| Question | Best path |
|---|---|
| Lakes, rivers, streams, non-tidal water | WILD, FWID, B.C. freshwater licence |
| Ocean, saltwater, harbour, shellfish, tidal water | DFO tidal licence |
| Visitor prices or child rules | BC non-resident guide |
| Full province overview | BC province page |
BC Freshwater Uses WILD and FWID
For B.C. freshwater fishing in the 2026-27 licence year, buy online through the official WILD login or use an in-person licence vendor. Online buyers use a Fish and Wildlife ID, usually called an FWID. WILD offers Basic BCeID or a BC Services Card Account; the BC Services Card option is for people who live in Canada, while people living outside Canada use Basic BCeID.
This is not the path for ocean, saltwater, harbours, shellfish, or tidal water. Those trips use the federal B.C. Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence through the DFO recreational fishing licence system. If your trip includes both inland water and coastal water, plan for two separate systems.
For the 2026-27 freshwater season, which runs April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027, the annual basic licence is $41.15 for B.C. residents, $62.87 for Canadian non-residents, and $91.44 for non-Canadians before tax. Short-term 1-day and 8-day products are also available.
Freshwater or Tidal Water Comes First
For B.C. fishing setup, the first useful split is not price. It is freshwater versus tidal water.
FWID and the End of the Old Angler Number Path
An FWID is the account identifier used in WILD. It is free and permanent. Returning freshwater anglers should not assume an older Angler Number is enough for the new season.
For the 2026-27 freshwater season, WILD is the buying path. Set up or find your FWID before you try to renew or buy. The account step matters because your licence, personal details, and proof are tied to the identifier.
If WILD login is the blocker, check the BC WILD guide. If the problem is deciding which licence length or visitor category to buy, keep reading here or check the visitor guide.
Freshwater Prices and Visitor Classes
B.C. freshwater pricing separates residents, Canadian non-residents, and non-Canadians. That means a Canadian visiting from Alberta, Ontario, or Quebec does not use the same annual price as a visitor from outside Canada.
| Freshwater product | Resident | Canadian non-resident | Non-Canadian |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual basic | $41.15 | $62.87 | $91.44 |
| 8-day | $22.86 | $41.15 | $57.14 |
| 1-day | $11.43 | $22.86 | $22.86 |
These are basic freshwater prices before tax. Salmon, steelhead, white sturgeon, Classified Waters, and tidal salmon can add separate products depending on the trip.
Review the licence type, residency category, and licence year before paying. B.C. says freshwater licences are generally non-refundable and non-transferable; refunds are not issued for an unused, incorrect, or duplicate licence except where the policy allows an exception.
When You Need More Than the Basic Freshwater Licence
A basic freshwater licence is only the starting point. Non-tidal salmon retention, steelhead, white sturgeon, and Classified Waters can require additional provincial products. Tidal salmon uses the federal tidal licence and federal Salmon Conservation Stamp instead.
If a Conservation Surcharge Stamp is required, carry an unmodified paper or digital copy of the licence. When both a Conservation Surcharge Stamp and a retention record are required, B.C. says to carry an unmodified paper copy so you can record the catch immediately.
For a simple trout or lake trip, the basic licence may be enough. For salmon, steelhead, classified river, sturgeon, or mixed coast-and-river plans, slow down and identify each product before checkout.
What to Carry on the Water
For freshwater fishing in the WILD system, carry your FWID and photo ID. If a Conservation Surcharge Stamp is required, carry an unmodified paper or digital copy. When the stamp and a retention record are both required, carry the unmodified paper copy needed to record the catch, and keep the licence details reachable offline in case there is no cell service.
If your product requires catch recording, keep the recordable proof with you. If your trip also includes tidal water, carry the DFO tidal licence and any required federal stamp separately.
Before leaving, save the licence, print a backup for remote water, and confirm the licence year. A freshwater annual licence is tied to the April 1 to March 31 licence year, not a rolling year from purchase.