- February 9, 2026: FWID registration opens — you can create your account ahead of the April launch.
- March 31, 2026: Last day of the 2025–2026 licence year. All existing licences purchased under the old system expire at midnight.
- April 1, 2026: The 2026-2027 freshwater licence year begins, and new freshwater purchases move through WILD.
BC WILD and FWID Guide 2026
For BC freshwater trips, WILD account setup, FWID registration, Angler Number changes, licence proof, and product-not-available messages should be settled before checkout.
Find the WILD or FWID Blocker
The account and freshwater setup layer covers BC WILD, FWID, Fish and Wildlife ID, Angler Number, and account setup questions. In B.C., WILD is the freshwater account setup path, not a separate licence type. Price, tidal water, visitor class, and final buying-path questions belong on the matching page before another checkout attempt.
| Question or situation | Best fit | What to check next |
|---|---|---|
| BC WILD, FWID, Fish and Wildlife ID, Angler Number, or account setup | Work through the WILD setup steps below. | Follow the setup steps below |
| BC freshwater licence, freshwater proof, stamps, or licence-year question | Confirm FWID setup, then read the freshwater licence guide. | BC freshwater WILD and FWID guide |
| BC tidal, saltwater, ocean, harbour, shellfish, or DFO licence | WILD applies to provincial freshwater products, not tidal water. | BC tidal fishing licence guide |
| BC visitor, non-resident, American visitor, child rule, or mixed freshwater and tidal trip | Use WILD only for the freshwater part after the visitor class is clear. | BC non-resident guide |
| BC licence cost, one-day, 8-day, annual, senior price, or salmon-stamp budget | Compare prices once the freshwater account blocker is clear. | BC cost guide |
| Paid already, cannot find proof, duplicate account, or portal login problem | Treat this as proof recovery or account troubleshooting before buying again. | Website troubleshooting |
| Ready to buy after FWID, water type, residency, and product are clear | Go to the official portal links after the B.C. path is settled. | Official portal links |
0 of 6 steps complete
1
Step 1: Register for Your Free FWID
Register for a free Fish and Wildlife ID (FWID) through the WILD system before buying a 2026-27 freshwater licence. Basic BCeID is the usual online login path, and people in Canada may also be able to use a BC Services Card Account.
Register for your FWID in WILDTip: Old Angler Numbers retire after the previous licence year and are not treated as FWIDs. Set up the FWID before you try to buy the freshwater product.
2
Step 2: Access the WILD System
3
Step 3: Confirm Your FWID
4
Step 4: Choose Your Freshwater Licence
5
Step 5: Add Stamps And Special Products
6
Step 6: Pay Or Use In-Person Help
What Is the WILD Transition?
British Columbia freshwater licence sales moved into WILD for the 2026-27 licence year. The important step for anglers is the Fish and Wildlife ID (FWID), a free profile identifier used before buying provincial freshwater products.
Basic BCeID is the usual online login path for WILD, and people in Canada may also be able to use a BC Services Card Account. If the online path blocks the purchase, FrontCounter BC, Service BC, and participating vendors remain practical in-person routes.
WILD is for provincial freshwater products. Tidal and saltwater fishing in British Columbia uses the separate federal DFO licence path. If a product is not showing as available, confirm the water type first, then check FWID setup, residency category, and licence-year choice before trying an in-person purchase path.
Key Dates for the WILD Transition
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BC's WILD system?
WILD is British Columbia's provincial licensing system for freshwater fishing, hunting, and trapping products. For freshwater fishing, it is the place to set up an FWID and buy the provincial freshwater licence products that fit your trip.
Do I need a BC Services Card to use WILD?
No. Basic BCeID is the common online login path for WILD. People in Canada may also be able to use a BC Services Card Account. If the online path does not work, FrontCounter BC, Service BC, and participating vendors can help with in-person purchases.
Why does WILD say a freshwater licence is not available?
If WILD says not available, check the product in this order: FWID setup, residency category, 2026-27 licence year, and freshwater versus tidal water. WILD is for provincial freshwater products, so tidal or saltwater licences are in the DFO system instead. If the product still will not show, FrontCounter BC, Service BC, a participating vendor, or the official WILD support path can help with the purchase.
Do I still need to carry a physical licence in BC?
For most basic freshwater products, FWID plus photo ID is the main proof. If you hold a conservation surcharge or other product with a retention record, keep the copy that lets you record your catch.
What happens to my old Angler Number?
Old Angler Numbers retire after the previous licence year and should not be treated as FWIDs. Returning anglers should register for an FWID if they do not already have one.
Last updated: August 2026. Check the current BC WILD portal before you register or buy.