2026 fishing regs released

The 2026 Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary, which comes into effect January 1, is now available as a downloadable PDF.

Here’s some of the Fisheries Management Zone (FMZ)-specific changes in this year’s 142-page summary, which will be available at select Service Ontario and licence issuer locations. These updates are in red, bold font in the document.

FMZ 6

• Changes to species exceptions, waterbody exceptions, and fish sanctuaries

FMZ 7

• Closing Borealis Lake as part of the three-year Aurora trout rotational cycle

FMZ 8

• Adding two lakes to brook trout Additional Fishing Opportunities

• Closing Lake 57 and Pack Can Lake as part of the three-year Aurora trout rotational cycle

FMZ 9

• Change to zone-wide size limit for muskie

• Changes to Species Exceptions for walleye and northern pike in Black Bay, Lake Superior

FMZ 10

• Opening Carol, Lake 21, and Sorley lakes as part of the three-year Aurora trout rotational cycle

FMZ 18

• Removing temporary fish sanctuaries from Charleston and Opinicon lakes

Anglers are encouraged to consult the new regulations and ensure their fishing licences are current before heading out in the new year.

The Ministry of Natural Resources also stated that it continues to work with federal partners to clarify the rules to allow anglers to photograph, measure, and weigh fish caught during an open season. Anglers interested in this proposal are encouraged to go to www.ontario.ca/FishingUpdates for more information and updates.

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