The food fishery will open from July 15 to Aug. 6 and Sept. 23 to Oct. 1, as well as all weekends in July and August, including the Canada Day and Labour Day long weekends.
There will be no licence and tag regime, McDonald told media in Holyrood.
People are not allowed to discard groundfish, with the exception of Atlantic halibut and species at risk, such as northern and spotted wolffish.
Tour boat operators will be eligible to apply for a licence to seek an increased trip limit, but there will be reporting requirements.
The food fishery also is in play for Quebec's north shore.
DFO is considering a marine recreational fishing licence system for 2018, without tags.
