Good Reel Deal: Celebrate Canada Day with Free Fishing

PRESS RELEASE
GOVERNMENT OF ONTARIO
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TORONTO – The Government of Ontario is celebrating this Canada Day by encouraging anglers and first-time anglers alike to enjoy free fishing from June 29 to July 7. This is a great opportunity to recognize the province’s angling traditions and get outdoors and enjoy Canada Day.

“I welcome anyone who is curious about fishing to experience the excitement and satisfaction of this great sport firsthand,” Natural Resources Minister Graydon Smith said. “Wherever you are in Ontario – urban or rural – there are abundant opportunities to enjoy free fishing in celebration of Canada Day.”

Families are encouraged to find a local event by visiting http://www.ontariofamilyfishing.com/.

If you fish for free during this period, you must comply with your conservation license catch limits and have a provincial or federal government-issued ID showing your name and date of birth.

Summary ideas

• More than one million licensed anglers spend $1.75 billion a year on recreational fishing in Ontario.
• This is the last free fishing period in 2024 when Canadian residents can fish for free in the province.
• Ontario fishing licenses can be purchased online at huntandfishontario.com. If buying online, always look for the Ontario logo. You can also purchase in person at participating ServiceOntario or authorized license issuing locations.
• Outside of open fishing periods, most Canadians between the ages of 18 and 65 are required to hold an outdoors card and a fishing license.
• Veterans and active members of the Canadian Armed Forces living in Ontario can enjoy free recreational fishing in the province year-round.
• A person who has been issued an accessible parking permit under the Highway Traffic Act or a national identification card by the Canadian National Institute for the Blind may fish without an outdoors card or recreational fishing license if they carry the permit or national identity card while they are fishing.

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