📅 Fishing Season Calendar 2026
Filter by province and species to see when your target fish season is open.
| Province | Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Walleye | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ||||
| Ontario | Bass (Largemouth/Smallmouth) | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ||||||
| Ontario | Northern Pike | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Ontario | Lake Trout | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | |||
| Ontario | Perch | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| British Columbia | Rainbow Trout | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| British Columbia | Chinook Salmon (Freshwater) | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ||||||
| British Columbia | Steelhead | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ||||
| Alberta | Walleye | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | |
| Alberta | Rainbow/Brown Trout | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | |||||||
| Alberta | Northern Pike | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | |
| Quebec | Walleye | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | |||||
| Quebec | Atlantic Salmon | ● | ● | ● | ● | ||||||||
| Quebec | Brook Trout | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ||||||
| Saskatchewan | Walleye | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Saskatchewan | Northern Pike | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Saskatchewan | Lake Trout | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | |||||||
| Manitoba | Walleye | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Manitoba | Channel Catfish | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
| Manitoba | Northern Pike | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● | ● |
Season dates are approximate. Always verify with provincial regulations before fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does fishing season open in Canada?
Fishing season dates vary by province, species, and even specific water body. In Ontario, the general walleye season typically opens on the third Saturday in May. Trout seasons often open in late April. Year-round fishing is available for some species in certain provinces. Use the calendar above to find specific dates for your target species and province.
Can I fish year-round in Canada?
Some species can be fished year-round in certain provinces — for example, common carp and some panfish in Ontario, or bullhead trout in parts of Alberta. However, most sport fish (walleye, bass, trout, pike) have defined open and closed seasons to protect spawning. Always check the specific species and water body before fishing.
What happens if I fish during a closed season?
Fishing during a closed season is a serious violation. Fines can range from $250 to over $5,000 depending on the province and species. Check our Fine Calculator for specific penalty ranges, and always verify current season dates with your provincial authority.
📅 Data last verified: March 2026. Season dates are based on published provincial fishing regulation summaries. Dates may vary by Fisheries Management Zone (FMZ) or specific water body.