B.C. Fishing Licence 2026-27: WILD, FWID & Tidal

Start with the broad B.C. licence split: whether the water is freshwater or tidal, which portal applies, which visitor price category fits, and whether a salmon stamp or specialty product might be involved.

Freshwater trips use WILD and an FWID. The current WILD login page 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. The B.C. freshwater licence year runs from April 1 to March 31. Saltwater, harbour, shellfish, ocean, and tidal-water trips use DFO. If the trip is only coastal or tidal, check the BC tidal fishing licence guide. If visitor price or child rules are the main issue, check the BC non-resident fishing licence guide.

Start with the whole British Columbia setup when the trip still needs freshwater versus tidal water, FWID, WILD, visitor category, stamps, proof, and the right portal. Once the question is narrower, choose the guide that matches the next step.

The 2026-27 season moves B.C. freshwater licensing into WILD. Anglers can register for an FWID in WILD, buy freshwater licences there, and stop relying on the older Angler Number system.

• FWID: Free and permanent.
• Angler Numbers: Retire after March 31, 2026.
• Important detail: Angler Numbers are not converted into FWIDs, so returning anglers still need to register if they do not already have an FWID.

Review the water type, residency category, licence year, and any stamp or specialty product before checkout. B.C. says freshwater licences are generally non-refundable and non-transferable, and refunds are not issued for an unused, incorrect, or duplicate licence except where the policy allows an exception. DFO likewise says tidal licences are not transferable and refunds are not issued for purchased licences.

A common B.C. mistake is assuming one licence covers everything. It does not.

• Freshwater: Lakes, rivers, streams and other non-tidal waters use the provincial licence system in WILD.
• Tidal: Ocean, saltwater, harbours, shellfish, and tidal waters use the federal DFO licence.
• Salmon retention: Tidal salmon retention needs the federal salmon conservation stamp. Non-tidal salmon retention needs the provincial salmon conservation stamp.

If your trip includes both river and ocean fishing, plan for two separate purchases. Check the BC tidal fishing licence guide for saltwater fees and DFO steps, or the BC non-resident fishing licence guide if the visitor price or child-rule decision is the main question.

Proof rules change with the move to WILD. From April 1, 2026 onward, carry your FWID and photo ID for freshwater fishing.

• Basic freshwater, Classified Waters, White Sturgeon: FWID plus photo ID is the key proof.
• Conservation Surcharge Stamp: Carry an unmodified paper or digital copy when the stamp is required. When the stamp and a retention record are both required, carry the unmodified paper copy needed to record your catch.
• Tidal fishing: Follow DFO licence and catch-record requirements, especially for chinook, halibut and other species that require immediate recording.

Some B.C. trips need more than the base licence.

• Classified Waters: Certain rivers require an extra Classified Waters Licence on top of the base freshwater licence.
• Steelhead and white sturgeon: Provincial specialty products apply in the right waters.
• Halibut in Areas 121, 23 and 123: Non-Canadian residents must buy the tidal licence from an Independent Access Provider in Canada rather than online.

For visitors, start by deciding whether the trip is freshwater, tidal, or both. That split decides whether WILD, DFO, or both systems are involved.