British Columbia Fishing Licence (2026)
Complete guide to British Columbia fishing licences in 2026. Learn about the new WILD system, FWID registration, freshwater vs tidal licences, and current prices.
Quick Answer
A British Columbia fishing licence costs $41.15 for residents. BC residents under 16 can fish freshwater for free. Non-resident children under 16 can fish without a licence if accompanied by a licensed adult, but fish count toward the adult's quota. To keep their own quota, they must buy their own licence. Purchase online at WILD (Wildlife Licencing and Data).
Overview
British Columbia offers some of Canada's most diverse fishing, from Pacific salmon and steelhead in coastal rivers to trophy lake trout and rainbow trout in interior lakes. BC is unique in requiring two separate licences: a provincial freshwater licence (managed through the new WILD system since April 2026) and a federal DFO tidal (saltwater) licence. The province is home to world-famous fishing destinations including the Fraser River, Skeena River, and the lakes of the Kamloops and Cariboo regions. 100% of freshwater licence revenue supports conservation.
Licence Prices
Current prices for British Columbia fishing licences (April 1 to March 31).
| Licence Type | BC Resident | Non-Resident Canadian | Non-Resident Alien |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Basic (Freshwater) | $41.15 CAD | $55.00 CAD | $85.00 CAD |
| 8-Day (Freshwater) | $21.00 CAD | $36.00 CAD | $50.00 CAD |
| Senior Annual (65+, Freshwater) | $5.71 CAD | — | — |
| Annual Tidal (DFO) | $25.18 CAD | $25.18 CAD | $121.14 CAD |
| 5-Day Tidal | $19.19 CAD | $19.19 CAD | $37.18 CAD |
| 3-Day Tidal | $13.19 CAD | $13.19 CAD | $22.78 CAD |
| 1-Day Tidal | $6.29 CAD | $6.29 CAD | $8.39 CAD |
| Salmon Conservation Stamp (Tidal) | $7.19 CAD | $7.19 CAD | $7.19 CAD |
Freshwater prices via WILD system (effective April 1, 2026). Non-resident freshwater prices are approximate and carried over from previous season. Tidal (saltwater) prices set by DFO and purchased via NRLS. Conservation Surcharge Stamps may apply for steelhead and salmon in freshwater.
Prerequisites
Cost: $0.00 | Validity: Permanent | Free permanent ID required since April 1, 2026. Replaces the old Angler Number. Starting April 1, 2026, your FWID + photo ID serves as proof of licence for basic, classified waters, and white sturgeon licences.
Age Exemptions
Youth (Under 16)
BC residents under 16 can fish freshwater for free. Non-resident children under 16 can fish without a licence if accompanied by a licensed adult, but fish count toward the adult's quota. To keep their own quota, they must buy their own licence.
Seniors (65+)
BC residents 65+ pay a reduced freshwater fee of $5.71. Full tidal licence fees apply.
How to Get Your British Columbia Fishing Licence
Register for a FWID
Create a free Fish & Wildlife ID at wild.gov.bc.ca. Canadian residents log in via Basic BCeID or BC Services Card. Non-residents of Canada need a Basic BCeID. In-person available at FrontCounter BC, Service BC, or vendors. This permanent ID replaces the old Angler Number.
Choose Freshwater or Tidal
BC has two separate licensing systems. Freshwater is managed by the province (WILD system). Tidal (saltwater) is managed by DFO and purchased through the National Recreational Licensing System (NRLS).
Purchase Your Freshwater Licence
Log in to wild.gov.bc.ca with your FWID and purchase online. Starting April 1, 2026, your FWID + photo ID serves as proof of licence for basic licences — no need to carry a paper copy.
Purchase Tidal Licence (if needed)
Buy at pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca. If you plan to retain salmon, add a Salmon Conservation Stamp ($7.19). You must still carry a copy of Conservation Surcharge Stamps.
2026 WILD System: What You Need to Know
On April 1, 2026, BC transitioned all freshwater fishing licences to the new WILD (Wildlife Licencing and Data) system. Key changes include: replacement of the old Angler Number with a free permanent Fish & Wildlife ID (FWID); a modernized online portal at wild.gov.bc.ca; the same pricing structure carried over from the old system; and a streamlined licence purchase process. A major improvement: your FWID combined with photo ID now serves as proof of authorization for basic angling, classified waters, and white sturgeon conservation licences — eliminating the need to carry paper copies. However, you must still carry a copy of any Conservation Surcharge Stamps.
Freshwater vs Tidal (Saltwater) Licensing
BC is unique in Canada because it requires two separate licences for freshwater and saltwater fishing. Freshwater licences are issued by the provincial government through the WILD system. Tidal (saltwater) licences are issued by the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) through the National Recreational Licensing System. You need both if you plan to fish in both environments. The Salmon Conservation Stamp is required to retain Pacific salmon in tidal waters.
Classified Waters Fees
Some premium freshwater rivers and lakes in BC are designated as Classified Waters. These require an additional surcharge on top of your basic licence. Classified Waters are renowned for quality steelhead, salmon, and trout fishing. Non-residents face higher surcharges. Check the Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis for the current list of Classified Waters and applicable fees.
Revenue Supports Conservation
100% of BC freshwater fishing licence revenue supports the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC and the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation. Funds go to fish stocking, research, conservation, and educational initiatives across the province.
2026 Regulation Updates
- April 1, 2026: WILD system goes live — all freshwater licences now purchased through wild.gov.bc.ca.
- FWID (Fish & Wildlife ID) replaces Angler Number. Free registration required.
- FWID + photo ID now serves as proof of licence for basic/classified/sturgeon licences (no paper copy needed).
- Conservation Surcharge Stamp copies must still be carried.
- Tidal (DFO) licence prices unchanged for the 2025/2026 season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BC WILD system for fishing licences?
WILD (Wildlife Licencing and Data) is BC's new online licensing system that went live on April 1, 2026. It replaces the old system and requires a free Fish & Wildlife ID (FWID). All freshwater fishing licences in BC are now purchased through wild.gov.bc.ca.
Do I need two licences to fish in BC?
It depends. If you fish only in freshwater (lakes and rivers), you need a provincial freshwater licence through the WILD system. If you fish in saltwater (tidal waters), you need a separate federal DFO tidal licence. If you fish in both, you need both licences.
How much does a BC fishing licence cost?
A basic annual freshwater licence for BC residents costs $41.15. Seniors (65+) pay only $5.71. Non-resident Canadians pay approximately $55 and non-resident aliens pay approximately $85. Tidal (saltwater) annual licences cost $25.18 for Canadian residents and $121.14 for non-residents. A Salmon Conservation Stamp costs $7.19 for everyone.
What is a Salmon Conservation Stamp?
The Salmon Conservation Stamp is an additional $7.19 fee required if you want to retain (keep) any species of Pacific salmon caught in BC tidal waters. It applies to both residents and non-residents and must be purchased before retaining salmon.
How do I register for a FWID in BC?
Visit wild.gov.bc.ca. Canadian residents can log in via Basic BCeID or BC Services Card. Non-residents of Canada need to create a Basic BCeID. In-person registration is available at FrontCounter BC, Service BC, or participating vendors. Your FWID is permanent and free.
Can Americans buy a BC fishing licence online?
Yes. Non-residents can purchase a freshwater licence through the WILD system at wild.gov.bc.ca (create a Basic BCeID first) and a tidal licence through the DFO National Recreational Licensing System at pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca.