorial District of Algoma from the centreline of Highway 17 to the shore of Lake Superior (See Government Creek and Sawmill Creek for additional fish sanctuary restrictions)

• Live fish may not be used as bait or possessed for use as bait
• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from January 1 to February 14 and March 16 to Friday before third Saturday in May and October 1 to December 31

Biscotasi Lake

• Closed to angling for all species from April 1 to June 15 in the following areas:
  • 100 metres east and west of the centre point of the C.P.R. Hogsback Channel trestle (Lillie Township) and 200 metres north and south of the railway tracks
  • 100 metres east and west of the centre point of the C.P.R. trestle (Margaret Township) and 200 metres north and south of the railway tracks
  • from the eastern most Ramsey Dam (47°11′03″N., 82°10′06″W.) extending downstream 500 metres

Blue Jay Creek - from bridge on Concession 4 (Tehkummah Township), downstream to the mouth of Blue Jay Creek on Lake Huron

• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from March 1 to Friday before second Saturday in May and September 25 to October 31

Blue Jay Creek - Tehkummah Township

• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from March 1 to Friday before second Saturday in May

East Goulais River - from Laughing Lake (46°56'57"N., 83°40'29"W.) (Menard Township) to the Goulais River (46°52'15"N., 83°58'43"W.)

• Only artificial flies may be used

French River - those waters north of Highway 64 and west of Highway 69 starting at the Highway 69 bridge on the French River and proceeding downstream to Georgian Bay including all connected waters within the boundaries of the French River Provincial Park

• Largemouth and smallmouth bass combined - S-4 and C-2; any size
• Largemouth and smallmouth bass combined - open January 1 to third Sunday in March and third Saturday in May to December 31
• Muskellunge - S-1, must be greater than 137 centimetres and C-0
• Northern pike - open January 1 to 3 Sunday in March and third Saturday in May to December 31
• Northern pike - S-4; not more than 1 greater than 61 centimetres, none greater than 86 centimetres, C-2; none greater than 61 centimetres
• Walleye and sauger combined - S-4 and C-2; none between 43 and 60 centimetres, not more than 1 greater than 60 centimetres

Garden River - from Ranger Lake (46°52'12"N., 83°34'37"W.) to Garden Lake (46°45'21"N., 83°41'55"W.)

• Only artificial flies may be used

Gong Lake (47°04′12″N., 83°32′10″W.) - Handleman Township

• Brook trout - open from February 15 to March 15 and third Saturday in May to September 30
• Brook trout - S-2 and C-1; not more than 1 greater than 40 centimetres
• Lake trout - open from February 15 to March 15 and third Saturday in May to Labour Day

Goulais River (Whitman Dam to Lake Superior)

• Muskellunge - S-1, must be greater than 137 centimetres, C-0
• Walleye and sauger combined - open January 1 to March 31 and July 1 to December 31

Greenhorn Lake (46°39'53''N., 84°07'32''W.) - Jarvis Township

• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from January 1 to July 31 and October 16 to December 31
  • Aurora trout - open from August 1 to October 15
  • Aurora trout - S-1, C-0

Kirkpatrick Lake - Sayer and LeCaron Townships, the rivers and streams of Kirkpatrick Lake extending 800 metres from the lake and an unnamed stream connecting Robb and Elbow Lakes

• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from fourth Saturday in April to May 25

Kirkpatrick Lake (Blue Lake) - Sayer and LeCaron Townships

• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from January 1 to February 14 and March 16 to Friday before fourth Saturday in April and October 1 to December 31

Manitoulin Island - inland waters including Cockburn Island (check exceptions to Zone 10 regulations for lake specific restrictions)

• Lake trout - S-2 and C-1; no size limit
• Lake trout - open from January 1 to September 30
• Northern pike - open from January 1 to March 31 and third Saturday in May to December 31
• Rainbow trout - open from fourth Saturday in April to December 31
• Yellow perch - open from January 1 to March 31 and third Saturday in May to December 31
• Yellow perch - S-25; possession limit of 50, and C-12; possession limit of 25

McGovern Lake (47°05′45″N., 84°20′30″W.) - Olsen Township

• Brook trout - open from February 15 to March 15 and third Saturday in May to September 30
• Brook trout - S-2 and C-1; not more than 1 greater than 40 centimetres
• Lake trout - open from February 15 to March 15 and third Saturday in May to Labour Day

Pancake Lake (47°04′19″N., 84°36′56″W.) - Kincaid Township

• Brook trout - open from February 15 to March 15 and third Saturday in May to September 30
• Brook trout - S-2 and C-1; not more than 1 greater than 40 centimetres
• Lake trout - open from February 15 to March 15 and third Saturday in May to Labour Day

Spanish River - downstream from the Highway 6 bridge and the Aux Sables River from its confluence at the Spanish River upstream to Highway 17

• Muskellunge - S-1; must be greater than 137 centimetres, and C-0

Spanish River - Town of Espanola, the waters extending from the dam at Domtar Incorporated to the Highway 6 bridge

• Fish sanctuary - closed all year

Spanish River - downstream from Espanola excluding Gagans Pond (Victoria Township)

• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from January 1 to Friday before third Saturday in May and October 1 to December 31

Solo Creek and Thor Lake - Territorial District of Sudbury, the waters of Solo Creek and Thor Lake from the C.N.R. bridge on Solo Creek north to Thor Lake

• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from March 15 to June 15

Thor and Edna Lakes - from a line 90 degrees due north and another line 90 degrees due east from the center of the island situated on Edna Lake (47°05′N., 81°13′W.), at the mouth of the Vermilion River north through the river 400 metres into Thor Lake (47°09′N., 81°18′W.)

• Fish sanctuary - no fishing from March 15 to June 15

Thor Lake - (47°08′05″N., 81°16′52″W.) - Frechette Township

• Lake trout - open from February 15 to March 15 and third Saturday in May to Labour Day

Bait restrictions

Live fish may not be used as bait or possessed for use as bait

Fish sanctuaries

No fishing - closed all year

No fishing - January 1 to February 14 and March 16 to Friday before third Saturday in May and October 1 to December 31

• Geographic Townships of Schembri and Scriven in the Territorial District of Sudbury and Way-White, Wlasy, Bracci and Tupper in the Territorial District of Algoma - refer to waterbody exceptions

No fishing - January 1 to February 14 and March 16 to Friday before fourth Saturday in April and October 1 to December 31

No fishing - January 1 to February 14 and March 16 to June 15 and October 1 to December 31

• Government Creek and tributaries - Tupper Township, except the portion between centre of Highway 17 and Lake Superior Shore
• Sawmill Creek and tributaries - Tupper Township, except the portion between centre of Highway 17 and Lake Superior Shore

No fishing - January 1 to Friday before fourth Saturday in April

• Kukagami Lake - Davis, Kelly, Rahbun and Scadding Townships
• Nelson Lake - Bowell Township

No fishing - January 1 to Friday before fourth Saturday in April and October 1 to December 31

• Basswood Lake (Wakwekobi Lake) - Day, Gladstone and Kirkwood Townships
• Chiblow Lake - Montgomery, Patton, Scarfe and Juillette Townships
• Helenbar Lake - Hembruff Township

No fishing - January 1 to Friday before third Saturday in May and October 1 to December 31

• Big Horseshoe Lake - LeCaron Township
• Spanish River - refer to waterbody exceptions