Fishing in Canadian Waters

[BIGSHOW]

I know we have talked about this before but I never got a licence. For those of you that are U.S. citizens that fish in Canada,what is the procedure for doing so? Also, where can you get the fishing license? price? I would really like to spread my territory. I know there are some hot spots over there. Thanks

[LennyB]

You can purchase the license here: https://www2.on.wildlifelicense.com/index_hf.php

If you launch in the US and boat across the the border, you are supposed to call the Canadian Customs to declare you have entered and they will give you a confirmation number to write down and keep with you for the day. The # is 1-888-226-7277. When you first call they will ask your location, Windsor if your on the Detroit River or LSC, and then they will transfer your call to that location were the local customs agent will ask the standard questions they ask when you cross the bridge. After you call in a few times regularly they will remember you and the process goes faster.

[Slipkey]

I know there's a bait shop near St. Clair Shores on the U.S. side that sells them.  Many purchase from there to avoid the hassle of finding a shop in Ontario.  Since I'm on the West Side, I usually get mine, right after I get on the water for the first time, from Cooper's Marina, which is a bait shop across the water in Amherstburg.  You can just pull in, tie up, and walk up to the shop.  Don't forget to call Customs, either once you tie up or when you get up to the shop.  

[djkimmel]

The online method is the best deal and easy as long as you do it early. The first time, you need to purchase an Outdoor Card, which is good for 3 years.

You can also call the Nautical Mile BP station - my 2nd choice. Or my last choice - Lakeside Fish Shop. These cost extra because they go over and buy them for you. Then you pick them up in the shop at the end of the week. Sometimes, if you have enough time, they may mail them, but then, if you have enough time, do the online method.

Used to be able to get them onsite by riding the Marine City Ferry across the St. Clair River and back. Don't know if you can still do that.

One other place on the water would be the Chematogan Camp Store in the Walpole Reservation if they still sell them. I used to go there because I could buy both Walpole and Ontario onsite, and maybe a snack. You have to call the Customs number though and they sometimes run out of licenses now. Plus, the last time I did this they wouldn't take debit cards.

[Victor Cerabone]

You can still get them on the ferry. 

http://www.bluewaterferry.com/packages-licenses

Don't forget to call into CANPASS.  The number is 888 226 7277.  I did it on all my trips last year.  You will could be sorry if you don't

http://www.usps.org/eddept/files/reporting_on_entering_Canadian_waters.pdf

[motocross269]

Calling in is fairly painless....Just have your MC number ready and a pencil and paper to write down the Number they give you...The first time you call it takes a couple of minutes but from then on it is fast...

As far as the license online is the way to go as these guys stated...

[Skulley]

All methods are good. There are a variety stated here. I get mine online through Lakeside Tackle. It is $88 this year for the Ontario and I think it was $42 for the Walpole. Last year I paid $95 for the Ontario and $45 for Walpole. I have no idea why the price dropped. I just was looking at last years receipt from Lakeside. They will also send it to your house.


BD.                             

[Victor Cerabone]

I agree with Moto.. The CANPASS is super easy once you do it the first time. 

Happy fishing!

[BIGSHOW]

Is the area east of livingston channel near Grosse Ile and Boblo all Ontario waters? I've just always thought of it as just Canada. Are you buying the license for Canada? Or just Ontario? Or does it work for all?

[motocross269]

You are buying an Ontario license for LSC, DR, and the St Clair river....The website you purchase the license from is for Ontario...

I would think you would have to buy a license for every province but can't say for sure...

[BIGSHOW]

How far south can you go on lake erie?

[Slipkey]

How far south can you go on lake erie?

The Ontario license gets you, the North Shore of Erie, Pelee, Middle and the Sister Islands. Your Michigan license gets you most of the Western shore of Erie, but you would need an Ohio License to fish the Bass Islands and the south shore of the Western Basin.  http://goo.gl/maps/NgkEc

[djkimmel]

You are buying an Ontario license for LSC, DR, and the St Clair river....The website you purchase the license from is for Ontario...

I would think you would have to buy a license for every province but can't say for sure...

Each province has their own fishing and hunting regulations, along with license requirements. We mostly only talk about Ontario because that province is big enough to completely surround all of the Michigan border waters and most of the Great Lakes.