Rules and Regulations

  1. Fish must be caught using rod and line in Ontario waters and during open seasons according to the Province of Ontario’s Sportfishing Regulations.
  2. Only fish caught during the current fishing season are eligible
  3. Fish angled in private or commercial fish ponds are not eligible.
  4. Only one person may catch and play the fish.
  5. Qualifying fish species include: carp, largemouth bass, muskellunge, northern pike, panfish (pumpkinseed, bluegill, yellow perch, rock bass, black crappie), salmon (coho, chinook), smallmouth bass, trout (brown, brook, rainbow, lake, splake) and whitefish.
  6. Anglers must measure the length of a fish (in inches) to qualify for the Ontario Angler Award.
  7. The fish must be equal to or greater than the “Qualifying Length” of the species to be eligible for the program. Photographs are required for fish that are equal to or above the “Photo Length” listed below. Additional proof of measurement may be requested for larger species so we ask that you take another photo of the fish beside the measuring device (if possible) in the event that this additional information is requested.
    SpeciesQualifying LengthPhoto 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"
  8. A signed entry form is required (Online form entrants must indicate their acceptance of the rules and regulations). Photos are encouraged for all entries and only required for lengths greater than or equal to indicated photo length in rule #7.
  9. To make an entry eligible for the program each entrant must include the name of the fish species, date the fish was caught, length of the fish, name of the waterbody the fish was caught on and the name of the community closest to the waterbody.
  10. Any entry for a fish equal to or exceeding the minimum designated length is acceptable.
  11. Qualifying fish must be submitted on an official entry form or photocopy (one fish per form) or online. No changes in the length stated on the application form will be accepted.
  12. Youth entrants under the age of 16 must have a parent or guardian authorize their entry form stating such.
  13. The OFAH will be the sole and final judge as to the acceptance of the entries, reserves the right to request additional information (such as a photo of the fish) and requirements in the best interest of the program and to disqualify unverifiable entries.
  14. By submitting photographs you agree to allow the OFAH and its partners (with OFAH permission) to use the picture in any and all of their various advertising and promotional endeavours. Photos become the property of the OFAH
  15. You warrant that the image is of yourself (if applicable) and grant the OFAH and its partners (with OFAH permission) the reproduction rights of the photograph as set out herein. Further, you warrant that the photo is not subject to any other party’s rights. You agree to fully indemnify the OFAH against any expenses or damages it incurs (including reasonable attorney fees) as a result of any claim against it resulting from the use of the submitted photo or breach of the warranties set out above.
  16. The OFAH is under no obligation to use your photograph in any manner. If it does, however, it may crop, modify, and adapt it as it sees fit or necessary for its promotional use without your consent or review. You also grant the OFAH the right to use your name in its promotional activities and publish on the website of the Ontario Angler Awards and any publication in relation to those awards.