| Question | Best path |
|---|---|
| Lakes, rivers, streams, non-tidal water | WILD, FWID, B.C. freshwater licence |
| Ocean, saltwater, harbour, shellfish, tidal water | DFO tidal licence |
| Visitor prices or child rules | BC non-resident guide |
| Full province overview | BC province page |
BC Freshwater Uses WILD and FWID
For B.C. freshwater fishing in the 2026-27 licence year, start with WILD and a Fish and Wildlife ID, usually called an FWID. Freshwater means lakes, rivers, streams, and other non-tidal waters.
This is not the path for ocean, saltwater, harbours, shellfish, or tidal water. Those trips use the federal B.C. Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence from DFO. If your trip includes both inland water and coastal water, plan for two separate systems.
For the 2026-27 freshwater season, the annual basic licence is $41.15 for B.C. residents, $62.87 for Canadian non-residents, and $91.44 for non-Canadians before tax. Short-term 1-day and 8-day products are also available.
Start With Freshwater or Tidal Water
For B.C. fishing setup, the first useful split is not price. It is freshwater versus tidal water.
FWID and the End of the Old Angler Number Path
An FWID is the account identifier used in WILD. It is free and permanent. Returning freshwater anglers should not assume an older Angler Number is enough for the new season.
For the 2026-27 freshwater season, WILD is the buying path. Set up or find your FWID before you try to renew or buy. The account step matters because your licence, personal details, and proof are tied to the identifier.
If WILD login is the blocker, use the BC WILD guide. If the problem is deciding which licence length or visitor category to buy, stay with this page or use the visitor guide.
Freshwater Prices and Visitor Classes
B.C. freshwater pricing separates residents, Canadian non-residents, and non-Canadians. That means a Canadian visiting from Alberta, Ontario, or Quebec does not use the same annual price as a visitor from outside Canada.
| Freshwater product | Resident | Canadian non-resident | Non-Canadian |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual basic | $41.15 | $62.87 | $91.44 |
| 8-day | $22.86 | $41.15 | $57.14 |
| 1-day | $11.43 | $22.86 | $22.86 |
These are basic freshwater prices before tax. Salmon, steelhead, white sturgeon, Classified Waters, and tidal salmon can add separate products depending on the trip.
When You Need More Than the Basic Freshwater Licence
A basic freshwater licence is only the starting point. Non-tidal salmon retention, steelhead, white sturgeon, and Classified Waters can require additional provincial products. Tidal salmon uses the federal tidal licence and federal Salmon Conservation Stamp instead.
If you plan to retain fish that require catch recording, keep the version of the licence or stamp that lets you record the catch immediately. A phone copy can be convenient, but a recordable product may still need a form that works on the water.
For a simple trout or lake trip, the basic licence may be enough. For salmon, steelhead, classified river, sturgeon, or mixed coast-and-river plans, slow down and identify each product before checkout.
What to Carry on the Water
For most basic freshwater products in the WILD system, your FWID and photo ID are the core proof. Keep your licence details reachable offline in case there is no cell service.
If your product requires catch recording, keep the recordable proof with you. If your trip also includes tidal water, carry the DFO tidal licence and any required federal stamp separately.
Before leaving, save the licence, print a backup for remote water, and confirm the licence year. A freshwater annual licence is tied to the April 1 to March 31 licence year, not a rolling year from purchase.