Gear Restrictions

Hooks and Lines

An angler may use only one line, unless otherwise stated in the regulations.

Two lines may be used when angling from a boat in parts of the Great Lakes (refer to the Exceptions to the Zone Regulations for the zone in which you are fishing).

Two lines may be used for ice fishing except in a limited number of waters (refer to the Exceptions to the Zone Regulations for the zone in which you are fishing). You must be within 60 m (197 ft.) at all times of any line or tip-up you are using when ice fishing and you must have a clear and unobstructed view of the lines being used at all times.

A fishing line must not have more than four hooks attached. A hook includes a single-pointed or multiple-pointed hook on a common shaft but does not include a snagger or spring gaff. The number of hooks includes any single-pointed or multiple-pointed hooks that are part of a lure. 

Barbless Hooks
A barbless hook means a hook that was made without a barb or has had its barb either completely removed, or compressed so that it is completely in contact with the shaft of the hook.

Lead Sinkers and Jigs

It is illegal to use or possess lead fishing sinkers or jigs in Canada’s national parks and wildlife areas. More information is available from the Canadian Wildlife Service.

Artificial Lure

An artificial lure means a spoon, plug, jig, artificial fly or other such device that is designed to catch fish by means of angling.

Bait

There are some areas of the province where the use of any form of organic bait is not allowed. (Organic bait includes live or dead animals, plants or parts.) Refer to the Exceptions to the Zone Regulations for the Zone in which you are fishing.

Artificial Flies

An artificial fly means a single or double hook dressed with silk, tinsel, wool, fur, feathers or other such material. It does not include a weight or a spinning device. In the following waters, only artificial flies are allowed as bait:

• East Goulais River from Laughing Lake in Menard Twp. to the Goulais River (Zone 10)
• Garden River from Ranger Lake to Garden Lake (Zone 10)
• Arrow River between the dam on Arrow Lake (Hardwick Twp.) and the Robbins/Hartington Township line (Zone 6).

Please see the Exceptions to the Zone Regulations for the zone in which you are fishing to get additional gear restrictions for specific waterbodies, by referring to the Ontario Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary