According to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Americans not only require a passport to enter Canada, but also a Non-Canadian resident Outdoors Card plus a valid Non-Canadian resident fishing license tag. Please note the Outdoors Card is different from the Ontario fishing license.
Purchase a fishing license at over 1,000 Ontario locations, including sporting goods stores, bait dealers, summer camps and tourist outfitters' camps and lodges. To receive an application through the mail, contact the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources at 800-667-1940.
The Niagara River attracts both bait and predator fish. In the Niagara region, fishing starts in October and continues through early June when the warm water deters the steelhead. Optimal times are the fall and winter. Winter can bring heavy rains, high winds or snowmelt, and water from Lake Erie. These natural conditions can result in turbid waters and other problems. During winter, a charter captain can work the river, provide a valued resource and reduce aggravation.
Wear flotation type clothing, submersion or survival suits if fishing from boats. Layer your clothing to adjust to changing heat. Always respect nature and heed weather changes. For example, in winter, ice floes appear in the Niagara region. Dress accordingly.
Bait can include emerald shiners, yarn balls, 4-inch long pink plastic worms and fresh egg sacks. Sacks about the size of a dime can be made of pink or chartreuse mesh. Add small floats with the fresh trout eggs. This bait works well in winter and spring. Consider using a heavy rig and a level-wind reel. For thin, wire leaders, attach a small sinker.
Try fishing the Lower Niagara River where a boat launch in Queenston can start your quest. Fishing from the shore near the launch will give you a shot at catching steelhead that seek oxygen from the riverside vegetation. As part of Ontario's Zone 20, this favorite area for winter strikes lies downstream from the falls.
