Fishing Licence & Regulations

Freshwater fishing licences

If you are 16 years of age or older you must have a valid basic freshwater licence to recreationally fish for any species (including salmon) in non-tidal waters in B.C. You must also purchase the appropriate supplementary licences and stamps. If you are under 16 and a resident of B.C., you may fish without any licence or stamp but must still abide by the regulations.

Management and regulatory authority of B.C.’s freshwater fisheries are under the jurisdiction of the provincial government. To learn more about licensing requirements and to purchase your recreational freshwater fishing licence or find an authorized vendor, visit the government of B.C.’s website.

100% of your licence fees benefit recreational freshwater fisheries in British Columbia

When your purchase your licence, the fees go to the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC to fund the provincial stocking program, as well as conservation and education programs, research, and improvements to fishing access. The Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation receives the surcharge revenue collected from angling licence sales to provide grants for fish conservation projects.

Tidal fishing licences

Tidal (saltwater) fishing licences and regulations are under the jurisdiction of the Canadian federal government. For more information, and to purchase your tidal recreational fishing licence visit Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Freshwater fishing regulations

It is every angler’s responsibility (not to mention the law) to read, understand, and follow the freshwater fishing regulations, including the provincial, regional, and water-specific regulations (where they apply).

Visit the Province of B.C.’s fishing regulations page for the most up-to-date information.

Download the Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis or visit a license vendor for a print copy.

Fishing for non-tidal salmon? Visit the Fisheries and Oceans Canada website for more information on salmon regulations.