THUNDER BAY — Northwestern Ontarians looking for a fun, low-cost way to spend time with family this Mother’s Day weekend are in luck: Ontario is offering free fishing to all Canadian residents on May 10 and 11. That means no licence is required to fish in any of the province’s lakes or rivers — just bring your rod, bait, and a love for the outdoors.
The initiative, led by the Ministry of Natural Resources, encourages families to get outside and embrace one of the province’s most cherished pastimes. Thunder Bay and its surrounding wilderness offer some of the best fishing in Canada, with walleye, northern pike, lake trout, and smallmouth bass abundant across local lakes from Lake Superior to inland hotspots like Dog Lake and Shebandowan.
“Fishing is a timeless Ontario tradition that brings people together,” said Natural Resources Minister Mike Harris. “This Mother’s Day weekend, why not enjoy the water with friends and family — and support local jobs and communities that thrive through fishing?”
Why It Matters for Northwestern Ontario
In communities like Thunder Bay, Ignace, and Nipigon, fishing is more than a weekend hobby — it’s a way of life and an economic driver. Free fishing weekends promote tourism and offer residents, especially newcomers or those on a tight budget, a chance to discover or rekindle their love for the sport.
With warmer weather returning and fishing conditions improving, this is an ideal time to introduce young anglers to the outdoors or to rediscover a local lake you haven’t fished in years.
What to Know Before You Go
While licences aren’t required this weekend, all other Ontario fishing regulations still apply, including:
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Size and catch limits
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Seasonal sanctuaries
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Gear restrictions
Make sure to review current regulations for your fishing zone using the Fish ON-Line tool or the Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary. Canadian residents must also carry valid government-issued ID showing name and date of birth.
Mark Your Calendar: More Free Fishing Dates in 2025
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Father’s Day Weekend – June 14–15
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Family Fishing Week – June 28–July 6
Outside of these designated periods, Ontario residents aged 18–64 require a valid Outdoors Card and fishing licence.
Planning Your Fishing Adventure
Find a new favourite spot using the province’s Fish ON-Line tool, or join a local “Learn to Fish” workshop. And for the environmentally conscious, the Guide to Eating Ontario Fish can help you choose which catches are safe and sustainable for consumption.
🎣 Whether you’re out on Lake Nipigon or casting from the shoreline of one of our creeks or rivers, make the most of Ontario’s free fishing weekend and celebrate Mother’s Day the northern way — with a rod, a reel, and a view.
