Fishing season is upon us! If you’re a new angler or someone getting back into it after a while, you might not know when the different openers in your zone or region are, what the regulations that you must follow are, or how to find this information. Well, we’re here to help! 

First Things First: What Are Fishing Zones/Regions? 

Across Canada, provinces and territories are divided into various zones and regions for fishing and hunting. In Ontario, these are called Fisheries Management Zones. The purpose of these zones is to protect fish and aquatic environments from the consequences of overfishing. 

In Ontario, Fisheries Management Zones are determined based on a number of factors, including angler usage, climate zones, watersheds, and road networks. 

Breaking provinces and territories into zones allows the government to manage, monitor, and assess these zones. 

While freshwater fishing is managed by the provinces and territories, saltwater fishing is managed federally. You can find more information on that here. 

Why is it Crucial to abide by Fishing Zone Regulations? 

Ultimately, fishing zones and regions exist for 4 main reasons: 

1. To allow more fishing in thriving fisheries;
2. To protect vulnerable fisheries;
3. To re-establish fish populations; and 
4. To adjust fishing seasons for different climates 

In order to maintain sustainable fishing, fishing zones and regions exist. Abiding by the regulations in your zone means that your a contributing to the health of the aquatic environment that you are fishing in. This also means that you are aiding in the preservation of these areas so they can continue to thrive.

Fishing Zones and Regions by Province/Territory  

• Alberta 
• British Columbia
• Manitoba 
• New Brunswick
• Newfoundland and Labrador 
• Northwest Territories 
• Nova Scotia 
• Nunavut 
• Ontario 
• Prince Edward Island 
• Quebec 
• Saskatchewan
• Yukon

Get Fishin’!

Get out and enjoy the water – just don’t forget to follow the regulations of the zone or region that you are in! As long as you follow these regulations, future generations can continue to experience the fun and excitement of being on the water.

If you want more information on fishing regulations, funding for conservation projects, or industry statistics and data, you can learn more here.