Muddy York Free fishing weekend in Ontario
Four times a year, Canadian residents can fish anywhere in Ontario without buying a licence. The first comes in February, on the Family Day long weekend, which makes it a good time to try ice fishing or winter steelhead.
The free fishing periods
Ontario's 2026 free fishing periods were:
- Family Fishing Weekend: February 14 to 16, 2026
- Mother's Day Weekend: May 9 to 10, 2026
- Father's Day Weekend: June 20 to 21, 2026
- Family Fishing Week: June 27 to July 5, 2026
The 2027 dates aren't posted yet. Family Fishing Weekend has been the Family Day long weekend; in 2027 Family Day is Monday, February 15. Check ontario.ca before you plan.
The rules still apply
- Follow conservation licence catch limits (the C numbers in the regulations).
- Obey size limits, seasons and sanctuaries.
- Carry government ID with your name and date of birth.
Where to fish in February near Toronto
Most inland trout water is closed in February, but two kinds of fishing are wide open:
- River stretches open all year for steelhead and other lake-run fish: Credit River, Ganaraska River, Nottawasaga River, Bronte Creek, Sixteen Mile Creek, Duffins Creek, Wilmot Creek, Niagara River, Humber River, Rouge River, Bowmanville Creek. Our winter fishing guide lists exactly which stretches.
- Ice fishing on lakes like Lake Simcoe, where perch, crappie and pike are open in winter. See the ice fishing guide, and always confirm the ice yourself.
Ontario's TackleShare program also lends rods and reels for free at some provincial parks, conservation authorities and libraries.
Make the free weekend count
Muddy York Fishing shows which rivers are open and fishing well that morning, with the official season for each stretch.
Start your free 7-day trialFrequently asked
When is the free fishing weekend in Ontario in 2027?
Ontario hasn't posted the 2027 dates yet. In 2026, Family Fishing Weekend was February 14 to 16, the Family Day long weekend. If 2027 follows the same pattern it would be February 13 to 15, 2027. Check ontario.ca before you go.
Who can fish for free?
Canadian residents. You don't buy a licence, but you carry government ID showing your name and date of birth.
What rules apply on free fishing days?
Conservation licence catch limits, size limits, sanctuaries and every other fishing regulation still apply.
Ontario fishing licence guide · Steelhead rivers · Ice fishing · Regulations by zone