Remote Border Crossing Permits

[MJCatfish]

These questions may have been asked already, but I searched a little and didn't find it.

First, can a person apply for the border crossing permit online or does s/he have to do it in person?

Second, can a person purchase an Ontario fishing license on line or does s/he have to do it in person?

I have the border crossing permit, but not the license. My buddies don't have either one. We are planning on doing some reef jumping on the Minnesota side and might consider fishing the canadian side of Lake of the Woods while we are at it. We'll be up there February 19-21.

Thanks,

MJ

[crappiefishnfool]

MJ-

I believe that you have to apply for the crossing permit in person and I know for a fact that you have to purchase your license in person. I checked the mnr HSOforum and there is no option to purchase online, but you can call and get one by mail. And just a friendly reminder, you can not bring live minnows from the minnesota side to the canadian side. They either have to be dead or purchased in canada.

JT

[Hemlock]

MJ, it's really not a tough operation to check in at Canada Customs on Center Island using the phone. It maybe takes 5-10 minutes. Unless you are crossing several times a year, I'm not sure if it'd be worth it to get the canpass remote border crossing stuff.

Licenses can be purchased in Sprague, MB at the Shell if you are driving to the angle by car. Licenses are also available on Windigo island which is just over the border on LOW.

If you need more specifics, I can give it to you over email. [email protected]

[MJCatfish]

Thanks, guys. We'll actually be going out of Ballard's Resort, staying in their sleepers, then pulling portables up to the rocks with snowmobiles. We will be driving through Baudetteto get to Ballard's. Are the permits available from the Rainy River crossing on Saturday mid-morning, anyone know?

MJ

[Hemlock]

MJ, I just called ( I was curious too)Tuesday through Saturday, 8-4 at Rainy River. These are the hours that Immigration staff are present and can issue you a CANPASS on the spot for $30 CDN. Otherwise Fort Frances Immigration is there from 8-midnight 7 days a week.

Immigration Officer at Rainy also mentioned that it would be required to get one from the US side as well to be legal, or you can just phone in when you get back into US waters say at Young's Bay, or even by cell phone is easier. Rainy River border crossing phone # 807-852-3341

[MJCatfish]

Awesome. Nice work, Hemlock. I appreciate it. We'll see what the weather and the fishing brings. If I don't get up on the Canadian side on the hardwater, I'll be sure to be up there this summer.

MJ

[rbach]

I just sent my application for a border permit by mail. I got the link from www.flagislandresort.com