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Great Lakes

Zone 20

Lake Ontario (including Bay of Quinte, Niagara River, Hamilton Harbour, St. Lawrence River)

Important Notice: This page is for informational purposes only and is not an official government resource. Species data on this page is sourced from the 2026 Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary (updated December 8, 2025), but does not include waterbody-specific exceptions or variation orders. Always verify current regulations at the official zone page before you fish.
Map of Zone 20

Source: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. View official zone map

Zone Information

Zone Zone 20
Region Great Lakes
Area Lake Ontario (including Bay of Quinte, Niagara River, Hamilton Harbour, St. Lawrence River)
Data Source 2026 Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary
Full Regulations (ontario.ca) Fish ON-Line Map Variation Orders

Zone-Wide Species Regulations

These are the zone-wide default seasons and limits. Individual lakes, rivers, and species may have different rules. Check the official regulations page for species exceptions, waterbody exceptions, and fish sanctuaries.

Species Open Season Sport Limit Conservation Limit Notes
Atlantic Salmon Open all year 1 0 Must be greater than 63 cm
Brown Trout Open all year 5 2
Rainbow Trout Open all year 2 1
Pacific Salmon Open all year 5 2
Lake Trout January 1 to September 30; December 1 to December 31 3 1
Lake Whitefish Open all year 12 6
Muskellunge 3rd Saturday in June to December 15 1 0 Must be greater than 137 cm
Northern Pike January 1 to March 31; 1st Saturday in May to December 31 6 2
Largemouth Bass C&R only Jan 1-May 10; 3rd Saturday in June to December 31 6 2 Early catch-and-release period Jan 1-May 10
Smallmouth Bass C&R only Jan 1-May 10; 1st Saturday in July to December 31 6 2 Early catch-and-release period Jan 1-May 10
Channel Catfish Open all year 12 6
Crappie Open all year 30 10
Sunfish Open all year 100 50
Walleye and Sauger January 1 to March 1; 1st Saturday in May to December 31 4 2 Not more than 1 greater than 63 cm
Yellow Perch Open all year 50 25
Licence types: Sport Limit = daily catch and possession limit under a Sport fishing licence. Conservation Limit = daily catch and possession limit under a Conservation fishing licence. Limits marked 0 mean catch and release only. Always check for aggregate limits (e.g., combined trout and salmon limits) at ontario.ca.

General Rules for All Anglers

Licence Required

All anglers 18 and older must carry a valid Ontario fishing licence. Canadian residents can fish free on select free fishing days. Veterans and active Canadian Armed Forces members residing in Ontario fish for free.

Bait Restrictions

Many zones have Bait Management Zones (BMZ) restricting the movement of live or dead baitfish and leeches. Check the bait rules for this zone at ontario.ca/bait.

Fish Sanctuaries

Certain waters in this zone are closed to fishing during specific periods to protect spawning fish. See the full list of sanctuaries at the official zone regulations page.

Catch and Release

Proper catch-and-release technique helps maintain fish populations. For guidance, see Ontario's catch-and-release guidelines .