Ontario Fish and Wildlife

Official account of the Fish & Wildlife Program of the Ministry of Natural Resources. Terms of use En français @PecheFauneON

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

As migratory such as salmon and trout move upstream to spawn, remember it is illegal to fish within 23 metres downstream of a fishway, obstruction (e.g., dam), or leap.

To report a natural resources violation, call the MNR TIPS line at 1-877-847-7667 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Learn more about Ontario’s fishing regulations by visiting https://t.co/crlY3qbllo.

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

Provincially significant inland fisheries receive focused monitoring due to their high ecological and recreational importance.

This year, we’re focusing on six:  
• Lake Simcoe  
• Rice Lake  
• Lake Scugog 
• Ottawa River 
• Lake Nipissing 
• Rainy Lake

Learn more at https://t.co/O2MA02gbUQ.

#ScienceON

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

Planning a wild turkey hunt this fall?

Tags are available starting September 1.

You can purchase your tag online at https://t.co/L6qRCQBHqs, through a licence issuer or at participating ServiceOntario locations.

Before you head out, review season dates and regulations at https://t.co/AxCDvKR3eF.

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

Heading to the Ganaraska River this fall?

Remember, the section between the Jocelyn Street Bridge and the southerly limit of the CNR bridge is closed to fishing from September 1 to October 14.

This closure helps protect vulnerable salmon during their fall migration.

Check the regulations before you go at https://t.co/yfp0WtBaZh.

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

Planning to keep your catch?

Before you head home, make sure you know the rules for transporting and packaging fish.

Learn more at https://t.co/G06uq0iAVM or check the regulations at https://t.co/aWvOYeC6k0.

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

Conviction release for August 21, 2026. 🚨

An individual from Northeastern Ontario has been fined $5,000 for the following moose hunting violations:

A male individual of Mattawa pleaded guilty to hunting big game without a licence. He was fined $5,000 and received a one-year hunting suspension.

If you want to report a natural resources violation, you can contact conservation officers by calling the MNR TIPS line at 1-877-847-7667. Alternatively, you can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Learn more: https://t.co/g6D96hbd2A

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

For many anglers across Ontario, river fishing is an exciting way to enjoy the outdoors.

Chances are you’ll be sharing the water with other anglers, so it’s important to know and practice good fishing etiquette.

Help a new angler get off on the right foot by leaving some of your top fishing etiquette tips in the comments. 🎣

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

Did you know your next fishing spot is just a click away? 🐟

Explore our Fish ON-Line webpage for insights from our inland lakes monitoring, including: 
• water depth and clarity 
• fish species and size 
• water chemistry and temperature

Find your next fishing spot at https://t.co/qPqTCGrwsr.
#ScienceON

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

Deer, elk and moose tags are available to print starting today.

Remember, each tag can only be printed once, so confirm your printer is working properly and that double-sided printing is turned off.

Printing closer to your hunt can help prevent your tag from being lost or damaged before you need it.

Get printing tips and learn more at https://t.co/7bU3l389jF

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

We’re always happy to hear your thoughts and comments. Please make sure your comments are respectful, free from discrimination and harassment. Comments not adhering to this may be removed. 

To learn more about how we manage our social media, check out https://t.co/LH6KzQSvkV.

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

The salmon run is underway in many parts of Ontario!

It’s an amazing sight to see these fish as they make their way up Great Lake tributaries to spawn. 🐟

Follow us @FishWildlifeON to learn more about these incredible species and what you need to know when fishing for them.

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

Conviction release for August 14, 2026. 🚨

An individual from Southern Ontario has been fined $3,500 for the following camping and public land violations:

A male individual of Utterson was convicted of unlawfully occupying and depositing items on public lands in violation of a notice. He was fined $3,500.

If you want to report a natural resources violation, you can contact conservation officers by calling the MNR TIPS line at 1-877-847-7667. Alternatively, you can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Learn more: https://t.co/hMfk7WdtOw

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

Celebrating fishing experiences across Ontario! Join us in congratulating Jessica on her catch. 🎣  

👤 Jessica
📍 South Frontenac, ON  

"I love fishing in Ontario because no two lakes are the same, and that’s what makes exploring them so rewarding” 

Before heading out, make sure you are up to date on fishing regulations and seasons: https://t.co/crlY3qbTaW.   

To purchase or renew your fishing licence, visit https://t.co/L6qRCQBHqs.

For a chance to be featured, tag your photos using #MyONFish, or send us your photos via direct message or by emailing us at [email protected].

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

Conviction release for August 7, 2026. 🚨

An individual from Southwestern Ontario has been fined $3,000 for the following deer hunting and firearm violations:

A male individual of Aylmer pleaded guilty to unlawfully hunting deer during a controlled deer hunt, unlawfully possessing a firearm at night and enabling another individual to unlawfully use his deer tag.

If you want to report a natural resources violation, you can contact conservation officers by calling the MNR TIPS line at 1-877-847-7667. Alternatively, you can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Learn more: https://t.co/B2YDCr44LI

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

Hi Michael, thank you for your question regarding building a fence on land that includes land under water.

Land that is under a navigable waterbody such as Bass Lake is public (a.k.a. “Crown”) land that is subject to the Public Lands Act, which is administered by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR).

Section 27(1) of the Public Lands Act states:

Except with the written consent of the Minister or an officer authorized by the Minister, no person shall deposit or cause to be deposited any material substance or thing,

(a) on public lands, whether or not the lands are covered with water or ice; or
(b) on water or ice covering public lands.’

A fence constructed in whole or in part on public land would require occupational authority from MNR (i.e., a land use permit, lease, licence of occupation or easement). Additionally, depending on the size of the fence, you may also require a work permit from MNR.

For more information on Public Lands Act occupational authority and potential work permit requirements, you can contact your local MNR work centre.

If you have any additional questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Thank you and have a nice day.

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

We’re bringing free Learn to Fish sessions to Hamilton Conservation Authority locations this August. Perfect for beginners looking to get started on the water. 

Find us at Fifty Point Conservation Area on August 8–9 and 13–14.

Register in advance at https://t.co/QDBNwO5dHS.

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

Ready for August? Here’s some key dates to keep on your radar:

• August 1: Antlerless deer and elk draw results online
• August 1: Second chance moose allocation results available and tags available to claim
• August 15: Fall black bear season opens in some Northern Wildlife Management Units (WMUs)
• August 18: Deer, moose and elk tags available to print

Reminder: August can bring early salmon runs; follow regulations and review https://t.co/crlY3qbllo.

To buy licences, claim and print tags, or view draw results, visit https://t.co/L6qRCQB9AU.

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

Planning to hunt during a controlled deer season this fall?

Make sure you enter the controlled deer draw before the deadline today, July 31.

Apply at https://t.co/L6qRCQB9AU or by calling 1-800-288-1155. You can also apply in person at a licence issuer or participating ServiceOntario.

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

To report a wildland fire in Ontario, call 310-FIRE (3473). To report a wildland fire south of the French and Mattawa Rivers, call 9-1-1. 📱

Your report should include:
· the wildland fire’s location
· fire size and whether flames are visible
· smoke colour
· what’s burning (types of trees, grass)

For updates on the current fire situation, visit https://t.co/NKxwwjTugp.

[Ontario Fish and Wildlife @FishWildlifeON]

Conviction release for July 29, 2026. 🚨

From June 6 to June 8, 2026, conservation officers from the Ministry of Natural Resources conducted patrols on Lake Nipigon to ensure anglers were complying with Ontario’s Fishery Regulations.

Over the three-day enforcement initiative, conservation officers contacted 88 individuals and issued 23 warnings and 22 charges for a range of violations.

If you want to report a natural resources violation, you can contact conservation officers by calling the MNR TIPS line at 1-877-847-7667. Alternatively, you can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Learn more: https://t.co/3qDY4B3L6I