Happy Family Fishing Week!
From June 29 – July 7, 2019, Canadian residents can fish without a licence! It’s the perfect time to get back on the water, or introduce a loved one to fishing!
Why not celebrate Family Fishing Week at one of these awesome in-park events?
Northern Ontario
- June 30, Kettle Lakes Provincial Park: Fintastic fish — learn about the fish in the lake and how to catch them
- June 29 – July 7, Neys Provincial Park: Discover the fish of the Little Pic River and Lake Superior by attending an interpretive program!
- June 29 – July 7, Rushing River Provincial Park: Take part in the fun, fishy activities during the week to celebrate the fish of Dogtooth Lake!
- July 6, Finlayson Point Provincial Park: Catch and release off of the docks, games, and a visit from Smokey the Bear!
- July 6, Algonquin Provincial Park: Rock Bass family fishing day (including free shore lunch!)
- June 29 – July 6, Blue Lake Provincial Park: Interpretive programming throughout the week — find out what lurks below Blue Lake’s clear waters!
Southern Ontario
- July 6, Darlington Provincial Park: Family fishing day — equipment and bait provided for the day
- June 29 – July 7, Earl Rowe Provincial Park: Join us for interpretive fish programs where you will learn basic fish anatomy, rules and regulations, safety tips, and have a chance at catching a big one
- June 29 – July 7, Pinery Provincial Park: Join naturalists and partners to learn more about sustainable angling and the ecology of the fascinating Old Ausable Channel
No gear? No problem!
Did you know that you can borrow equipment for free at over 55 Ontario Parks? Thanks to the TackleShare program tons of beginner anglers have the opportunity to borrow a rod and tackle at no cost.
Find loaner site locations here.
Have you heard of Fish ON-Line?
This easy-to-use online tool helps plan fishing trips, locate fishing access points across Ontario, see where we’ve been stocking fish, and identify your catch. It’ll even tell you the weather forecast for your lake!
Licence-free? Does that mean I can fish as much as I want?
Though you don’t need a licence during Family Fishing Week, make sure to follow the conservation catch limits within your zone.
Find out what’s in season in the 2019 Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary.
Learn to Fish
Our FREE two-hour program will introduce the whole family to fishing.
First, participants spend an hour with instructors learning about fish identification, rules and regulations, and how to rig, bait and cast a rod.
Next, we hand out the gear. Rods, reels, bait, PFDs and even a one-day fishing licence are all provided.
Finally, we head to the dock or shoreline where participants may experience the thrill that comes with landing your first catch!
The Learn to Fish program is offered at seven parks:
- Balsam Lake Provincial Park
- Darlington Provincial Park
- Emily Provincial Park
- Earl Rowe Provincial Park
- Grundy Lake Provincial Park
- Sibbald Point Provincial Park
- Six Mile Lake Provincial Park
To join a session, please register with park staff when you arrive.
Pst! Did you know the Learn to Fish program is also included with the Learn to Camp program at participating parks?
Plus…the Learn to Fish mobile unit is hitting the road for its fifth season!
Boasting a fishing simulator, trivia game, and design-your-own-fishing-lure table, visitors of all ages will love talking fishing with the Learn to Fish outreach team!
Find out where they’ll be stopping next.