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Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Fishing Forum :: Fishing border lakes

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thegildedgopher

07/18/2019 09:30AM

If you plan to say on the MN side, you can just follow the MN regulations for border waters (Go to https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/fishing/regs.html and select "Border Waters" from the topic drop-down).

If you wanted to fish and travel on the Canadian side (I did this on Gunflint Lake this year), then:

1. You need an Ontario "Outdoors Card," which basically registers you with the Ministry of Natural Resources and allows you to purchase licenses.

2. You need an Ontario fishing license. I think there is an 8-day option.

3. If the lake you're on borders Canadian park lands, and that park has user fees (Quetico for example) then you may need to have a permit there as well. If you're in La Verendrye there is no permit needed)

4. You need to follow whichever regulation is more strict if you're crossing back and forth over the border. No booze and no live bait I believe? Or maybe it's just no minnows? You should clarify that.

5. You need an RABC permit from Canada Border Services Agency (This will take over 30 days to obtain via mail)

6. You need valid US Passports or Passport cards or "Real ID "drivers licenses for all people in your group, and you are supposed to "check in" with US customs and border services upon re-entry to the US. I believe Gunflint Lodge is a remote check-in location, you do it via iPad and video chat. (**My group just didn't bother.**)

johndku

07/18/2019 10:16AM

I looked at these options in 2015 when we paddled the Granite River route, and found it easier to just stay on the U.S. side when fishing, eliminating the need and hassles for the RABC permit, license, Ontario card, etc...It just wasn't worth it when I had the whole other side of lakes/rivers to fish without the added costs.

I believe, though, (others correct me if I'm wrong), as long as you're not fishing in Canadian waters, you are allowed to paddle through Canadian waters and portage on the Canadian side, as long as you are in the process of actually traveling, (not day tripping), and you don't stop on a portage for lunch or any other reason.

treehorn

07/18/2019 10:23AM

Savage Voyageur: "Yes you need to be aware of their laws. If you cross into Canada and fish, you will need an Canadian outdoors card, a Canadian fishing license, a passport or card if stopped, no barbed hooks on lures in the water, no live bait, you are supposed stop at a Canadian border crossing and a USA border crossing when returning, and get a Quetico permit. Better have a gps or a good map that locates the border correctly and stay out if you don’t want to do any of the above. Look at it this way... It’s not like you are going into Wisconsin from Minnesota, you are crossing an international border and into a foreign country.
"

Yuck.

I guess we'll be staying on our side, or taking our chances that the Mountie's horses don't feel like swimming that day!

treehorn

07/18/2019 09:00AM

I've never fished the border lakes, but am headed up to Basswood Falls area/Crooked Lake next week.

What do I need to be aware of, in terms of staying within rules/regulations?

Am I simply not supposed to cross to the northern side and fish in Canada? What about things like live bait (i don't think we're planning on this anyway), barbed hooks, and a fishing license?

Savage Voyageur

07/18/2019 09:35AM

Yes you need to be aware of their laws. If you cross into Canada and fish, you will need an Canadian outdoors card, a Canadian fishing license, a passport or card if stopped, no barbed hooks on lures in the water, no live bait, you are supposed stop at a Canadian border crossing and a USA border crossing when returning, and get a Quetico permit. Better have a gps or a good map that locates the border correctly and stay out if you don’t want to do any of the above. Look at it this way... It’s not like you are going into Wisconsin from Minnesota, you are crossing an international border and into a foreign country.