Muddy York Ontario fishing licence: costs, who needs one, and how to buy it
Most anglers in Ontario need two things: an Outdoors Card and a fishing licence. Here's what each one is, what they cost, who doesn't need them, and the details that trip people up, all from ontario.ca.
What you need
- Outdoors Card: a plastic ID card, valid for three calendar years. It costs $8.57 plus HST to buy or renew. Renewals open on the first Tuesday of December each year.
- Fishing licence: valid for one or three calendar years. Choose a sport licence (full limits) or a conservation licence (lower limits, lower price).
- Fishing for one day only? A one-day sport licence doesn't need an Outdoors Card.
Fees for Ontario residents
| Licence | Fee |
|---|---|
| Three-year sport | $79.71 |
| One-year sport | $26.57 |
| One-day sport (no Outdoors Card needed) | $12.21 |
| Three-year conservation | $45.21 |
| One-year conservation | $15.07 |
Fees for Canadian residents (outside Ontario)
| Licence | Fee |
|---|---|
| Three-year sport | $167.43 |
| One-year sport | $55.81 |
| One-day sport (no Outdoors Card needed) | $15.21 |
| Three-year conservation | $100.29 |
| One-year conservation | $33.43 |
Fees as listed in the Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary on October 13, 2026. Non-Canadian residents have their own fees, including eight-day licences.
Who doesn't need to buy a licence
- Ontario and Canadian residents under 18 or 65 and older, carrying government ID with their name and date of birth.
- Veterans and active Canadian Armed Forces members who live in Ontario, carrying their Forces ID or service card.
- People with an Ontario accessible parking permit or a CNIB card, and people who need direct help to fish because of a disability.
- Indigenous people exercising Aboriginal or treaty rights within their traditional or treaty area.
All of them still follow the seasons and limits; most fish under sport licence limits. The full list is on ontario.ca.
How to buy
- Online through the Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service (Visa or Mastercard), by phone at 1-800-288-1155, at a licence issuer, or at a participating ServiceOntario.
- You can fish right away with your licence summary while the plastic card comes in the mail (up to 20 days).
- Ontario plans to replace the licensing system with a new one in early 2027, so the online steps may change.
Carrying it on the water
Carry your Outdoors Card, plus your licence summary if the licence isn't printed on the back. A licence summary on your phone counts only as the PDF from the licensing service. Ontario says a photo or screenshot is not valid.
Free fishing in Ontario
Four times a year, Canadian residents can fish without a licence, starting with Family Fishing Weekend in February. See our free fishing weekend guide for the dates and rules.
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Start your free 7-day trialFrequently asked
How much is a fishing licence in Ontario?
For Ontario residents, a one-year sport fishing licence is listed at $26.57 and a one-year conservation licence at $15.07, plus an Outdoors Card ($8.57) that lasts three calendar years. A one-day sport licence is $12.21 and doesn't need an Outdoors Card. Check ontario.ca for current fees.
Who doesn't need a fishing licence in Ontario?
Ontario and Canadian residents under 18 or 65 and older can fish with government ID showing their name and date of birth. Veterans and active Canadian Armed Forces members living in Ontario, people with an accessible parking permit or a CNIB card, and Indigenous people exercising their rights in their traditional or treaty area are also covered. Everyone follows the regulations.
What is the difference between a sport and a conservation licence?
A sport licence gives the full catch and possession limits (the S numbers in the regulations). A conservation licence costs less and has lower limits (the C numbers), and suits anglers who release most of their fish.
Can I show my licence on my phone?
Yes, but only as the PDF licence summary from the Fish and Wildlife Licensing Service. Ontario says a photo or screenshot is not valid. Keep your phone charged, or carry a paper copy.
When can I fish without a licence?
During Ontario's four free fishing periods each year, Canadian residents can fish without a licence. Conservation limits and all other rules still apply, and you carry government ID.
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