Get Your Family Hooked On Fishing
Families can fish licence free in Ontario from July 2-10, providing them with affordable experiences and things to do and helping kids try it for the first time.
Family fishing events in towns and provincial parks across Ontario also offer fishing tips and the chance to enjoy fishing the province’s lakes and rivers, including:
Seven Urban Fishing Festivals being held in the Greater Toronto Area
Family Fishing Day at Fanshawe Conservation Area in London on July 9
Family Fishing Day on Whitefish Lake at Algonquin Park on July 9
Marathon’s Kids Fish Derby at Three Finger Lake on July 10.
Ontario’s new Fish ON-Line tool can also help Ontarians plan a fishing trip from start to finish so they can get out and enjoy Ontario’s great outdoors.
Strengthening tourism is part of the McGuinty government’s plan to grow the number of visitors, strengthen economic growth and support jobs in Ontario.
QUOTES
“During Family Fishing Week, I encourage you to connect with your family and enjoy the beauty of Ontario’s lakes, rivers and streams.”
Linda Jeffrey, Minister of Natural Resources
“Ontario’s lakes, rivers and streams, with their natural beauty continue to attract new and returning visitors from within our borders and beyond. Family Fishing Week offers a great opportunity for families to explore our province together beginning right here in Markham. With so many exciting events to choose from, I encourage everyone to stay and play in Ontario this summer.”
Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism and Culture
“Ontario Family Fishing Week, held in conjunction with National Fishing Week, is a terrific time for families to get out and experience our wonderful lakes and rivers. We encourage everyone to participate in one of the many fun fishing events being hosted by OFAH clubs and other service organizations.”
Mike Reader, Executive Director, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
“Family Fishing Week and urban fishing festivals are wonderful opportunities to help new people to get into fishing. This is a life-long sport that can be enjoyed by everyone. I encourage people to make sure they follow the fishing rules put in place to make sure there are enough fish for future generations to enjoy this sport.”
Raymond Zee, President, Ontario Chinese Anglers Association
QUICK FACTS
Ontarians may fish licence-free in provincial waters during Family Fishing Week . Non-residents require licences.
Anglers in Ontario catch more than 100 million fish each year.
Approximately 1.3 million anglers fish in Ontario each year and spend $2.5 billion in the province annually.
Approximately 1.3 million anglers fish in Ontario each year and spend $2.5 billion in the province annually.
With 250,000 inland lakes, countless rivers, and shorelines on four Great Lakes, Ontario is home to 160 species of freshwater fish.
Family Fishing Week is supported by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association and Canadian National Sportfishing Foundation, as well as many local sponsors and dedicated volunteers.
If you fish without a licence during Family Fishing Week, you must follow the conservation licence limits set out in the 2011 Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary.
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