Fishing

Welcome to Fishing Durham!

We're here to help you discover Durham Region's large and welcoming fishing community. We boast some of the best fishing places in the country, and support both boat and shore fishing.

Check out our complete list of fishing locations for more information. You can also download or order a printed copy of the Durham Region Fishing Map for a complete list of types of fish and their locations.

Large Mouth Bass Bluegill Fish Yellow Perch Coho Salmon Catfish

What you need to know about fishing in Durham Region

Fisheries Management Zones (FMZ)

There are three Fisheries Management Zones (FMZ) in Durham Region.

FMZ 20 covers Lake Ontario. FMZ 17 is to the east of York Region, and includes Lake Scugog. FMZ 16 in the northern part of Durham and surrounds Lake Simcoe.

Each FMZ has unique boundaries. They have their own fishing seasons and limits. Visit the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF). They have a Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary for complete details.

Fishing licensing

Ontario residents need a complete and valid license to fish. There are several types of licences that you can apply for.

Outdoors Card

The Outdoors Card is a plastic, wallet-sized card, which is used for identification and administrative purposes. This card is valid for three years.

Note: Outdoor cards are not required with a one-day licence.

Sport fishing license

This is ideal for anglers who want full normal catch limits. Refer to the MNRF Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary for catch and possession limits.

Obtain a license

Conservation license

This is a reduced catch and possession limit licence tag, which is ideal for anglers who want to live-release the majority of fish caught. Under this licence tag, anglers must immediately release muskellunge, Atlantic salmon and aurora trout. Refer to the MNRF Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary for catch and possession limits.

You must carry both your Outdoors Card and fishing licence tag whenever you go fishing.
If you plan to fish for one day only, you do not need an Outdoors Card, but will require a one-day sport fishing licence.
Ontario Resident Outdoors Cards and fishing licence tags are available through licence issuers across Ontario or online at www.ontario.ca/outdoorscard. To renew a licence with the Outdoors Card, call the automated telephone licensing line at 1-800-288-1155.

Obtain a license

Under age 18 or over age 65

No Outdoors Card or fishing licence tag is required. Be prepared to show government-issued identification with your name and date of birth.

You must follow catch and possession limits for sport fishing.

Carry both your Outdoors Card and fishing licence tag when fishing.

If you plan to fish for one day only, you do not need an Outdoors Card. You will need a one-day sport fishing licence.

Ontario Resident Outdoors Cards and fishing licence tags are available through licence issuers across Ontario. You can apply online. You can renew a licence with the Outdoors Card. Just call the automated telephone licensing line at 1-800-288-1155.

Fishing rules

You must follow certain rules while fishing. They determine:

When and where you can fish.
The species, size and number of fish you can keep.
What you can use for bait and tackle.
What you can and cannot do in specific locations (note that Ontario is divided into 20 FMZs).

Learn more about fishing limits, size restrictions, and catch and release requirements.

Where to buy

You can purchase your fishing licence tag at the same time as your Outdoors Card, but cannot buy a licence tag without an Outdoors Card. You can get a one-day sport fishing licence.

You can also purchase your fishing Outdoors Card and licence tag in person. Go to participating ServiceOntario Centres or at a licence issuer.

Fishing on Whitby Waterfront