How to get a BC freshwater fishing licence (2026 guide)
Anyone aged 16 or older who fishes in BC's lakes and rivers needs a BC freshwater fishing licence, whether you live in BC, elsewhere in Canada, or are visiting from the US or overseas. In 2026 the Province moved licence sales to its online WILD system, and getting one is now two steps. I am Nelson, a BC-certified angling guide on Okanagan Lake, and I wrote this short guide for my guests and for anyone planning to fish in BC.
Who needs a licence
- Aged 16 and older: a basic BC freshwater fishing licence, wherever you live.
- Under 16 and living in BC: no licence needed.
- Under 16 and visiting from outside BC: you can fish without a licence alongside a licensed angler aged 16 or older, but any fish you keep count toward that person's limit. For your own limit, buy your own licence.
Your licence type depends on where you live:
- BC resident: Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have lived in BC for at least 6 of the last 12 months; everyone else, the past 12 months.
- Non-resident: a Canadian citizen or permanent resident who lives outside BC.
- Non-resident alien: you do not live in Canada and are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Most guests from the US, UK and Europe are in this group.
Step 1: get your free Fish and Wildlife ID
- Open the WILD login page and choose how to sign in:
- Basic BCeID: works for everyone, and is the only option if you live outside Canada. No account yet? Register for a Basic BCeID first.
- BC Services Card Account: for people who live in Canada. It confirms your identity and residency for you.
- Choose Create New FWID and enter your legal name, address and contact details. Adding your cell number helps you recover your FWID later.
- Note your FWID number. It is free and it is yours for life.
Bought a BC licence before April 2026? Your old Angler Number does not carry over. You still need an FWID. More from the Province: Fish and Wildlife ID.
Step 2: buy your licence
- Still in WILD, click Buy Fishing Licences, then For Myself.
- If asked, pick your residency type (see above).
- Choose the licence year, the licence type and the start date. For a one-day or eight-day licence, pick your trip date.
- Check out and pay by card.
Full details from the Province: Recreational freshwater fishing licences.
Which licence to buy
Basic licence fees in Canadian dollars, as listed by the Province (page last updated 27 October 2026). You will see the final amount at checkout.
| Licence | BC resident | Non-resident | Non-resident alien |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-day | $11.43 | $22.86 | $22.86 |
| Eight-day | $22.86 | $41.15 | $57.14 |
| Annual (1 April to 31 March) | $41.15 | $62.87 | $91.44 |
For one charter, the one-day licence is the simplest choice. Fishing more than a couple of days in BC? Compare the eight-day licence. An annual licence ends on 31 March, so one bought in winter runs out at the end of March.
You do not need any extra stamps for kokanee or rainbow trout on Okanagan Lake. Our special-reservation sockeye trips on Osoyoos Lake are different: DFO decides each year whether that fishery opens. When it opens, keeping a sockeye needs the Province's non-tidal salmon conservation surcharge stamp, bought in WILD with your licence. I will confirm the rules for that year when we book.
Tips
- Do it a few days before your trip. Setting up an FWID is quick, but leave time for a sign-in hiccup. WILD can be down for maintenance on Sunday mornings, 5 to 11 a.m. Pacific.
- Bring your FWID number and photo ID. Since April 2026 a basic licence is linked to your FWID, so you do not need to carry a printed copy. If you buy a conservation surcharge stamp, carry a copy of the licence on paper or your phone.
- One FWID and one licence per angler aged 16 and over.
- Check the start date on a one-day or eight-day licence matches your trip.
- Send me your licence number or FWID before the trip, through the trip page link in your booking email, so I have it for my guide records.
Common questions
Do I need a licence to fish for kokanee or rainbow trout?
Yes. Kokanee and rainbow trout need only the basic freshwater licence if you are 16 or older. No extra stamp is needed for them on Okanagan Lake.
Do visitors from the US or overseas need a BC fishing licence?
Yes. Visitors aged 16 and older buy the non-resident alien licence. Sign in to WILD with a Basic BCeID, which works for people who live outside Canada.
Do I need to print my licence?
Not for a basic licence. Since April 2026 it is linked to your Fish and Wildlife ID, so carry your FWID number and photo ID. If you also buy a conservation surcharge stamp, carry a copy of the licence on paper or your phone.
What happened to my old Angler Number?
Angler Numbers were retired after 31 March 2026 and do not carry over. Create a free Fish and Wildlife ID in WILD instead.
Can I buy a licence in person?
Yes. FrontCounter BC, Service BC and participating retailers can set up your FWID and sell you a licence.
Do children need a licence?
BC residents under 16 do not. Visitors under 16 can fish without one alongside a licensed adult, but their fish count toward that adult's limit.
Fish Okanagan Lake with a guide
Once your licence is sorted, come fishing. Desert Salmon Charters runs private guided trips for kokanee and rainbow trout on Okanagan Lake from Kelowna, for up to four guests, with all gear supplied. Check dates and book.
Need help?
FrontCounter BC handles licence and WILD questions:
- Online chat (freshwater fishing), Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific, from the FrontCounter BC contact page
- Email: FrontCounterBC@gov.bc.ca
- Phone, toll free: 1-877-855-3222
- Step-by-step guides: WILD quick reference guides
Questions about the trip itself? Call or text me at (250) 308-9449.
Licence rules and fees are set by the Province of British Columbia and can change. This page was last checked on 11 November 2026; the Province's pages are the final word.