Tidal (Saltwater) Fishing Licence in Canada
If you’re dropping a line anywhere the water is salty—like the ocean, harbours, or even the tidal parts of rivers—you’ll absolutely need this specific federal licence.
The 30-Second Survival Checklist
First time fishing in saltwater? Just check these 3 boxes so you don't get a $200+ ticket:
- 1
Buy the DFO Tribal Licence. This is federal. Your provincial freshwater licence will not save you here.
- 2
Add the Salmon Stamp. If you plan on keeping any Pacific salmon, you must add this $7.39 stamp during checkout.
- 3
Screenshot your licence immediately. You will likely lose cell service on the water. Save it to your favorites now.
- 4
Kids need a licence too. If you bring kids under 16, their tidal licence is 100% FREE, but they MUST still be registered online and carry the printed licence.
Quick Answer
The DFO tidal waters sport fishing licence is a federal licence required for saltwater fishing in Canada. It is separate from provincial freshwater licences. Purchase online through NRLS. BC residents pay $25.86/year; non-residents pay $124.41/year. Add a Salmon Conservation Stamp ($7.39) to keep Pacific salmon.
- Federal licence — separate from provincial freshwater
- Required for ocean, harbour, and tidal river fishing
- Purchase online at NRLS (instant electronic licence)
- BC resident annual: $25.86 | Non-resident: $124.41
- Salmon Conservation Stamp: $7.39 extra to keep salmon
BC Tidal Waters Pricing
The majority of tidal fishing in Canada occurs in British Columbia. Here are the current DFO tidal waters licence prices.
| Licence Type | Resident (16-64) | Senior (65+) | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $25.86 CAD | $13.57 CAD | $124.41 CAD |
| 5-Day | $19.70 CAD | — | $38.18 CAD |
| 3-Day | $13.54 CAD | — | $23.40 CAD |
| 1-Day | $6.46 CAD | — | $8.62 CAD |
| Salmon Conservation Stamp | $7.39 CAD | $7.39 CAD | $7.39 CAD |
All prices in CAD. Salmon Conservation Stamp ($7.39) required to retain Pacific salmon.
Pro Tip: If you're only fishing for the weekend, grab the 3-day or 5-day pass—it's way cheaper than the annual one, and you can always buy another one later if you get hooked.
A DFO "Annual" tidal licence is NOT valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. All annual tidal licences expire on March 31st exactly at midnight, no matter what month you bought it. Keep this in mind if booking a spring trip.
How to Purchase
It literally takes about 5 minutes to create an account and buy it on your phone while sitting in the passenger seat on your way to the water.
Visit NRLS Portal
Go to recfish-pecrec.dfo-mpo.gc.ca and create an account or log in.
Select Your Licence
Choose Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence. Select annual or short-term duration.
Add Salmon Conservation Stamp
If you plan to keep Pacific salmon, add the Salmon Conservation Stamp ($7.39) during checkout.
Print or Save
Your licence is issued electronically instantly as a PDF. Pro tip: take a screenshot of it and save it to your favorites so you don't need cell service on the lake to show it to an officer.
Tidal vs Provincial: Key Differences
DFO Tidal Licence
Saltwater / Tidal waters
- Issued by federal DFO
- Covers all Canadian tidal waters
- One licence for all provinces
- Purchased through NRLS portal
- Salmon stamp available as add-on
Provincial Licence
Freshwater fishing
- Issued by each province
- Only valid within that province
- Separate licence per province
- Purchased through provincial portal
- Species restrictions vary by zone
Fishing in tidal (saltwater) areas within or adjacent to a National Park (e.g., Pacific Rim National Park Reserve in BC) still requires a federal DFO Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence. However, you must also comply with specific park regulations, which may restrict harvest areas or gear types.
Atlantic Provinces: No Separate Tidal Licence Required
Unlike British Columbia, recreational fishing in tidal (saltwater) waters of Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, Newfoundland & Labrador) generally does not require a separate DFO tidal licence for most species.
In Atlantic provinces, DFO regulates tidal fisheries through seasons, catch limits, and species restrictions — but does not require a separate tidal fishing licence for general recreational fishing. Provincial freshwater licences cover inland waters. Specific permits may apply for Atlantic salmon and certain groundfish species.
Always check DFO Atlantic region regulations for your specific area, as rules differ by province and species. Some species (such as Atlantic bluefin tuna) require specific licences regardless of province.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a tidal waters fishing licence?
A tidal waters sport fishing licence is a federal licence issued by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). It is required for recreational fishing in all tidal (saltwater) waters of Canada, including ocean, harbours, bays, and the tidal portions of rivers.
Do I need both a tidal and provincial licence?
Only if you plan to fish both saltwater and freshwater. The tidal licence covers ocean/saltwater fishing. Provincial licences cover freshwater (lakes, rivers above tidal line). Many BC anglers need both. If you only fish freshwater, you only need a provincial licence.
Where do I buy a tidal licence?
Purchase online through the National Recreational Licensing System (NRLS) at recfish-pecrec.dfo-mpo.gc.ca. Licences are electronic — print or save to your mobile device. Available 24/7.
How much does a non-resident tidal licence cost?
A non-resident annual BC tidal waters licence costs $124.41 for the 2026/27 season. Short-term options are available: 1-day ($8.62), 3-day ($23.40), and 5-day ($38.18). The Salmon Conservation Stamp is an additional $7.39 to retain Pacific salmon.
Do I need a Salmon Conservation Stamp?
Only if you want to keep (retain) Pacific salmon species in BC. Without the stamp ($7.39), you can still fish for salmon but must release them. The stamp is purchased alongside your tidal licence through NRLS.
Is a tidal licence needed for Atlantic provinces?
No. Unlike BC, recreational fishing in tidal (saltwater) waters of Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI) generally does NOT require a separate DFO tidal licence for most species. However, DFO still regulates seasons, catch limits, and species restrictions in these waters. Provincial freshwater licences are needed for inland waters. Specific permits may be required for certain species like Atlantic salmon or groundfish.