How the Program Works
Catch a Fish in Ontario
Catch one of the accepted species, in season (as per the Ontario Fishing Regulations), in a waterbody in Ontario and take its measurement. If the fish is equal to or above the minimum qualifying length it can be entered into the program.
Accepted Species
| Species | Qualifying Length | Photo Length |
| Black Crappie | 10.00" | 14.00" |
| Bluegill | 9.00" | 12.00" |
| Brook/Speckled Trout | 18.00" | 25.00" |
| Brown Trout | 21.00" | 28.00" |
| Carp | 30.00" | 36.00" |
| Chinook Salmon | 36.00" | 42.00" |
| Coho Salmon | 30.00" | 38.00" |
| Lake Trout | 26.00" | 36.00" |
| Largemouth Bass | 18.00" | 22.00" |
| Muskie | 36.00" | 44.00" |
| Northern Pike | 30.00" | 40.00" |
| Pumpkinseed | 9.00" | 12.00" |
| Rainbow Trout | 21.00" | 30.00" |
| Rock Bass | 10.00" | 13.00" |
| Smallmouth Bass | 17.00" | 21.00" |
| Splake | 20.00" | 28.00" |
| Walleye | 25.00" | 32.00" |
| Whitefish | 22.00" | 26.00" |
| Yellow Perch | 12.00" | 14.00" |
(Note: A photo is optional for all entries that measure smaller than the “photo length”. For entries that are equal to or above the photo length we require a photo.)
Enter your Catch Online
Once you have caught a qualifying fish you will require an online account to enter the program (one account per email address). Simply register for your free Ontario Angler Awards account and access your account to enter your catch.
All new entries will require validation from our team and will appear as “pending” until validation is complete. Once your entry is validated it will appear online and you will receive a personalized certificate and decal in the mail in 6-8 weeks time.
If you catch more fish simply log in to your account each time you want to enter your catch.
Program Awards
Each qualifying angler will receive a personalized certificate and decal for their catch. If an angler does not want to receive the certificate or decal they may indicate it when entering their catch. Certificate and decals are mailed out approximately 6-8 weeks after validation.
Avid Angler Award
The Avid Angler Award is awarded to participants that have successfully completed five categories in one fishing season. As an example an angler that successfully enters a smallmouth bass, carp, walleye, northern pike and whitefish would be awarded with the Avid Angler Award and would receive a free personalized certificate and an avid angler pin. These awards are mailed to the angler during the spring of the following season.
Please note that all trout (lake, rainbow, splake, brown, brook), panfish (black crappie, bluegill, rock bass, pumpkinseed, yellow perch) and salmon (coho, chinook) species count towards one completion for their categories. As an example, an angler that successfully enters a bluegill and pumpkinseed will have completed the panfish category and will receive one completed entry towards their Avid Angler award.
