License-free fishing week extended to two weeks this year

Ontario’s annual free family fishing week has been extended this year.

The province say Canadian residents can enjoy fishing in Ontario without having to purchase a licence or carry an Outdoors Card from tomorrow, Saturday July 4th through Sunday July 19th.

“The COVID-19 outbreak has made things challenging for everyone this year, and this is why it’s especially important that we provide families with a lower-risk way to spend quality time outdoors,” said John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. “We’re counting on people to be responsible when enjoying free fishing and to continue to follow all of the public health measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19.”

Fishing rules and regulations, including conservation catch and possession limits also still apply.

Quick notes:
– The annual Free Fishing Week traditionally starts in early July. This year, it has been extended for an additional week, taking place from July 4, 2020 to July 19, 2020.
– Anyone taking advantage of this opportunity must follow existing fishing rules and regulations including conservation catch and possession limits.
– Free fishing events also occur on Family Day, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day weekends.
– Veterans and active Canadian Armed Forces members residing in Ontario can enjoy year-round recreational fishing without having to purchase a fishing licence.
– Anglers spend more than $1.6 billion annually in Ontario and support jobs in many rural and northern communities that depend on it.

(File photo by Linda Holmes/BayToday.ca)