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MNRF Zones 5A · Ontario, Canada

Lake Erie & Southwestern Ontario

5 Species · 5 Water Bodies

⚠ Not for navigation. Confirm official charts and local conditions. Fishing regulations change — always check the current Ontario Fishing Regulations Summary.

About This Zone

Lake Erie is Ontario's warmest Great Lake and one of the most productive freshwater fisheries in North America. Its shallow southern basin supports massive populations of yellow perch, walleye, smallmouth bass, and lake whitefish. The southwestern shoreline — from Windsor to Long Point — offers diverse fishing from piers, boats, and shore, with easy access from major urban centres.

Key Highlights

  • Most productive Great Lake for commercial and recreational fishing
  • World-class yellow perch fishery
  • Shallow southern basin (avg. 19 m) — warm water species
  • Easy shore and pier fishing from multiple communities
  • Long Point Biosphere Reserve — ecologically significant

Water Bodies

Lake Erie (Ontario waters)
Lake St. Clair
Detroit River
Thames River
Welland Canal tributaries

Licence & Regulations

Ontario Fishing Licence required. Trout-Salmon stamp mandatory for Zone 5A. Yellow perch bag limits apply — check current regulations.

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