Who Qualifies for a Deemed Fishing Licence?

In some specific situations a resident of Ontario or Canada does not require an Outdoors Card and fishing licence tag in order to fish in Ontario waters.

A person is deemed to be the holder of a Recreational Fishing Licence if he or she is:

1. A resident of Ontario or a resident of Canada under 18 years old, or 65 years of age or older and in possession of any licence, permit, certificate or identification card issued by the Government of Canada or a provincial or territorial government of Canada that indicates their name and date of birth.

2. A disabled resident of Ontario or a disabled resident of Canadian eligible for and in possession of:
 

• a Canadian National Institute for the Blind National Identity Card issued to them; or,


• an Accessible Parking Permit issued to them by ServiceOntario; or,


• a black and white photocopy or printed version of an electronic copy of an Accessible Parking Permit issued to them by ServiceOntario accompanied by any licence, permit, certificate, or identification card issued by the Government of Canada or a provincial or territorial government of Canada that indicates the person's name and date of birth; or,


• any licence, permit, certificate or identification card issued by the Government of Canada or a provincial or territorial government of Canada that indicates the person's name and date of birth where the individual must be accompanied by and require the direct assistance of another person to fish and follow applicable fishing laws due to a condition of mental impairment or a developmental disability, a learning disability or dysfunction, or a mental disorder. The person accompanying the above person does not require a fishing licence if they are only assisting, but must have a licence if they wish to engage in fishing.

Aboriginal people: Members of Ontario Aboriginal communities having established Aboriginal or treaty rights do not require an Outdoors Card or Ontario fishing licence tag to take fish for personal use within their traditional or treaty territory. Personal use means use for food, social or ceremonial purposes. Individuals should be prepared to provide identification when showing their community membership. Members of Aboriginal communities fishing outside of their traditional or treaty areas must have a valid Ontario Outdoors Card and fishing licence tag and follow the corresponding seasons, limits and exceptions.