Ontario Fishing License Guide for U.S. Visitors

Planning a Canadian fishing trip? Whether you’re dreaming of Red Lake, Lake of the Woods, or the remote waters of Trout Lake, one thing is certain: if you’re a U.S. citizen, you’ll need both an Outdoors Card and a Non-Resident Fishing License to fish legally in Ontario.

This guide covers everything you need to know — from what documents are required, to current costs, to how and where to buy your license.

Do Americans Need a Fishing License in Ontario?

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

• An Outdoors Card — a plastic, wallet-sized ID card valid for three calendar years.

• 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 and Costs (CAD, excluding HST)

• 8-Day Sport License: $54.38

• 8-Day Conservation License: $31.52

• 1-Year Sport License: $83.19

• 1-Year Conservation License: $52.71

• Outdoors Card (valid for 3 years): $8.57

Sport vs. Conservation: Sport licenses allow four fish per day, while Conservation licenses allow two. Conservation is ideal for anglers who primarily catch-and-release.

How to Buy an Ontario Fishing License

1. Buy Online (Recommended)

The easiest option is through Hunt and Fish Ontario.

Steps:

1. Go to the site → click My Account → select Create with New Outdoors Card.

2. Enter your personal details (name, date of birth, zip, address, email, height, eye color).

3. On the License Sales & Draws page, choose Fishing.

4. Select your Outdoors Card and desired license type.

👉 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.

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. Buy by Phone

Call Ontario’s Automated Licensing Line at 1-800-288-1155.

3. Buy in Person

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