British Columbia Fishing Licenses
British Columbia fishing licenses are important for you to have if you plan on making a special trip to Canada to fish in British Columbian waters. There are two different types of fishing licenses available to residents and nonresidents of British Columbia. These include fresh water and tidal (salt water) licenses. There are certain regulations for each that must be met. This article will tell you about each, as well as fees, and how to obtain each different type.
BC Fresh Water Fishing Licenses
Fresh water fishing licenses give you the right to fish in any of British Columbia’s rivers, lakes, ponds, streams, or creeks. Fishing in tidal waters is controlled by the Canadian government itself. As such, you will need another different certificate if you plan to fish the seas around Canada. However, there are several ways to acquire your fishing license before you head out on a fishing trip. This includes (if you are in the area) going to any of the certified fishing license vendors in the province, contacting a Service BC Office, or by accessing the applications and paying the fees online. You may then print your documents, carry them with you, and can immediately start fishing BC to your heart’s desire. Doing the process yourself online is most likely the most convenient and easy way to obtain a license. Fees do differ based upon age, how long the licenses should be valid, and if you are a citizen of BC or Canada or not. Special stamps may also be required if you are fishing for certain types of fish.
BC Tidal (Salt Water) Fishing Licenses
Tidal licenses give you the right to fish any of the surrounding sea in BC. These types of licenses are needed if you plan on fishing for any type of shellfish or finfish in Canadian tidal waters. Just like the above license, these may be obtained from any number of certified vendors, or online. Again, online is most likely to be the easiest, quickest, and most convenient way, especially for those who do not reside in Canada, but are looking to obtain a license. Fees for these types of licenses also depend upon your residency status, age, how long the license needs to be valid, as well as what type of fish you are fishing for. Salmon, for example, requires an extra stamp be bought in addition to the regular fishing license.
BC Fishing Licenses Rates
* Subject to taxes pricing and price changes
| Licence TypeBasic Licences | Resident (B.C. Residents) |
Non-Resident (Residents of Another Province or Territory) |
Non-Resident Alien (Residents of Another Country) |
| Annual Angling Licence | $36 | $55 | $80 |
| One Day Angling Licence* | $10 | $20 | $20 |
| Eight Day Angling Licence* | $20 | $36 | $50 |
| Annual Licence for Disabled | $1 | • • | • • |
| Annual Licence for Age 65 Plus** | $5 | • • | • • |
| Conservation Surcharge Stamps | |||
| Steelhead | $25 | $60 | $60 |
| Salmon | $15 | $30 | $30 |
| Kootenay L. Rainbow Trout | $10 | $20 | $20 |
| Shuswap L. Rainbow Trout | $10 | $20 | $20 |
| Shuswap L. Char | $10 | $20 | $20 |
Please note, salmon and steelhead stamps are annual fees. Salmon stamps are only required for retention. Steelhead stamps are required for fishing, catch and release and retaining hatchery Steelhead.