Fisheries and Oceans Canada
www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
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Recreational Licensing
All anglers must have a licence to go fishing. Many
fishing locations do not have a licence vendor, making it
best to acquire your licence online before your head out.
Remember to always carry your licence with you.
Tidal Licensing
A tidal
waters sport fishing licence:
- is required to fish for any species of finfish or shellfish.
- is not transferable and is not valid unless signed by the licence holder.
- can be obtained in person; a parent may obtain a licence for a child under age 16; and a licence can be obtained for a spouse.
- must be produced on request by a fishery officer, conservation officer or fishery guardian, so ensure you have your licence with you while fishing or transporting your catch.
- Juveniles must obtain a licence, at no charge.
- Annual licences are valid from date shown on the licence to the following March 31. Licences of a shorter duration expire at midnight on the final day of validity.
- It is illegal to hold more than one licence.
Acquiring an online
tidal licence
Tidal waters sport fishing licence fees
Where to buy a licence
DFO licensing contacts
Salmon stamps
Replacement licences
Licensing statistics
Acquiring an Online
Tidal Licence
Fisheries and Oceans Canada is pleased to offer the Recreational
Licensing System, an online application for obtaining a B.C.
tidal waters sport fishing licence. This service meets stringent
Government of Canada privacy requirements. We recommend
you use this service, as many fishing locations
do not have a tidal water sport fish licence vendor near by.
This online licence service is user friendly: fill out the secured
online form, pay the required fee, print your licence, and you are ready
to go fishing. Click on the link below to get started:
Recreational Fishing Licence System
Important Note Regarding Fishing for Halibut:Only a Canadian resident may fish for or retain halibut under an electronic licence in management areas 23, 121 and 123 as described in Schedule II of the Pacific Fishery Management Area Regulations. If you are a non-resident and wish to fish for halibut in management areas 23, 121 and 123 you must purchase a paper licence from a vendor in Canada. Refunds will not be issued, so please ensure your licence selection is correct before you complete your transaction. |
Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence Fees
The Canadian Resident,
Non-Canadian
Resident Licence and Licence Stamp Fees are below. Fees are effective January 1, 2008 (taxes not included).
Licence Fees for Canadian Residents
A Canadian resident is an individual who normally resides in Canada. Valid identification of proof of residency must be provided.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Annual Pacific Licence for Canadian Residents: Adult (16-64 years of age) | $21.00 |
| Annual Pacific Licence for Canadian Residents: Senior (65 years of age and over) | $11.00 |
| Annual Pacific Licence for Canadian Residents: Juvenile (Under 16 years of age) | FREE |
| 5 Day Pacific Licence for Canadian Residents | $16.00 |
| 3 Day Pacific Licence for Canadian Residents | $11.00 |
| 1 Day Pacific Licence for Canadian Residents | $ 5.25 |
| Salmon Conservation Stamp | $ 6.00 |
For further information, contact the Pacific Fishery Licence Unit at 604-666-0566.
Licence Fees for Non-Canadian Residents
A Non-Canadian resident is any individual who does not live in Canada.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Annual Pacific Licence for Non-Canadian Residents: Adult (16-64 years of age) | $101.00 |
| Annual Pacific Licence for Non-Canadian Residents: Senior (65 years of age and over) | $101.00 |
| Annual Pacific Licence for Non-Canadian Residents: Juvenile (Under 16 years of age) | FREE |
| 5 Day Pacific Licence for Non-Canadian Residents | $ 31.00 |
| 3 Day Pacific Licence for Non-Canadian Residents | $ 19.00 |
| 1 Day Pacific Licence for Non-Canadian Residents | $ 7.00 |
| Salmon Conservation Stamp | $ 6.00 |
For further information, contact the Pacific Fishery Licence Unit at 604-666-0566.
Where to buy a tidal waters sports fishing licence
Tidal waters sport fishing licences are available province-wide from vendors, including sporting good stores, resorts, service stations, marinas, charters, and department stores. You can consult the Vendor List or download a printable (PDF) version. For further information, contact the Pacific Fishery Licence Unit at 604-666-0566.
DFO licensing contacts
| Location | Phone |
| Vancouver | 604-666-0566 |
| Prince Rupert | 250-627-3413 |
| Nanaimo | 250-754-0400 |
Salmon stamps
A salmon conservation stamp ($6.00 + tax) must be affixed to licences held by anglers, both adult and juvenile, wishing to retain any species of Pacific salmon. The stamp is annual.
Replacement licences
If a licence is lost or accidentally destroyed, a replacement licence must be obtained prior to resuming fishing, and can be acquired at no cost from any licence vendor. The vendor will ask you to complete and sign a Statement of Loss describing the disposition of the original licence. It is illegal to hold more than one licence.
Non-tidal licensing
For information on Non-tidal Angling Licence categories and
current fees, please visit the provincial government’s website
at:
www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/fish/licences/
Angling licence information for non-tidal waters is also
available in the annual
British Columbia Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis.
Individuals may purchase and pay online for a Freshwater Fishing
Licence for recreational purposes
www.fishing.gov.bc.ca
Your Non-tidal Angling Licence must be validated with a
provincial salmon conservation stamp to keep a salmon of any
legal size or species (other than kokanee) from non-tidal
waters. A stamp is not required if you intend to release all
salmon caught, however a provincial Non-tidal Angling Licence is
still required.
