Recreational Licensing
Table of contents
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 you head out.
Always carry your licence with you.
Attention: Service delivery changes at Fisheries and Oceans Canada in 2013
A tidal waters sport fishing licence:
- is required to fish for any species of finfish or shellfish.
- is not transferable.
- 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.
Get your licence online or from a vendor
Looking for a fishing licence? We recommend the online Recreational Licensing System. Our online service:
- Is user-friendly
- Meets stringent security and privacy requirements
- Is available wherever you have an internet connection and access to a printer.
Electronic Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licences are also available through vendors with on-line portals.
Electronic Licence Restriction : Halibut
Only a Canadian resident may fish for halibut under an electronic licence in Areas 23, 121 and 123. 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.
Tidal waters sport fishing licences are also available province-wide from vendors, including sporting good stores, resorts, service stations, marinas, charters, and department stores. Consult the vendor list (PDF). For further information, contact the Pacific Fishery Licence Unit at 604-666-0566.
Licence fees
A Canadian resident is an individual who normally resides in Canada. Proof of residency must be provided on request. A Non-Canadian resident is any individual who does not live in Canada. Fees do not include taxes.
| Licence Type & Duration | Fee: Non-Resident | Fee: Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Licence, Adult (16-64 years of age) | $101 | $21 |
| Annual Licence, Senior (65 years of age and over) | $101 | $11 |
| Annual Licence, Juvenile (Under 16 years of age) | Free | Free |
| 5-Day Licence | $31 | $16 |
| 3-Day Licence | $19 | $11 |
| 1-Day Licence | $7 | $5.25 |
| Salmon Conservation Stamp | $66 | $6 |
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.
Licensing statistics
Statistics for Tidal Water Sport Fishing Licences - These figures represent reported sales to date indicated.
Non-tidal licenses
Individuals may purchase and pay online for a Freshwater Fishing Licence for recreational purposes www.fishing.gov.bc.ca
For information on Non-tidal Angling Licence categories and current fees, please visit the BC Government’s website.
Your Non-tidal Angling Licence must be validated with a provincial salmon conservation stamp to keep a salmon 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.
- Date Modified:
- 2013-04-02