IMPORTANT!

The Niagara Region: The region encompasses two countries; USA wherein a New York State fishing license is required, and Canada wherein a Province of Ontario fishing license is required, and four separate fisheries that have different regulations and size limits for muskellunge. The NMA recommends both a New York and Ontario license be purchased. New York’s license year runs from October 1 to September 30.  Ontario’s license year runs from January 1 to December 31.

A New York State License can be obtained from the NYSDEC website or by mail.

An Ontario license can be obtained by calling 1-800-667-1940 allow time for cross border mail delivery (2 weeks).

The Fisheries:

Lake Erie, New York side; defined as the area south of the Peace Bridge, size limit 54 inches; season from third Saturday in June (date varies) to November 30^th.   Two rods per angler allowed

Lake Erie, Ontario side; also from the Peace Bridge south, size limit 44 inches; season from third Saturday in June to December 15^th. Two rods per angler allowed.

Upper Niagara River, New York side: defined as north of Peace Bridge and south of Niagara Falls, size limit 48 inches; season from third Saturday in June to November 30^th. Two rods per angler allowed.

Upper Niagara River, Ontario side: defined as north of Peace Bridge and south of Niagara Falls, size limit 44 inches; season from third Saturday in June to December 15^th. One rod per angler allowed.

Lower Niagara River, New York side: defined as north of Niagara Falls to Lake Ontario, size limit 48 inches; season from third Saturday in June to December 15^th. Two rods per angler allowed.

Lower Niagara River, Ontario side:  defined as north of Niagara Falls to Lake Ontario, size limit 44 inches; season from third Saturday in June to December 15^th. One rod per angler allowed.

Lake Ontario, New York side: size limit 48 inches; season from third Saturday in June to December 15^th. Two rods per angler allowed.

Lake Ontario, Ontario side: size limit 44 inches; season from third Saturday in June to December 15^th. Two rods per angler allowed.

Bag Limits: Standard license bag limit in all waters is one fish per day. An Ontario conservation license allows no Muskellunge to be kept, including fish inadvertently killed!

The Niagara Musky Association strongly urges total catch and release of Muskies on all waters of the region!!!!!

Charts of the Niagara Region:

Lake Erie; showing Canadian border & Peace Bridge

 The International Border is shown by the line of crosses

The Peace Bridge crosses the river at the narrows above.

Note: The border is normally not the middle of the river or lake

The Upper Niagara River from the Peace Bridge to Grand Island. The two bridges shown are the Peace Bridge and the International Railroad Bridge. The entire West River should be considered Ontario waters.