Pay-to-fish stocked pond on your land

Families, beginner anglers, birthday groups, local clubs and people who want a guaranteed catch close to home.

Day or half-day fees per angler, with extras such as catch-and-keep pricing by weight, rod and bait rentals, and group bookings. Income is seasonal.

• Basic fish and pond care
• Friendly with beginners and kids
• Practical maintenance work
• Simple online booking and social media

• Rules on holding, stocking and selling fish differ by province, so check what applies to you before buying any fish
• Check whether visitors need a provincial fishing licence at a private stocked pond, as this varies
• Commercial general liability insurance, because water and children carry real risk
• Any work on the pond, water taking or drainage may need approval from a conservation authority or environment ministry
• Winter freeze, summer heat and low oxygen can affect fish health and income
• Check whether you need a home-based or rural business permit from your municipality

Estimates suggest startup costs of typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your pond, fish stock and site set-up. Check what rules apply to holding and stocking fish in your province before buying any fish.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on visitor numbers and your ticket prices. Winter freeze, summer heat and low oxygen can affect fish health and income.

Check provincial rules on holding, stocking and selling fish, and whether visitors need a provincial fishing licence at a private stocked pond. Also check whether pond work, water taking or drainage needs approval, insurance needs, and municipal rural business permits.