Nunavut Fishing Licence

Sport Fishing Licence is required by anyone intending to sport fish in Nunavut other than a beneficiary of the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement (NLCA).

Licences are available from the Department of Environment or Fisheries and Oceans Canada, most sport fishing lodges, sporting goods, hardware and convenience stores, as well as certain offices of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Non-resident anglers must obey the import laws of their country when returning home. Check with customs officials in your home country about regulations governing the importation and transportation of fish.

Residency

Nunavut Resident: A Canadian citizen or permanent resident who has resided continuously in Nunavut for a period of three months immediately preceding the day they begin to fish.

Resident Canada: A Canadian citizen or permanent resident who normally resides in any part of Canada other than Nunavut immediately preceding the day they begin to fish.

Non-resident: A person other than a Nunavut Resident or a Resident Canadian.

Licence Fees

* A 3-day licence is valid for 3 consecutive days commencing on the date stated on the licence

The federal Goods and Services Tax (5%) must be added to all fees. The length of licence(number of days) and fees are subject to change. Please contact vendors for current licence details.

Unless otherwise noted, Sport Fishing Licences are not required by:

• NUNAVUT Residents and Resident Canadians under 16 years of age
• Non-residents under the age of 16 who are accompanied by a person who holds a Sport Fishing Licence

Nunavut Settlement Area (NSA)

Sport fishing in the NSA may be subject to terms and conditions in accordance with the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement. For further information, contact the Hunter’s and Trapper’s Organization or the local Conservation Officer.

Goverment of Nunavut

Conservation Offices

National Parks

A NUNAVUT Sport Fishing Licence is not valid in a national park. A separate national parks fishing licence is required and may be obtained from a Parks Canada office.

Parks Canada Offices

Pangnirtung – (867) 473 – 2500
Pond Inlet – (867) 899 – 8092

General Regulations

The regulations state that:

• You must carry your licence and produce it at the request of an officer.
• Live fish cannot be used for bait. Live fish or live fish eggs cannot be put into Nunavut waters.
• During the open water season, you may fish with only a single line or rod. No more than two hooks can be attached to the line.
• While fishing through the ice, you may fish with no more than two lines, or two rods and lines. No more than two hooks can be attached to any line. You must remain within 50 m (60 yds.) of your line or lines.
• You may use a hand net for landing fish caught by angling.
• You may not use or possess a gaff while sport fishing.
• Dip nets may be used for ciscoes and suckers. The diameter of the dip net hoop cannot exceed one metre, and all other species of fish caught must immediately be returned to the water.
• Snagging of fish is prohibited.
• There are special regulations if you intend to spear fish. No person shall engage in spear fishing except while swimming. The use of kakivaks or fish leisters is restricted to Nunavut beneficiaries and their assignees. For more information contact the local Conservation or Fishery Officer.
• It is an offense to waste any game fish which is suitable for food.
• It is an offense to fish within twenty-five yards downstream from the lower entrance to any fish-way, canal, obstacle or leap.
• It is an offense to sell any fish caught by sport fishing.
• You must not leave fish, fish remains, or refuse from fishing in the water or on the ice.
• Except when preparing your fish for immediate consumption, you must leave the skin on the fish to help in determining the species. Fillets must be separated before freezing them. Two fillets are regarded as one fish.
• When fish are stored other than at your permanent residence, the fish must be identified by name and Sport Fishing Licence number of the person who caught them. The name and licence number must also be marked on the outside of the package if you are transporting it.

Catch Limits (DCL) and Possession Limits (PL)

For more information on licensing, safety and sport fishing regulations please refer to the Nunavut Sport Fishing Guide: Nunavut Sport Fishing Guide.