- February 9, 2026: FWID registration opens — you can create your account ahead of the April launch.
- March 31, 2026: Last day of the 2025–2026 licence year. All existing licences purchased under the old system expire at midnight.
- April 1, 2026: The 2026-2027 freshwater licence year begins, and new freshwater purchases move through WILD.
BC WILD and FWID Guide 2026
Start here when a BC freshwater trip depends on WILD account setup, FWID registration, Angler Number changes, licence proof, or a freshwater product that is not showing as available.
Start With The WILD Or FWID Blocker
This tool is for the account and freshwater setup layer. Best for BC WILD, FWID, Fish and Wildlife ID, Angler Number, or account setup. If your search says wild fishing license, treat that as the B.C. WILD path for freshwater account setup, not a separate licence type. If the real question is price, tidal water, visitor class, or the final official portal list, open the matching page before you try another checkout.
| Search or situation | Best fit | Next page |
|---|---|---|
| BC WILD, wild fishing license, FWID, Fish and Wildlife ID, Angler Number, or account setup | Work through the WILD setup steps below. | Keep using this tool |
| BC freshwater licence, freshwater proof, stamps, or licence-year question | Start with FWID setup, then read the freshwater licence guide. | BC freshwater WILD and FWID guide |
| BC tidal, saltwater, ocean, harbour, shellfish, or DFO licence | Do not use WILD for tidal water. | BC tidal fishing licence guide |
| BC visitor, non-resident, American visitor, child rule, or mixed freshwater and tidal trip | Use WILD only for the freshwater part after the visitor class is clear. | BC non-resident guide |
| BC licence cost, one-day, 8-day, annual, senior price, or salmon-stamp budget | Only after the freshwater account blocker is the issue. | BC cost guide |
| Paid already, cannot find proof, duplicate account, or portal login problem | Treat this as proof recovery or account troubleshooting before buying again. | Website troubleshooting |
| Ready to buy after FWID, water type, residency, and product are clear | Open the official portal directory after the B.C. path is settled. | Official portal links |
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Step 1: Register for Your Free FWID
Register for a free Fish and Wildlife ID (FWID) through the WILD system before buying a 2026-27 freshwater licence. Basic BCeID is the usual online login path, and people in Canada may also be able to use a BC Services Card Account.
Visit wild.gov.bc.ca to register for your FWID →Tip: Old Angler Numbers retire after the previous licence year and are not treated as FWIDs. Set up the FWID before you try to buy the freshwater product.
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Step 2: Access the WILD System
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Step 3: Confirm Your FWID
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Step 4: Choose Your Freshwater Licence
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Step 5: Add Stamps And Special Products
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Step 6: Pay Or Use In-Person Help
What Is the WILD Transition?
British Columbia freshwater licence sales moved into WILD for the 2026-27 licence year. The important step for anglers is the Fish and Wildlife ID (FWID), a free profile identifier used before buying provincial freshwater products.
Basic BCeID is the usual online login path for WILD, and people in Canada may also be able to use a BC Services Card Account. If the online path blocks the purchase, FrontCounter BC, Service BC, and participating vendors remain practical in-person routes.
WILD is for provincial freshwater products. Tidal and saltwater fishing in British Columbia uses the separate federal DFO licence path. If a product is not showing as available, confirm the water type first, then check FWID setup, residency category, and licence-year choice before trying an in-person purchase path.
Key Dates for the WILD Transition
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BC's WILD system?
WILD is British Columbia's provincial licensing system for freshwater fishing, hunting, and trapping products. For freshwater fishing, it is the place to set up an FWID and buy the provincial freshwater licence products that fit your trip.
Do I need a BC Services Card to use WILD?
No. Basic BCeID is the common online login path for WILD. People in Canada may also be able to use a BC Services Card Account. If the online path does not work, FrontCounter BC, Service BC, and participating vendors can help with in-person purchases.
Why does WILD say a freshwater licence is not available?
First make sure you are buying a freshwater product, not a tidal or saltwater licence. Then check that your FWID is set up and that the residency and licence-year choices match the product you want. If it still will not show, use an in-person purchase path or contact the official WILD support channel.
Do I still need to carry a physical licence in BC?
For most basic freshwater products, FWID plus photo ID is the main proof. If you hold a conservation surcharge or other product with a retention record, keep the copy that lets you record your catch.
What happens to my old Angler Number?
Old Angler Numbers retire after the previous licence year and should not be treated as FWIDs. Returning anglers should register for an FWID if they do not already have one.
Last updated: June 2026. Check the current BC WILD portal before you register or buy.