Quebec Fishing Licence (2026)
Complete guide to Quebec fishing licence costs in 2026. Learn about ZEC fishing zones, Atlantic salmon permits, bilingual licensing, and online purchase options.
Quick Answer
A Quebec fishing licence costs $26.73 for residents. Quebec residents under 18 can fish without a licence when accompanied by a licensed adult. Purchase online at Pêche Sportive Québec.
Overview
Quebec offers exceptional fishing across its vast territory, from the renowned salmon rivers of the Gaspé Peninsula to walleye and northern pike in the Shield lakes. The province has a unique ZEC (controlled harvesting zone) system and requires a separate, higher-cost licence for Atlantic salmon fishing. Quebec's licensing portal is available in both French and English, reflecting the province's bilingual character. All prices include taxes and a contribution to the Fondation de la Faune du Québec.
Licence Prices
Current prices for Quebec fishing licences (April 1 to March 31).
| Licence Type | Resident (<65) | Resident (65+) | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual (Sport, non-salmon) | $26.73 CAD | $21.21 CAD | $95.68 CAD |
| 7-Day | — | — | $57.67 CAD |
| 3-Day | $15.30 CAD | — | $38.36 CAD |
| 1-Day | — | — | $20.17 CAD |
| Annual (Salmon) | $58.65 CAD | — | $188.15 CAD |
| 3-Day (Salmon) | $25.56 CAD | — | $50.13 CAD |
| Annual (Salmon, release required) | $25.56 CAD | — | $50.13 CAD |
Prices include all taxes and a contribution to the Fondation de la Faune du Québec. Atlantic salmon licence is separate and higher-cost. Must carry licence and government-issued photo ID while fishing.
Age Exemptions
Youth (Under 18)
Quebec residents under 18 can fish without a licence when accompanied by a licensed adult.
Seniors (65+)
Quebec residents 65+ pay a reduced annual fee of $21.21 for non-salmon sport fishing.
How to Get Your Quebec Fishing Licence
Visit the Online Portal
Go to peche.faune.gouv.qc.ca to purchase your fishing licence. The portal is available in both French and English.
Choose Your Licence Type
Select your duration (annual, 7-day, 3-day, or 1-day) and species access (general sport or salmon). Salmon requires a separate, more expensive licence. A release-required salmon licence is available at a lower cost ($25.56).
Select Your Fishing Zones
Quebec fishing regulations vary by zone. Determine which zones you plan to fish in using the interactive map.
Complete Payment
Pay online by credit card or purchase at authorized retailers. Print or save your licence electronically. Must carry licence + photo ID while fishing.
Atlantic Salmon Fishing in Quebec
Quebec is one of few provinces that requires a completely separate licence for Atlantic salmon fishing. The annual salmon licence costs $58.65 for residents and $188.15 for non-residents — significantly higher than the general sport fishing licence. A lower-cost release-required salmon licence ($25.56 resident, $50.13 non-resident) and 3-day salmon licences are also available. Salmon fishing in Quebec is managed through a strict tag system: you must purchase individual salmon tags and attach them to each fish harvested. Many premier salmon rivers are managed by ZECs (Zones d'Exploitation Contrôlée) or outfitters with reserved access.
ZEC Fishing Zones
Quebec has a unique system of ZECs (Zones d'Exploitation Contrôlée) — controlled harvesting zones that provide public access to otherwise remote fishing territory. ZECs charge separate daily access fees on top of your provincial licence. Each ZEC manages its own waterways with specific regulations. Popular ZECs include ZEC Batiscan, ZEC Lavigne, and ZEC des Nymphes. You must register at the ZEC welcome station before fishing.
2026 Regulation Updates
- 2025/2026 Quebec Fishing Regulations in effect April 1.
- Updated salmon tag allocation for select rivers.
- New catch-and-release only areas designated in northern zones.
- Release-required salmon licence available at reduced cost ($25.56 resident).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Quebec fishing licence cost?
A Quebec resident annual sport fishing licence (non-salmon) costs $26.73 ($21.21 for 65+). Non-residents pay $95.68 annually. A separate salmon licence costs $58.65 for residents and $188.15 for non-residents. A lower-cost release-required salmon licence is also available ($25.56 resident).
Do I need a separate licence for salmon in Quebec?
Yes. Quebec requires a completely separate, more expensive licence for Atlantic salmon fishing. You also need to purchase individual salmon tags for each fish harvested. A release-required (catch-and-release) salmon licence is available at a lower price.
What is a ZEC in Quebec?
A ZEC (Zone d'Exploitation Contrôlée) is a controlled harvesting zone that provides public access to remote fishing areas. ZECs charge separate daily access fees on top of your Quebec fishing licence. You must register at the ZEC station before fishing.
Can I buy a Quebec fishing licence in English?
Yes. The Quebec online licensing portal at peche.faune.gouv.qc.ca offers an English-language option. The Quebec Fishing Regulations guide is also available in English.
Do seniors get a discount on Quebec fishing licences?
Yes. Quebec residents aged 65 and older pay a reduced annual fee of $21.21 for non-salmon sport fishing (compared to $26.73 for those under 65). Prices include all taxes and the Fondation de la Faune du Québec contribution.