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Fishing License Information Non-Resident Fishing Licenses All Licences and park fees include GST, are in Canadian
funds and are subject to change.
Regulations and Seasons Walleye Walleye fishing begins the third saturday of May each year, and remains open during the summer and fall season. You may keep and have in your possession 4 fish: (only 2 on a conservation licence) of which only one fish may be longer than 46 cm. or 18 inches. After the season opens for walleye fishing in May and early June, small walleye can be caught in rivers, rapids and at creek openings. Prime time begins in mid June and continues through July into mid August. In the summer, walleyes may move from weed beds to rocky points and reefs and islands, but remember to always FISH THE WINDY SIDE ! The larger lakes tend to hold their walleye fishing best during the hot days of mid summer and fish may go 25 or 30 feet deep. Mid August through September walleye fishing is slower but remains good along deep weedbeds, main lake reefs, and in fastwater. Remember that at this time of year, they may only feed once every couple of days. Northern Pike Northern Pike fishing is open all season long. You may keep and have in your possession 4 pike (only 2 on a conservation licence) of which none can be between 70 cm and 90 cm (none between 28 - 36 inches). You may have one fish longer than 90 cm or 36 inches, and the others must be shorter than 28 inches. Pike fishing is very slow in the spring, because the big fish are post spawn. By mid June, the huge northerns are active again, and will be feeding in the shallow shoreline bays. The month of July is the best time for big pike when the weed beds are fully developed, and the water has warmed. Use topwater plugs and skirted spinner baits but expect to catch big northern Pike accidently while jigging walleye or casting for smallmouth. August and September pike fishing is good, but you have to fish harder and longer for them. They don't feed all of the time, but the clear water is an advantage during the late summer and early fall time. Smallmouth Bass Smallmouth Bass fishing is open all season long. But, during spawing season until June 30, you may possess only 2 bass under 35 cm or 14 inches (just one fish under 35 cm or 14 inches on a conservation licence). After June 30, the limit is 4 bass of any size (just 2 bass of anysize on a conservation licence) This is the 'royal family' of Quetico sportfishing and the 'king' starts things off with a bang in the canoe country! During sunny days in May, big bass are pre-spawn and very protective of the spawing areas. Anglers must exercise restraint when catching big bass during this time. USE LURES WITH SINGLE BARBLESS HOOKS to allow a quick release of fish without landing them. In mid June to July and through mid August, Smallmouth Bass fishing is terrific. As the summer progresses, big fish move to deeper and deeper water, but continue to hit topwater surface and spinner baits. Full moon and new moon cycles do seem to make a difference with July/August smallmouth bass fishing. In September, you won't get any bass on topwater or surface lures, but the biggest fish of the year are caught now in 30 feet of water on deep running crankbaits and jigs. Lake Trout Lake Trout fishing season is open until September 30 each year. You may keep and have in your possession 2 trout of anysize (just one trout on a conservation licence). During the month of September, you may only possess one trout longer than 22 inches. This is the most ignored species of fish in the Quetico, and my favorite. Few anglers try for them, and this means the population of huge trout in the Quetico is unmatched anywhere. Come in May as soon as the ice leaves, and you will catch Lake Trout from 3 to 30 pounds all over the place on light tackle with spoons and spinners. Pan fry them or bake them in tin foil. By mid June, the trout follow cold water to the deep, and you have use different techniques to get them. Trolling deep running crankbaits behind heavy trolling sinkers works, but I prefer vertical jigging. By Mid July, the Lake Trout are in 90 feet of water, and when you catch one on a jig that far under your canoe, it is something you will remember ! In September, the lake trout gather adjacent to spawing reefs, and you can begin catching them on shallow running spoons and crankbaits again. |
A Very Important Note No live bait fish may be used in Quetico Park and no leeches may be imported into Canada. The vast majority of anglers on canoe trips and outpost cabins take advantage of the 'conservation licence'. This allows sport fishermen and women to eat fish during their vacation, catch and release all the fish they want, but take none home. Please note that it is illegal to angle for a fish species during closed season, even if you intend to release them. Live bait like minnows or leeches must be purchased in Canada. 
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