Recreational Fishing Regulations

Managing Canada's recreational fisheries is a shared responsibility between federal, provincial and territorial governments. While roles vary between different provinces and territories, generally: 

• the federal government is responsible for all marine species with the exception of anadromous and catadromous species in inland waters in some regions; and

• provincial and territorial governments are responsible for freshwater species, with the exception of salmon in British Columbia.

Where do you want to fish?

Unless otherwise noted, the websites below are managed by provincial and territorial governments. Consult anglers' guides and information on fishing licenses and other regulations.

British Columbia

• Recreational Freshwater Fishing
• Tidal Waters and Freshwater Salmon (DFO)

Alberta

• My Wild Alberta - Information for anglers, hunters and trappers

Saskatchewan

• Programs & Services - Fishing

Manitoba

• Fish and Habitat - Fisheries

Ontario

• Fish and Wildlife in Ontario

Quebec

• Sport Fishing in Quebec - Main Rules

New Brunswick

• Natural Resources - Fishing

Nova Scotia

• Sportfishing

Prince Edward Island

• Recreational Fishing

Newfoundland and Labrador

• Angler's Guide (DFO)

Yukon

• Yukon Fishing

Northwest Territories

• Sport Fishing Regulations Guide

Nunavut

• To obtain a copy of the Nunavut Sport Fishing Guide, contact the Government of Nunavut Department of Sustainable Development headquarters office in Iqaluit (867) 975-5955 or the regional offices in Kugluktuk (867) 982-7240 or in Arviat (867) 857-2828.