Muddy York Zone 1 fishing regulations (FMZ 1)
In Zone 1, only one barbless hook may be used and live fish may not be used as bait or possessed for use as bait.
The following species are not present in this Zone and are closed to fishing all year:Atlantic salmon
Zone-wide seasons and limits in FMZ 1
These apply to every water in the zone unless a species exception, waterbody exception or sanctuary below says otherwise. "S" is the sport fishing licence limit and "C" the conservation licence limit.
| Species | Season | Limits | Today |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aggregate limits for trout and salmon (including splake) | See the official summary | S-5 and C-2; total daily catch and possession limit for all trout and salmon species combined | See limits |
| Brook trout | January 1 to September 30 Jan 1 – Sep 30 in 2026 |
S-5 and C-2; not more than one greater than 40 centimetres | Closed today |
| Lake sturgeon | January 1 to April 30 and July 1 to December 31 Jan 1 – Apr 30, Jul 1 – Dec 31 in 2026 |
S-0 and C-0 | Open today |
| Lake trout | Open all year | S-3 and C-1 | Open today |
| Lake whitefish | Open all year | S-12 and C-6 | Open today |
| Northern pike | Open all year | S-6; not more than two greater than 61 centimetres, of which not more than one greater than 86 centimetres, and C-2; not more than one greater than 61 centimetres, none greater than 86 centimetres | Open today |
| Walleye and sauger combined | Open all year | S-4 and C-2; not more than one greater than 46 centimetres | Open today |
| Yellow perch | Open all year | S-50 and C-25 | Open today |
Source: Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary, Zone 1 on ontario.ca. The summary is Ontario's guide to the regulations made under the Fisheries Act.
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Start your free 7-day trialFrequently asked
When does trout season open in Zone 1?
Zone-wide, brook trout season is January 1 to September 30 (Jan 1 – Sep 30 in 2026). Some rivers have species exceptions or sanctuaries listed on this page that change this.
Can I fish in Zone 1 right now?
The table above shows which species are open today under the zone-wide seasons. A specific river or lake may differ, so check its species exceptions, waterbody exceptions and sanctuaries below before you go.
Do I need a fishing licence in Ontario?
Most anglers need an Outdoors Card and a valid fishing licence (sport or conservation). Some people are exempt, such as Ontario residents under 18 or 65 and over. Check the official licensing rules for your situation.
How do I know if a river is in Zone 1?
Ontario's Fisheries Management Zones are mapped on Fish ON-Line and in the official summary. River mouths on the Great Lakes are often in a different zone from the rest of the river.
All Ontario fishing zones → · Southern Ontario river guides → · Ontario salmon run →