Recreational Fishing in Quebec: Why Should You Know About Current Regulations?

Recreational groundfish fishing in the Saguenay Fjord, Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence, which is carried out for pleasure, must be in compliance with the rules.

To avoid unpleasant surprises, Fisheries and Oceans Canada encourages anyone who takes part in the recreational activity to check the internet before planning a fishing activity. They will find the following information, including:

• the regulations in effect on the date chosen
• the daily limit
• the fishing areas
• the close times
• the species authorized 

In the event of a violation of any of the rules governing the fishery, offenders could face fines or prosecution. Fines of up to $2,500 are possible, which would certainly spoil a fishing trip! In addition, anything used to commit the offence can be seized.

In Quebec, Fisheries and Oceans Canada manages the marine recreational fishery, while the Government of Quebec is responsible for the freshwater fishery. To fully understand all the regulatory information on recreational fishing, visit www.qc.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/peches-fisheries/recreative-recreational/index-eng.html.

Did you know?

The recreational groundfish fishery does not require a licence. However, you must comply with several regulatory measures, such as the following:

• It is the responsibility of each person to ensure that all fish harvested can be retained.
• No person shall engage in recreational fishing for groundfish by any means other than by hand-line or by angling.
• No person shall buy, sell, trade, barter or offer to buy, sell, trade or barter any fish that was caught while fishing for recreational purposes.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada encourages the public to report poaching incidents by calling 1‑800‑463‑9057. Calls are anonymous and confidential.

Happy fishing!

Kristina Takhmi-Joseph
Communications