Yes, every angler will need a valid provincial fishing license. In Ontario, you must first obtain an Outdoor Card, which is valid for three years, and then purchase either a "Sport" or "Conservation" fishing license. A Conservation License has lower catch-and-possession limits and is usually cheaper—it’s the perfect choice for fly-in trips where most fish are released or eaten for shore lunch anyway.

In Manitoba, licenses are now exclusively available through an online portal. It is vital to purchase and print your license before you arrive at the airbase, as many remote locations do not have reliable internet to process them on the spot. Also, be aware of specific lake regulations, such as:

• Barbless hooks: Mandatory in all of Manitoba and many specific lakes in Ontario.
• Slot sizes: Rules that require you to release fish within a certain length range to protect the breeding population.

Always check the latest provincial regulations or ask your outfitter to ensure you are compliant with local laws. Conservation is what keeps these remote lakes so productive year after year.

Links to all provincial regulations and license portals