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Fishing Licenses in Canada: Everything You Need to Know

Fishing Licenses in Canada: Everything You Need to Know

Canada is one of the best places in the world if you love fishing, and for good reason! It’s a veritable playground thanks to its lakes and coastal fishing spots and abundant species such as salmon, pike, and anglers.

But you can’t simply pull up and start fishing. Canada takes great care of its diverse fisheries and requires anyone who wants to fish to have a permit so they can create a sustainable fish population.

You need a license. There’s no way around it.

But for many anglers who hope to fish the beautiful lakes and shores of Canada, the process can seem complex, and finding all the information you need can be exhausting.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the entire process, including what type of permit you need, the application process, and most importantly, what kind of fees you’ll need to pay.

Why Having a Fishing Permit in Canada Matters

A Canadian fishing permit isn’t there just to make things difficult for hobbyist fishers—it plays a crucial file in supporting Canada's aquatic ecosystem.

By using a permit system, the country can help promote sustainable fishing practices and manage environmental impact.

Permits Assist Canada's Ecology

When fishing is left unchecked and unregulated, you can guarantee some bad actors are going to go too far and cause damage to the fish population and their habitats.

So way back in the late 1800s, the government passed The Fisheries Act, which allowed them to regulate fishing practices and impose restrictions anywhere it was deemed harmful.

Fast forward to the 1900s, concerns about overfishing were growing, and the government wanted to keep a more careful eye on the fish population and ensure that they were able to regrow. Thus, The Fisheries Act was updated and the permit system was introduced.

By only allowing people who owned a permit to fish, populations could be better monitored and seasonal restrictions could be imposed to give the fish time to regrow and repopulate.

But it wasn’t just about managing fish populations and helping out the fisheries. The funds that were generated from these permits were a great help in promoting other conservational efforts, such as habitat restoration and research into Canada’s aquatic ecosystems.

So while it may be a bit of a pain to get a permit before fishing, you can take some pride in the fact you’ve directly contributed towards helping the environment, local communities, and Canada's aquatic ecosystem!

Without permits, fishing in Canada would have suffered the devastating long-term effects of overfishing.

What Happens If I Fish Without A Permit?

Just in case you were thinking about fishing without a permit, don’t!

Canada takes the protection of fisheries and its aquatic ecosystem very seriously, and harsh punishments await those who try to circumvent it.

Fishing without a valid and relevant permit is a serious legal offense and, if caught, can carry with it a serious fine. In some cases, you’ll even face criminal charges.

These laws and restrictions are in place to protect delicate ecosystems and prevent overexploitation of fish populations. So while you may personally feel you’re not doing any damage, you are still expected to abide by the laws, as everyone else does.

Educating Anglers

While the primary goal of these permits is for ecological reasons, one of the often under-appreciated benefits is that it serves as an educational tool.

All anglers who wish to fish are made aware of the government’s efforts to create a sustainable fishing environment and the importance of everyone working together to be responsible anglers.

Everything You Should Know About Permits

Getting a fishing permit is not a particularly difficult process, but there are a lot of permit types and specific restrictions depending on what kind of fishing you want to do.

Let’s take a look at some details and how all of this works, but keep in mind each region of Canada has its own unique set of rules and permit types. 

So while this will give a broad overview, if you know exactly where you’re going to fish, you’ll need to defer to that region’s government website for specific details.

Types of Permits and Their Restrictions

Let’s start by looking at all the common permit types that are available in Canada and what they mean. It’s important to note that not every region can offer every type of permit. Sometimes they are restricted for conservation reasons.

  • Sport Fishing Permit: This is a standard license type that allows you to catch (and keep) the maximum number of fish allowed by that local region per day. This is best for anglers who want to fish with as few limits as possible.

  • Conservation Fishing Permit: Similar to the Sport Fishing Permit, it has a lower total daily fish allowance for anglers who enjoy fishing, but want to help with sustaining the fish population.

  • Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Permit: A specific permit type for those who want to fish in saltwater areas along Canada’s coast such as the Pacific or Atlantic oceans.

  • Freshwater Fishing Permit: For those who want to fish inland on lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water.

  • Salmon Conservation Stamp: Sometimes salmon are excluded from specific permits. You can purchase this as an add-on to keep any salmon you catch and the funds go back into salmon conservation efforts.

  • Atlantic Salmon Fishing Permit: A seasonal restricted permit that allows you to fish for Atlantic Salmon in designated areas.

  • Regular Angling Permit: A generic fishing license similar to sport fishing but may have specific rules based on the region.

  • Inland Fishery Permit: Allows for fishing at certain inland fisheries. Regulations vary a lot based on region.

  • Possession and Retention Licence: A license that includes permission to possess and keep fish in certain regions. Usually, this applies to fishers targeting specific species.

These are most of the common permit types available, although there may be other very specific ones depending on the region. 

As mentioned, it’s best to use these as general guidelines and then locate the exact one you need directly on that region’s governmental website for up-to-date information.

Now you know about the available license types, here’s a quick summary of which regions allow which fishing license types:

Province/Territory

Permit Type

Government Website

Ontario

- Sport Fishing Licence  

- Conservation Fishing Licence

https://www.ontario.ca/page/fishing-licence

British Columbia

- Basic Freshwater Fishing Licence  

- Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence  

- Salmon Conservation Stamp

https://www.fishing.gov.bc.ca 

https://www.pac.dfompo.gc.ca/fm-gp/sport/index-eng.html

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/recreation/fishing-hunting/fishing/recreational-freshwater-fishing-licence

Alberta

- Sportfishing Licence

https://www.alberta.ca/fishing-licences.aspx

Manitoba

- Regular Angling Licence  

- Conservation Angling Licence

https://www.gov.mb.ca/sd/fish/index.html

Saskatchewan

- Angling Licence  

- Conservation Angling Licence

https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/environment-and-parks/fishing

Quebec

- Sport Fishing Licence  

- Salmon Fishing Licence

https://www.quebec.ca/en/tourism/fishing

Nova Scotia

- General Fishing Licence  

- Salmon Fishing Licence

https://novascotia.ca/fishing/

New Brunswick

- Resident Angling Licence  

- Non-Resident Angling Licence  

- Salmon Licence

https://www.wildlife-forests.ca/fishing/

Newfoundland and Labrador

- Inland Fishery Licence  

- Salmon Angling Licence

https://www.gov.nl.ca/forest/fishery/

Prince Edward Island

- Angling Licence

https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/topic/fishing-licences

Yukon

- Angling Licence

https://yukon.ca/en/fishing-licences

Northwest Territories

- Sport Fishing Licence

https://www.iti.gov.nt.ca/en/fishing

Nunavut

- Sport Fishing Licence

https://www.gov.nu.ca/fisheries

Permit Fees

As we mentioned previously, permit fees are an important part of Canada's fishing ecosystem, as that money goes back into financing various initiatives across the country.

All permits have a fee, but the fee changes based on the license type you want and the region you want to fish in. 

The price also fluctuates based on the season, changes in regulations, and what year it is.

So while we cannot provide you with concrete prices here, we can give you a rough idea by using some examples.

Permit prices within British Columbia:

Annual Angling Licence

  • Resident: $41.15

  • Non-Resident: $62.87

  • Non-Resident Alien: $91.44

  • Residents with Disabilities: $1.14

  • Residents 65 or Older: $5.71

One Day Angling Licence

  • Resident: $11.43

  • Non-Resident: $22.86

  • Non-Resident Alien: $22.86

  • Residents with Disabilities: N/A

  • Residents 65 or Older: N/A

Eight Day Angling Licence

  • Resident: $22.86

  • Non-Resident: $41.15

  • Non-Resident Alien: $57.14

  • Residents with Disabilities: N/A

  • Residents 65 or Older: N/A

 Ontario Permit Prices:

Outdoors Card

  • Ontario Residents: $8.57

  • Canadian Residents: $8.57

  • Non-Canadian Residents: $8.57

One-Year Sport Fishing Licence

  • Ontario Residents: $26.57

  • Canadian Residents: $55.81

  • Non-Canadian Residents: $83.19

Three-Year Sport Fishing Licence

  • Ontario Residents: $79.71

  • Canadian Residents: $167.43

  • Non-Canadian Residents: $249.57

One-Day Sport Fishing Licence

  • Ontario Residents: $12.21

  • Canadian Residents: $15.21

  • Non-Canadian Residents: $24.86

Eight-Day Sport Fishing Licence

  • Ontario Residents: N/A

  • Canadian Residents: N/A

  • Non-Canadian Residents: $54.38

One-Year Conservation Fishing Licence

  • Ontario Residents: $15.07

  • Canadian Residents: $33.43

  • Non-Canadian Residents: $52.71

Three-Year Conservation Fishing Licence

  • Ontario Residents: $45.21

  • Canadian Residents: $100.29

  • Non-Canadian Residents: $158.13

As you can see, some regions may factor in age, while others may only consider your residency status.

Up-to-date prices are available on the appropriate website for that region.

How to Get Your Permit

You’ve identified which permit you need and are ready to make your purchase. Fantastic!

The whole process of applying for and retrieving your permit is relatively straightforward, although there will be small differences in rules or processes depending on the region.

Most regions provide the option to purchase your permit online. You can visit the relevant government website, find the relevant fishing license home page, and begin the process there.

  • You’ll need to register as a new angler, by doing so you’ll be assigned an angler number. This number is what you will use to purchase the fishing license, which will then be tied to your angler number. So don’t lose it!
  • After registering and receiving your new angler number, you can then purchase a license from the website. You can purchase multiple licenses from multiple regions and assign them to the same angler number.

    If you don’t want to register online, some areas such as British Columbia will allow you to purchase licenses in person such as at the FrontCounter BC offices, Service BC offices, or at relevant assigned locations (refer to B.C. Recreational Freshwater Fishing Licence for specifics).
  • Now you finally have your permit! Congratulations. Be sure to keep your permit and a government-issued ID from your home country on your person at all times when you are fishing.

If you are ever asked to produce them by a Conservation Officer, Fishery Officer, or other relevant person of authority, you are obliged to present these documents.

The simplest way to keep your permit is either by printing it off of a computer, or they will even let you keep a digital copy on your smartphone.

Other regions such as Ontario may require you to have a physical plastic version of the card (known as an Outdoors Card) that will be mailed to you upon purchase of the permit. 

Don’t worry, you can still fish while this is on its way. You just need to write down your license number and the officer can check it himself.

I must (once again) stress the importance of checking the rules and processes for your specific region on the relevant government website for the most up-to-date details, but this gives you a good general idea of what the process looks like.

Essential Gadgets for a Hassle-Free Fishing Trip

A common question people have before they set out on their fishing adventure is whether they should take a portable power bank/station with them.

Having a reliable and robust power station with you offers a ton of benefits. It allows you to stay connected by charging your smartphone and keeping all your fishing-related gadgets up and running.

Imagine you’ve spent all this money on your fishing permit, only to find your fish finder, headlamp, or action camera out of battery!

A backup power bank can give you complete peace of mind that no matter which of your electronics gets low on battery, you’ll have no problems recharging them so they can run flawlessly through your whole fishing trip.

One of the best devices you can get for this is the BLUETTI AC180 Solar Portable Power Station.

It's the ultimate solution for fishing excursions because the Bluetti portable power station AC180 is so compact and easy to carry, you’ll have no issues bringing it with you.

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It boasts lots of features that make it ideal for anglers:

High Power Output: The mighty 1,800W power output provides ample juice to keep all your electronic devices up and running simultaneously.

Multiple Charging Ports: You’ll never need to queue devices up to charge them, you can plug them all in at once and continue as normal.

Solar Charging Functionality: If you’re fishing in the sunshine, you can also be charging it back up at the same time. It will fully charge the battery in 3-4 hours, or faster if the weather is good!

1152Wh Battery Life: The formidable battery capacity can recharge your smartphone from 0 to 100% up to 300 times!

For that reason, the BLUETTI AC180 is a popular choice for anglers who want a safe, reliable, and portable battery that will serve them for years to come.

Your Fishing Adventure Awaits

Ultimately, fishing permits are there to serve an important purpose. All anglers should strive to fish with the correct permits and ensure all their activities are legal and ethical.

By following the rules, we can create a sustainable environment and ensure the long-term health of fisheries and the fish population for decades to come.

Now you are familiar with the ins and outs of how to get your own fishing permit, you’re ready to apply and enjoy all of the fantastic fishing experiences Canada has to offer.

Remember to head on over to the BLUETTI portable power stations for more information on the very best battery banks and power solutions so you can stay charged up on your next fishing outing.

I hope you’ve found the information shared today informative and that the permit purchasing process now feels a bit less intimidating. Best of luck on your future angling ventures!

FAQ:

Do I need a permit to fish in Canada?

Yes, in the majority of regions in Canada, you need a permit to fish. This helps protect the environment against overfishing and helps support fisheries.

How much is a fishing permit in Canada?

The price varies depending on the region, the type of permit you want, and your residential status. For a 1-year fishing permit, the price will generally be between $50-100cad.

Can you fish without a license in BC?

If you are over the age of 16, it is illegal to fish without a permit. Children under 16 are exempt but must still adhere to the fishing regulations.

Do you need a fishing license in Canada if over 65?

This will depend on what region you plan to fish in. For example, in Ontario, residents over 65 years old do not require a fishing permit. All they need is their national ID.

However, in British Columbia, if you want an annual fishing permit, there is a small fee. 

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