Angling Resources and Information Centre
Angling for trout and Atlantic salmon is a time honoured tradition on PEI. The Angling Resource and Information Centre offers information on licensing, seasons, limits, locations and fish species. More detailed information can be found in the 2022 Angling Summary (3.3MB).
When does angling season open and close?
Angling season for all freshwater fish species opens on April 15th of each year (in most locations). Open and closing dates may vary depending on location and species. Please refer to the 2022 Angling Summary for details.
Do I need a licence to fish on PEI?
- Angling Licences are required by everyone 16 years of age and older;
- Children under 16 years of age do not require an angling licence;
- Resident and Non-Resident Angling Licences are available for $10/year plus HST;
- Courtesy Angling Licences are issued free-of-charge to those 16 to 18 and 60 years of age and older; and
- Family Five-Day Fishing Licences are available for $5 plus HST;. This licence allows you, your spouse and dependants to fish for a period of five consecutive days and is available after May 1st each year.
Are there any other fees?
Yes. All licensed anglers are also required to have and possess a valid Wildlife Conservation Fund License (WCF). The WCF fee can be applied to Hunting and Trapping licences with the licence year.
- Anglers from ages 16 to 64 must pay the Wildlife Conservation Fund fee of $20/yr plus HST;.
- For Seniors 65 years of age and over, the Wildlife Conservation Fund is $13/yr plus HST;
- For the Family Five-day Fishing License, the Wildlife Conservation Fund fee is $5 plus HST;
- Youth under the age of 16 are exempt from the WCF fee.
Where can I buy a fishing licence?
or from 2022 Angling Licence Vendors in communities across PEI.
* Note: The E-licence site is not available until April 1st each year.
Species:
Brook Trout
Rainbow Trout
Atlantic Salmon
Smelts are a popular food fish for many Islanders. Please note that no license is required to fish smelts. More information on smelt fishing can be found on pages 39-40 of the 2022 Angling Summary.
- The smelt dip net fishery runs from April 1 to June 15th. You can also angle for smelt in inland water from April 15-September 15.
- The catch limit is 60 smelts/person/day.
- Take only what you need
- Avoid entering the stream and trampling the eggs
- if possible, select male smelts over females.
Angling questions concerning salt water species (for example, mackerel and striped bass) should be directed to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (1-506-851-6227).
Where can I access fishing spots?
Most of Prince Edward Island is privately owned so you should ask for permission from the land owner before you cross private lands. Public lands provide public access to angling spots unless the property is otherwise posted.
The PEI Fishing Locations Map (4M) illustrates freshwater fishing locations with public access. The Popular Saltwater Fishing Locations page can be used to find coastal areas to fish for mackerel, flounder and striped bass.
Are there any new or special fishing regulations for 2022?
There are no closures in PEI rivers for 2022.
Rivers with Special Conservation Zones
Special conservation zones have restrictive regulations for the conservation and protection of brook trout.
- Morell River: The Cranes Conservation Zone is closed to all angling on July 1 until the end of the angling season. This includes 10 m downstream from the bridge on Route 355 to 250 m upstream from the bridge.
- West River: From June 1 until the end of the angling season, the section of the main West River from the junction of the Black Brook to Crosby's Dam is restricted to catch and release angling of brook trout using single barbless fly or lure.
- Trout River: From June 1 until the end of the angling season, the section of river between the Western Road (Route 2) in Carleton to what is known locally as "Bannys Hole" will be catch and release fishing only, using single barbless fly.
Are there any special angling events or activities?
Each year, the May long weekend marks Free Family Fishing weekend on PEI. In 2022, Free Family Fishing weekend runs from Friday May 20 to Monday May 23 (inclusive). Angling licenses are not required but anglers must abide by all regulations and rules.
The 2022 Extended Angling Season starts on September 16, 2022. For more information, visit: