Border crossing and new Ontario fishing regulations

Border Crossing Info and New Ontario Fishing Regulations for 2018

Some incredible fishing opportunities are available for anglers who stay up at the Northwest Angle in Minnesota’s Lake of the Woods and fish just over the border into the Ontario side of the lake. Even though anglers are just going in some cases a few miles into Ontario, there is important protocol to be aware of and follow when crossing the international border.

There is a bit of new info regarding border crossing and some new fishing regulations for Ontario this year. One of the greatest sources of information are the resort owners at the NW Angle as they work with this daily and is second nature. In addition to having the proper fishing license, anglers are required to call into CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) each day they travel into Canada. The best way to do this is call the 888-CAN-PASS number and a CBSA agent will ask you a few questions, give you a number to write down and get you on your way.

Border Crossing. There have been questions on proper protocol for crossing the border into Canada and then coming back to the U.S. When calling into CBSA for clearance to fish Canada, some are receiving the message “you don’t need to call in anymore” from CBSA agents at the call center.

Local CBSA agents are currently awaiting clarification on the winter season and what is necessary. Until clarification comes, it is advised to call in and gain credentials. If an agent tells you you no longer have to call in, it would be a good idea to politely ask for their name and document the date and time in the event you are stopped on the ice and that agent’s interpretation is different. We will share any info once we hear any updates.

Hers is the current official link. http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/pb-pp-eng.html

When anglers who fished Canada come back into the U.S., the U.S. makes it very clear at this point they go by the definition ice = land. Consequently, they are required to check in with U.S. Customs. The new pilot project, currently exclusive to Lake of the Woods, is in place where people can check back into the U.S. using tablets at many of the resorts, Jerry’s Restaurant, etc vs having to go to an OARS phone. That same program is also available to download on smartphones and it is called CBP OARS. CBP stands for Customs and Border Protection.

New Ontario Fishing Regulations.

What is new is beginning in 2018 with the regulations for lake trout and walleye, already in place for non residents in the Border Waters Area, will also apply to the area outside the Border Waters Area, or entire FMZ 5 area. Please see map.

ontario zone 5 fishing reg changes 122017

ontario zone 5 fishing reg changes 122017 1

Anglers who work with NW Angle resort to ice fish have many great options. The majority of the fishing takes place in MN waters. Resorts offer both day and sleeper fish houses targeting walleyes.

For those who want to go after the big black crappies typically found on the Ontario side of Lake of the Woods amongst some of the islands, a guide is a good idea as Lake of the Woods has current and a lot of neck down areas between islands that can keep ice conditions in those areas dangerous all winter long.

Certain ice guides will also take you on an adventure for lake trout. This will be a long snowmobile ride amongst some of the most breathtaking winter scenery available. The fishing is just a part of the adventure. For more info on ice fishing the NW Angle or Ontario side of Lake of the Woods, please contact a NW Angle resort.

Click Here to Access Lake of the Woods lodging options.

Click Here to return to the Lake of the Woods Tourism website