FISHING LICENSES & SEASON
* It is illegal to fish for Bass (or any other species) before the season opens, even if you are going to release them. It is especially damaging to bass during the spawning and rearing season in the spring. When adult bass are removed from their nests the eggs and young bass are left unprotected and subject to predation.
* Fishing license requirements for our area, are spelled out on the Ontario Fishing License website. We are in Zone 18.
* In a nutshell, as the current law stands, fishing for Northern Pike is open from January 1 to March 31 and 2nd Saturday in May to December 31. Fishing for Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass is open from the 3rd Saturday in June to November 30.
* Licenses are required for all US citizens over the age of 18. Children do not need licenses if they are accompanied by an adult who holds a license, but the child's catch is counted as part of the adult's limit. Children under the age of 18 may buy their own license in order to fish alone and have their own limit.
* Licenses are available for an 8 day Conservation which allows you to catch and keep 2 bass a day or an 8 day Sport which allows you to catch and keep 6 bass a day. These same two types of licenses are also available for the whole season. These licenses also require the purchase of a 3 year "outdoor card" for an additional fee. A 1 day license is available without the purchase of the "outdoor card."
* Prices change annually so you will need to check out the Ontario web site for the current prices.
* "Keeper' bass must measure more than 12 inches.
* Another source for the current regulations is the Rideau Info site created by Ken Watson mentioned on another page of this website.
The Ministry of Natural Resources has a rather complex zoning system for fishing. We are in the Rideau region (Zone 18). Prior to embarking on a fishing adventure, be sure the read all the regulations (available on the MNR website, see below) carefully:
PASSPORTS
AS OF JUNE 2009 ALL AMERICAN CITIZENS WILL NEED EITHER A PASSPORT OR A PASSPORT CARD (or one of the following other approved documents) IN ORDER TO RE-ENTER THE USA.
CHILDREN: U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card.
Groups of U.S. citizen children ages 16 through 18, when traveling with a school or religious group, social organization, or sports team, will be able to enter under adult supervision with originals or copies of their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship. See the Department of Homeland Security's (www.dhs.gov) for more information on the changing travel requirements.
U.S citizens can use any of the following documents to travel to Canada :
Acceptable Documents: one of the following documents should be presented to prove both identity and citizenship.
U.S. Passport Book
U.S. Passport Card
NEXUS card (For U.S-CANADA Land and limited Sea Ports use only.)
FAST card (For Land use only.)
State Issued Enhanced Driver’s License
Enhanced Tribal Cards (when available)
U.S. Military Identification
U.S. Merchant Mariner Document
Native American Tribal Photo Identification Card
I-872 American Indian Card
Please visit the Department of Homeland and Security for the latest travel requirements by land and sea.
* In order to keep tabs on the laws, check out the State Department link, where we hope you will be able to get correct and up to date information.
* For information of Border Crossing Regulations (food, pets, firearms, alcohol, cigarettes, etc.)
check out Canada Border Services Agency.
* To see what the wait is at the any border at any given time, click on Border Wait Times.
