Understand the rules when it comes to fishing, hunting and selling for a profit in Northern Ontario.

District of Nipissing, District of Parry Sound and North Bay

The Unlawful Sale of Angler-Caught Fish

The unlawful sale of angler-caught fish is a pressing issue that impacts all species of fish and every community in Ontario. This illegal practice affects every resident of Ontario by posing risks to human health, public safety, local businesses, and fishery resources.

Public Safety

Sport-caught fish are not subject to food safety and quality inspections. To protect the health and safety of Ontario residents, legislation exists to safeguard you, your family, and your friends from consuming fish from contaminated waters or fish that have not been handled in clean and sanitary conditions.

Fishing and the Economy

Fishing is an essential economic activity in Ontario. The Ontario Commercial Fisheries industry employs approximately 3,500 individuals, either in fishing vessels or processing and packing facilities. Collectively, this industry generates approximately $113.6 million annually in tax revenue. However, the illegal sale of sport-caught fish undermines these legitimate economic activities.

Important Note for Anglers: An Ontario Sport Fishing License does not grant you the right to sell what you catch.

This includes:

• Dip-netted fish: Smelt, whitefish, herring, and bait fish
• Non-angling harvested fish: Spearing or bow fishing species like carp, bowfin, and sucker
• Fish caught by angling: Bass, perch, walleye, pike, muskie, trout, crappie, sturgeon, salmon, and catfish
• Parts of fish: Roe (eggs), fins, and heads

Buying or selling fish includes:

• Bartering or trading
• Offering to buy, sell, barter, or trade
• Possessing fish for the purpose of buying, selling, bartering, or trading

Buying or selling fish caught through sport-fishing is prohibited under Ontario’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. The penalties for the illegal sale or purchase of sport-caught fish can include:

• Fines of up to $100,000
• Imprisonment for up to two years
• Or a combination of both

How You Can Help

Crime Stoppers and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) have worked together since 1992 to reduce natural resource violations across the province. Crime Stoppers provides the public with an opportunity to share information that aids investigative activities.

If you wish to report the illegal sale of sport-caught fish or any other abuse of natural resources, you can:

• Call the MNR Tips Line at 1-877-847-7667

• Or to report anonymously, call 1-800-222-TIPS or submit a tip online.

Let’s work together to protect Ontario’s natural resources and ensure the sustainability of our fishery ecosystems.