| Licence | Resident | Non-resident |
|---|---|---|
| Annual adult | $25.86 | $124.41 |
| Annual senior (65+) | $13.54 | $124.41 |
| 5-day adult | $19.70 | $38.18 |
| 3-day adult | $13.54 | $23.40 |
| 1-day adult | $6.46 | $8.62 |
| Juvenile under 16 | Free | Free |
| Salmon Conservation Stamp | $7.39 | $7.39 |
BC Saltwater Fishing Uses the DFO Tidal Licence
For ocean, harbour, shellfish, and tidal-water fishing in British Columbia, the licence path is DFO's B.C. Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence. In plain trip-planning terms, this is the BC saltwater fishing licence. It is separate from the provincial freshwater licence sold through WILD.
All ages need the tidal licence. Juveniles under 16 can get the licence free, but it is still a licence choice to make before fishing. For 2026-27, the adult annual tidal licence is $25.86 for Canadian residents and $124.41 for non-residents before GST. Short-term 1-day, 3-day, and 5-day licences are also available. Add the $7.39 Salmon Conservation Stamp if you plan to retain salmon.
Freshwater and Tidal Are Different Systems
BC freshwater licences are provincial products connected to WILD and your FWID. Tidal licences are federal products connected to DFO and the National Recreational Licensing System.
For a mixed river-and-ocean trip, start with the BC province overview before buying. For inland freshwater only, check the BC freshwater WILD and FWID guide. For coastal saltwater, shellfish, harbour, or tidal salmon questions, continue with the DFO tidal path here.
2026-27 Tidal Licence Fees
Annual tidal licences run from April 1 to March 31. Prices do not include GST.
When the Salmon Stamp Matters
The Salmon Conservation Stamp is needed when you want to retain salmon in BC tidal waters. If you are fishing for salmon but will release every salmon, the stamp is not the same decision as the base tidal licence.
Catch-record rules can also matter for chinook, halibut, and lingcod in specified areas. If your trip includes retention, carry the version of the licence that lets you record the catch immediately.
Port Hardy Charter and Half-Day Saltwater Trips
For a Port Hardy charter, half-day saltwater trip, or other coastal boat trip, start with the B.C. tidal waters licence path. A 1-day tidal licence can fit a single charter day when you are only fishing that day.
Ask the charter operator whether salmon retention is part of the plan before checkout. Add the Salmon Conservation Stamp if you plan to keep salmon in tidal waters; a release-only salmon trip is a different stamp decision from a salmon-retention trip.
If the DFO portal will not open, start again from the official portal links or DFO licence page, try a fresh browser window, then contact DFO support or ask the charter operator which purchase path they expect before the trip.
When the DFO Tidal Path Fits
For B.C. saltwater and tidal trips, the main details are DFO buying steps, tidal fees, the Salmon Conservation Stamp, juvenile tidal licences, and short-term choices for coastal water.
If the trip is inland freshwater, check the BC freshwater licence guide. If visitor price, child rules, or mixed freshwater and tidal choices are the main issue, check the BC non-resident guide. The BC province page keeps the full province overview in one place.
How to Buy the Tidal Licence
Most anglers buy through DFO's National Recreational Licensing System before leaving for the water. Save the licence to your phone and print a copy if you may need to record retained catch. For chinook, halibut, lingcod, or any species with catch-record rules, carry the recordable version so the catch can be entered immediately.
Non-Canadian residents must use an Independent Access Provider in Canada for some situations listed by DFO, including non-resident halibut fishing in Areas 23, 121, and 123.