How Much Is a Fishing Licence in Manitoba? 2026 Cost, eLicensing, Seasons

How much is a fishing licence in Manitoba in 2026: annual and one-day prices, eLicensing, youth and senior rules, season dates, and Anglers Guide rules.

Manitoba NRI May 1, 2026 - April 30, 2027 Updated August 15, 2026 By Kevin Luo eLicensing

If you are asking how much a fishing licence costs in Manitoba, annual angling licences are $29.40 for Manitoba residents, $45.15 for Canadian residents, and $72.45 for non-Canadian residents. One-day licences are $13.65, $18.90, and $27.30. The licence year runs May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027; check the Anglers Guide before relying on any season, named-water, limit, hook, or bait rule.

Manitoba's summer free-fishing weekend has ended for 2026, so use the spring and winter licence-free dates below as the remaining seasonal check. If you are asking how much a fishing licence costs in Manitoba, annual licences are $29.40 for Manitoba residents, $45.15 for Canadian residents, and $72.45 for non-Canadian residents. One-day licences are $13.65, $18.90, and $27.30. Check the Anglers Guide for the exact waterbody rule before you fish.

Map of Manitoba showing province boundaries and geographic outline
Manitoba — Province of Canada

Overview

For a Manitoba trip, settle the licence class first, then check the waterbody rule. Manitoba eLicensing lists annual licences at $29.40 for Manitoba residents, $45.15 for Canadian residents, and $72.45 for non-Canadian residents. One-day licences are $13.65, $18.90, and $27.30. Before you fish, check the Manitoba Anglers Guide for the division, named water, season, limit, barbless-hook, and bait rules that apply.

Visiting from another province or country? Non-residents often face different pricing tiers and extra steps. Check the non-resident fishing licence guide before purchasing your Manitoba licence.

Manitoba Licence Decision Snapshot

These province-specific rules are worth checking before you compare prices or visit the buying portal.

Who usually needs it

Most anglers need a Manitoba angling licence unless an age, residency, or free-fishing-date rule applies.

How to buy

Buy through Manitoba eLicensing, a participating issuer, or the provincial phone path.

What to carry

The licence may be printed or carried on an electronic device and must be shown when requested.

2026 note

One-day licences go on sale April 1, 2026, annual licences go on sale April 15, 2026, and the 2026 licence year runs May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027.

Exceptions and trip-specific checks

  • Exception or reduced requirement Manitoba residents under 16 have their own fishing privileges.
  • Exception or reduced requirement Canadian and non-Canadian residents under 16 may fish with a licensed or exempt adult, with catch-count rules to consider.
  • Exception or reduced requirement Manitoba residents aged 65 or older do not need an angling licence but should be able to show age and residency.
  • Exception or reduced requirement Manitoba resident active military members and veterans can use the province's no-charge annual angling licence path.
  • Exception or reduced requirement Status Indians do not need a Manitoba angling licence for regular Manitoba waters, but national park waters follow Parks Canada rules.
  • Water or species note Manitoba rules change by division and named waterbody, so check the Anglers Guide for the exact trip.
  • Water or species note Barbless hooks are required, rod limits differ between open water and ice fishing, and live bait fish import rules matter for visitors.

Licence Prices

Current prices for Manitoba fishing licences (May 1, 2026 - April 30, 2027).

Licence Type Manitoba residentCanadian residentNon-Canadian resident
Annual angling licence $29.40 CAD $45.15 CAD $72.45 CAD
One-day angling licence $13.65 CAD $18.90 CAD $27.30 CAD

Licence fees are listed on Manitoba eLicensing with an effective date of April 1, 2026. One-day angling licences go on sale April 1, 2026 and 2026 annual angling licences go on sale April 15, 2026.

Current Fishing Regulations

Catch limits, seasons, and size restrictions can vary by waterbody. Read the current Manitoba Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures rules before you fish.

View Manitoba Regulations

Age Exemptions

Youth (Under 16)

Manitoba residents under 16 have their own fishing privileges. Canadian and non-Canadian residents under 16 may fish with a licensed or exempt adult, and their catch counts toward that adult's limit unless the youth buys a licence.

Seniors (65+)

A Manitoba resident who is 65 or older does not need an angling licence, but must be able to show proof of age and Manitoba residency when asked by an officer.

How to Get Your Manitoba Fishing Licence

1

Confirm your residency class

Manitoba sells angling licences as Manitoba resident, Canadian resident, and non-Canadian resident. Choose the class that matches your current residency before you start checkout.

2

Buy through Manitoba eLicensing

Use Manitoba eLicensing to buy online, or use a participating issuer or the provincial phone line if that is easier for you. One-day licences go on sale April 1, 2026 and 2026 annual licences go on sale April 15, 2026.

3

Keep the licence with you

Your Manitoba licence may be printed or carried on an electronic device, and you must be able to show it to an officer on request.

4

Check the Anglers Guide before you fish

Manitoba rules change by division and by waterbody. Check the current Manitoba Anglers Guide for open seasons, limits, special closures, and any lake-specific restrictions before you travel.

Manitoba Fishing Licence Cost and Key Dates 2026

Ice fishing setup on a frozen Manitoba lake

Manitoba eLicensing lists annual licence prices at $29.40 for Manitoba residents, $45.15 for Canadian residents, and $72.45 for non-Canadian residents. One-day licences are $13.65, $18.90, and $27.30.

Annual licence

$29.40 resident / $45.15 Canadian / $72.45 non-Canadian

Annual licences go on sale April 15, 2026 and run for the May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027 licence year.

One-day licence

$13.65 / $18.90 / $27.30

One-day licences go on sale April 1, 2026. Choose this only when the trip really is a single Manitoba fishing day.

No-licence checks

Youth, resident seniors, some resident military/veteran paths, and Status Indian rules

Confirm the proof rule before relying on an exemption, especially when the trip involves visitors, youth catch limits, or a national park.

The current Manitoba eLicensing calendar lists the main 2026 licence dates in one place. One-day angling licences go on sale on April 1, 2026, and annual angling licences go on sale on April 15, 2026. The 2026 licence year runs from May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027.

For licence setup, first confirm residency class, one-day or annual licence, sale date, proof, youth rules, senior exemptions, no-charge resident military or veteran paths, Status Indian rules, and eLicensing. Then check the Manitoba Anglers Guide or season guide for divisions, opening days, named-water exceptions, Lake Winnipeg, Red River, and species limits.

Manitoba also lists licence-free freshwater windows for this cycle: Free Fishing Days from March 27 to April 5, 2026, the summer Free Family Fishing Weekend from June 12 to 14, 2026, and the winter Free Family Fishing Weekend from February 13 to 15, 2027. Treat licence-free dates as a licence-waiver starting point, not as a shortcut around seasons, limits, or waterbody rules.

If you plan to fish in Riding Mountain, Wapusk, or another national park, follow Parks Canada permit rules and the park-specific fishing rules instead. A Manitoba angling licence is not valid in national parks.

Barbless Hooks, Rod Limits, and Bait Rules

Walleye caught in Manitoba water

Manitoba anglers must use barbless hooks. A hook counts as barbless when it has no barb or when the barb has been compressed so it sits in complete contact with the shaft. Barbed hooks can stay in your tackle box, but the hooks attached to your fishing lines must be barbless.

Manitoba allows one rod and line in open water and two rods during ice fishing. Only two hooks or lures may be used per line.

Live bait fish may not be imported into Manitoba. Manitoba also restricts where live bait fish may be used inside the province, and bringing live bait into Manitoba is listed at $433 in current fine examples. Check the division and waterbody rules before you pack live bait for a trip.

Manitoba Fishing Regulations and Anglers Guide 2026

Manitoba fishing regulations for 2026 are not one single opener date. The Anglers Guide sorts seasons and limits by fishing division, and some well-known waters have their own tables and exceptions. That means the rule for one lake or river may not match the next one on your route.

For trip planning, the most useful habit is simple: start with the Manitoba Anglers Guide PDF, check the division table for your area, then look for any named waterbody restrictions that override the general division rule. This matters for closed seasons, size limits, possession limits, special closures, and bait use.

For opener dates, division tables, Lake Winnipeg, Red River, or named-water exceptions, check the Manitoba fishing season 2026 schedule before choosing a trip date.

If you are making a short cross-border trip from Ontario, Saskatchewan, or the United States, do not assume the rules line up. Manitoba's barbless-hook rule and bait rules are worth checking before you pack your gear.

Match Your Manitoba Trip to the Right Check

Manitoba trips usually start with residency class, eLicensing, annual or one-day price, sale date, proof, youth rule, senior exemption, free fishing date, barbless-hook rule, and official buying link.

SituationWhere to check detailsWhy
Manitoba licence cost, eLicensing, sale dates, proof, youth, or senior rulesCheck the Manitoba licence details belowGood for the licence decision before season, PDF, ice, cost comparison, or checkout decisions.
Season timing, spring opener, or named-water datesManitoba fishing season scheduleSeparates Southern Division, Lake Winnipeg, Red River, Walleye and Sauger timing, and named-water checks.
Opening-day planning before choosing a lake or riverManitoba opening-day guideGood for the spring opener before the exact waterbody note.
Walleye opener or season end-dateManitoba season dates guideCovers Walleye and Sauger timing, end-date checks, and named-water exceptions.
Anglers Guide PDF, regulation lookup, or local rule lookupManitoba Anglers Guide PDF guideGood for PDF lookup steps, division tables, regulation lookup, or local rule lookup before a trip.
Ice fishing or winter end-date planningManitoba ice fishing guideIce trips need the two-rod rule, winter timing, safety planning, and lake-specific checks.
Compare licence cost or buy onlinecost comparison or official buying linksGood once the Manitoba licence class and trip type are clear.
Compare Manitoba against another provinceseason calendar or visitor licence guideHelpful when timing, residency, or a cross-border trip changes the next check.

For spring Walleye and Sauger planning, do not stop at the licence purchase. Check the season guide, then read the Anglers Guide PDF for the exact lake, river, division, and species row before you fish.

2026 Regulation Updates

  • Licence and permit fees are listed as effective April 1, 2026 on Manitoba eLicensing.
  • One-day angling licences go on sale April 1, 2026.
  • 2026 annual angling licences go on sale April 15, 2026.
  • Free Fishing Days run from March 27 to April 5, 2026.
  • The summer Free Family Fishing Weekend runs June 12 to 14, 2026.
  • The winter Free Family Fishing Weekend runs February 13 to 15, 2027.
  • The Manitoba Anglers' Guide continues to require barbless hooks.
  • Anglers may use one rod in open water and two rods during ice fishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I start for the Manitoba fishing season 2026 and Anglers Guide?

For fees, sale dates, free fishing dates, barbless hooks, and eLicensing, start with the licence details here. For openers, divisions, Lake Winnipeg, Red River, and waterbody checks, use the Manitoba season dates guide.

How much does a Manitoba fishing licence cost in 2026?

According to Manitoba eLicensing, the 2026 annual angling licence costs $29.40 for a Manitoba resident, $45.15 for a Canadian resident, and $72.45 for a non-Canadian resident. One-day licences are $13.65, $18.90, and $27.30.

When do Manitoba's 2026 licences go on sale?

Manitoba eLicensing lists one-day angling licences on sale from April 1, 2026 and 2026 annual angling licences on sale from April 15, 2026.

Can I keep my Manitoba fishing licence on my phone?

Yes. Your Manitoba angling licence may be printed or carried on an electronic device, and you must be able to show it when asked by an officer.

Do seniors need a Manitoba fishing licence?

A Manitoba resident who is 65 or older does not need an angling licence, but must be able to show proof of age and Manitoba residency when asked by an officer.

What are Manitoba's free fishing dates for 2026?

Manitoba eLicensing lists Free Fishing Days from March 27 to April 5, 2026, the summer Free Family Fishing Weekend from June 12 to 14, 2026, and the winter Free Family Fishing Weekend from February 13 to 15, 2027.

Where is the Manitoba Anglers Guide for 2026 rules?

Start from Manitoba's recreational fishing site or eLicensing, then check the current Anglers Guide for division rules, waterbody exceptions, season dates, limits, and bait rules. The licence details here cover the basic setup; the Anglers Guide is the place to confirm the local rule.

Is the Manitoba Anglers Guide the same place to check Manitoba fishing regulations 2026?

Yes. For ordinary trip planning, the Manitoba Anglers Guide is the practical place to check 2026 fishing regulations, including season dates, division rules, named-water exceptions, possession limits, bait rules, and barbless-hook requirements.

Where can I check Manitoba fishing season dates for 2026?

Check the Manitoba Anglers Guide for the final rule, and use the Manitoba season dates guide on this site when you want a simpler starting point for openers, divisions, Lake Winnipeg, Red River, and common timing checks.

Are barbed hooks allowed in Manitoba?

No. Manitoba anglers must use barbless hooks. Hooks can have the barb compressed flat against the shaft, but the hooks attached to your lines must be barbless.

Can I use two rods in Manitoba?

Manitoba anglers may use one rod and line in open water and two rods during ice fishing.

Can I bring live bait fish into Manitoba?

No. Live bait fish may not be imported into Manitoba.

Does a Manitoba fishing licence work in national parks?

No. A Manitoba angling licence is not valid in national parks. For Riding Mountain, Wapusk, or other park waters, check the Parks Canada permit and park-specific fishing rules before you fish.