Guide to eating Ontario fish

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Whether you are an experienced angler or someone wanting to try fishing in Ontario for the first time, the Guide to Eating Ontario Fish is an important resource to check before going fishing if you intend to eat your catch. The online guide and interactive map will help you identify and prepare the types and amounts of fish that are safer to eat from over 2,600 Ontario lakes and rivers.

Fish are a source of high-quality protein, beneficial fats and nutrients, and can be an important part of a healthy diet. However, fish can also contain harmful contaminants, making certain species more suitable to eat than others based on their size, type, and location. The Guide to Eating Ontario Fish provides advice on which fish to eat, and how to prepare fish to minimize exposure to contaminants.

Here are some quick tips for safely eating Ontario fish:
Do:
  • eat smaller fish
  • eat leaner fish from the Great Lakes
  • eat panfish or whitefish from inland locations
Don’t:
  • eat fish organs, sick fish or fish that are found dying or dead
  • re-use the oil when deep frying
  • eat the eggs of fatty fish, such as salmon and trout from the Great Lakes
As some contaminants are stored in the skin and fat of the fish, how you trim and cook fish can also make it safer to eat for some types of fish.
1. Remove fish fillet. 
2. Remove the skin and fat along the side and belly of
the fillet.
3. Cook fish fillet on a rack or grill to let fat drip away.
Caught a fish in Ontario? Find out if it is safe to eat.