Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licenses

Tidal waters sport fishing licenses can be purchased online through the department of fisheries and oceans. They are also available province-wide from vendors, including sporting good stores, resorts, service stations, marinas, charters, and department stores. For further information please contact the Pacific Fishery License Unit at 604-666-0566.

Salmon stamps

A salmon conservation stamp must be affixed to licenses held by anglers, both adult and juvenile, wishing to retain any species of Pacific salmon. The stamp is annual.

Replacement Licenses

If a license is lost or accidentally destroyed, a replacement license must be obtained prior to resuming fishing, and can be acquired at no cost from any license vendor. The vendor will ask you to complete and sign a Statement of Loss describing the disposition of the original license. It is illegal to hold more than one license.

Non-Tidal Licensing

Angling license information for non-tidal waters is also available in the annual British Columbia Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis.

Your Non-tidal Angling License must be validated with a provincial salmon conservation stamp to keep a salmon of any legal size or species (other than kokanee) from non-tidal waters. A stamp is not required if you intend to release all salmon caught, however a provincial Non-tidal Angling License is still required.

Fisheries & Oceans Licensing Contacts

Pacific Fishery License Unit
Suite 200-401 Burrard Street
Vancouver, B.C. V6C 3S4
Phone  604-666-0566
Fax 604-666-5855

Pacific Fishery License Unit
417-2nd Avenue West
Prince Rupert, B.C. V8J 1G8
Phone  250-627-3413
Fax 250-627-3496

Pacific Fishery License Unit
60 Front Street
Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 5H7
Phone  250-754-0400
Fax 250-754-0403