Freshwater Fishing E-Licence

A Message from the Minister

On September 6, 2007, the B.C. Government launched a new e-licensing service to make it easier than ever for anglers to purchase recreational fishing licences.

Last year, I committed to establishing a modern, user-friendly system for selling British Columbia freshwater fishing licences. It was time to replace the traditional paper-based system that has served us well for many years. Read more >>

About the Freshwater Fishing E-Licence

This web site allows individuals to purchase and pay online for a Freshwater Fishing Licence for recreational purposes.

The Freshwater Fishing Licence does not include fishing in British Columbia's coastal tidal waters. Tidal (saltwater) fishing regulations and licences are under the jurisdiction of the Canadian federal government. See the link to "Government of Canada" in the right column of this page.

What you will need to buy an e-licence online

You can buy a recreational fishing licence over the Internet by clicking the "Buy a licence online" link at the top of the right column of this web page.

If you already have a paper licence for the current licensing year, you cannot add additional licences online. You can purchase additional paper licences from a fishing licence vendor.

To buy an e-licence you will need:

A computer connected to the Internet.
A printer to print your licence. The printer must be switched on and loaded with letter-sized paper. You must carry your printed and signed copy of your licence (not your receipt) with you when you are fishing. If your printer doesn't work or you lose your licence, the Freshwater Fishing E-Licensing System allows you to reprint your licence at no charge.
One of the following compatible web browsers:
- Internet Explorer version 6 or higher,
- Firefox version 2 or higher, or
- Safari version 3.1 or higher.
If the Freshwater Fishing E-Licensing System detects that you have an incompatible browser, it will display a "Browser Not Compatible" error message and you will not be allowed to use the System.
The Freshwater Fishing E-Licensing System uses pop-up windows, therefore you must have pop-up blocking software turned off.
Adobe Reader version 6 or higher is needed to print your fishing licence which will be a PDF document. If you do not already have Adobe Reader, or you need to upgrade to a later version, you can download a free copy of Adobe Reader.
A valid credit card number to pay for your e-licence on the BC Government's secure credit card payment web site. VISA, MasterCard and American Express are accepted.
An Angler Number. You will already have one if you have registered yourself online or purchased an e-licence before. If not, the System will give you an Angler Number when you buy or register for an e-licence for the first time. If you forget your Angler Number, contact the Help Desk by phone at 1-877-855-3222 Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time.

Other ways to buy a licence

You can also buy a recreational fishing licence:

from one of the many fishing licence vendors throughout B.C.;
over the counter at a Service BC office;
over the web using a community access terminal at a Service BC office or a FrontCounter BC office.

Questions?

For further information, please visit these pages on this web site: