Do Americans Need a Fishing License in Ontario?

Yes. All non-residents of Canada who are 18 or older must carry:

1. An Outdoors Card: a plastic, wallet-sized ID card valid for three calendar years. You don’t need an Outdoors Card if you plan to fish for a single day, a one-day sport fishing licence will suffice. If you plan to fish more than 1 day, you will need an Outdoors Card.

2. A Non-Resident Fishing License: available as either a Sport License (higher limits) or a Conservation License (lower limits).

Children under 18 don’t need their own license if they are fishing with a licensed adult, but they must follow that adult’s catch limits.

License Types for non-residents:

• 1-Day License

• 8-Day License

• Annual License (valid from Jan 1–Dec 31 of the year purchased)

• You’ll also need to choose between:

  • Sport License- Full catch and possession limits

  • Conservation License- Lower limits; ideal for catch-and-release trips

  Non-residents under 18 may fish without a license if accompanied by a licensed adult. However, their catch counts toward that adult’s limit.

Sport License vs Conservation License Catch & Possession limits:

Conservation licenses have a lower limit and are ideal for anglers who primarily catch-and-release. Sport licenses have higher limits. Limits for Ontario fishing depend on which Fisheries Management Zone you are fishing in. Cat Island Lodge and Trout Lake are located in Zone 4- all limits for fish species and license types can be found here: https://www.ontario.ca/document/ontario-fishing-regulations-summary/fisheries-management-zone-4#section-1

How to Buy an Ontario Outdoors Card & Fishing License

1. Buy Online (Recommended)

The easiest way to purchase your outdoors card, and then your license, are through Online from Hunt & Fish Ontario at https://www.huntandfishontario.com/ or you can go to the government of Ontario at https://www.ontario.ca/page/fishing for more information.

Steps to purchase your Outdoors Card & fishing license online:

1. Go to Hunt & Fish Ontario → Click My Account → Check “I acknowledge and accept the privacy notification” → Click Don’t have an account? Create One → Click Create with New Outdoors Card.

2. Enter your personal details (name, date of birth, zip).

3. Fill out the questionnaires on the following pages.

4. Once you have completed creating an account, on the License Sales & Draws page, choose Fishing.

5. Select your Outdoors Card and desired license type and proceed to checkout.

👉 You can print your license or keep a digital copy on your phone. A plastic Outdoors Card will also be mailed to you by Service Ontario. We recommend purchasing your Outdoors card ahead of time so it will reach you in time.

Cat Island Lodge Tip: Guests should email us a copy of their license at office@catislandlodge.com before their trip to make check-in smooth.

2. by Phone

Contact the Natural Resources Information and Support Centre by telephone at 1-800-387-7011 (TTY: 1-866-686-6072) from anywhere in North America. Support is available Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (ET).

3. Buy in Person

If you’d like to grab your license en route to Red Lake and Trout Lake, here are some stops:

• The Great Bear Shell – Fort Frances, ON (807-274-2221) | Gas, groceries, bait

• Bobby’s Corner & Shell – Vermilion Bay, ON (807-227-2099) | Gas, groceries, bait (pre-order available)

• Dutchie’s General Store – Perrault Falls, ON (807-529-6556) | Groceries, liquor, bait | Website

• The Pit Stop – Ear Falls, ON (807-222-3273) | Gas, bait

• Coulson’s Corner – Ear Falls, ON (807-222-3738) | Gas, bait

• Red Lake Marine Products Ltd. – Red Lake, ON (807-727-2747) | 15 minutes from Cochenour Water Base

• Station105 (formerly TJ’s Kwik Stop) – Red Lake, ON (807-727-2752) | Gas, groceries, bait

To find a full list of verified issuers, you can visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/hunting-and-fishing-licence-issuers

Fishing Zones and Rules

Ontario has 20 different Fish and Wildlife Management Zones in Ontario. Cat Island Lodge is located in Fisheries Management Zone 4, which covers much of Northwestern Ontario.

Be sure to review:

• Catch limits

• Open seasons

• Bait and tackle regulations

Access the current Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary for up-to-date rules specific to Zone 4.

Pro Tips Before You Go

• Buy your outdoors card and license early to avoid delays when you arrive.

• Double-check which license type best fits your goals (Conservation for light fishing, Sport for full limits).

• Print or save a digital copy of your license- it must be accessible while fishing.

Who to Contact if you Need Help

If you need help with a purchase, account issue, or licensing question, please use the official Ontario licensing resources rather than calling the lodge. Cat Island Lodge is an independent fishing lodge and cannot help issue or manage licenses.

If you need help, you can visit the following websites for contact information at the links below:

Ontario Fish & Wildlife (Official Contact Page): https://www.huntandfishontario.com/Home/ContactUs

Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (Official Contact Page): https://www.ontario.ca/feedback/contact-us?id=26930&nid=53869