Recreational Licensing

Besides a rod and reel, the other item anglers must have in order to go fishing is a licence. Remember to always carry your licence with you.

• Tidal (saltwater) licensing

• Non-tidal (freshwater) licensing

 

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.

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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

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Acquiring an Online Tidal Licence

Fisheries and Oceans Canada is pleased to offer the Recreational Licensing System, an online application for the B.C. tidal waters sport fishing licence service. This licensing service meets stringent Government of Canada privacy legislation requirements.

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 license from a vendor in Canada. Refunds will not be issued, so please ensure your licence selection is correct before you complete your transaction.

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Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence Fees

Fees are effective January 1, 2008 (taxes not included).

Category	Resident*	Non-resident
Adult annual (16-64 years of age) 5-day 3-day 1-day	$22.05 $16.80 $11.55 $ 5.51	$106.05 $ 32.55 $ 19.95 $ 7.35
Senior Annual (65 years of age and over)	$11.55	$106.05
Salmon Conservation Stamp	$ 6.30	$ 6.30
Juvenile annual (Under 16 years of age)	FREE	FREE

* A resident is a person who normally resides in Canada. Valid identification of proof of residency must be provided.

For further information, contact the Pacific Fishery Licence Unit at 604-666-0566.

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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.

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DFO licensing contacts

Location	Phone
Vancouver	604-666-0566
Prince Rupert	250-627-3413
Nanaimo	250-754-0400

 

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Salmon stamps

A salmon conservation stamp ($6.30) must be affixed to licences held by anglers, both adult and juvenile, wishing to retain any species of Pacific salmon. The stamp is annual.

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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.