Angling is a popular sport in Canada. It’s not just a mere hobby as it can be a great educational experience that you can enjoy for the years to come. That being said, there are fundamental rules that have to be followed if you fish in Canada. Among them is making sure you’ve acquired the right license. Before you get your feet wet, we’ll discuss the Canadian fishing license cost, relevant regulations, and fishing restrictions to ensure you’re set to head out onto Canadian waters.
Canadian Fishing License Cost
The fishing license Ontario cost is different from the price of a fishing license in British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and all other cities and provinces in Canada.
The price can also differ for residents and non-residents. Take note: figures are subject to change without prior notice at the discretion of local authorities.
Check the table below for the fishing license price for Canadian residents, Ontario residents, and non-residents.
Ontario Fishing License Price
| Type of License | Canadian Resident | Ontario Resident | Non-Resident |
| Outdoors Card | $8.57 | $8.57 | $8.57 |
| 8-Day License for Conservation Fishing | N/A | N/A | $31.52 |
| 8-Day License for Sport Fishing | N/A | N/A | $54.38 |
| 1-Day License for Sport Fishing (Outdoors Card isn’t required with this particular license) | $15.21 | $12.21 | $24.86 |
| 1-Year License for Conservation Fishing | $33.43 | $15.07 | $52.71 |
| 1-Year License for Sport Fishing | $55.81 | $26.57 | $83.19 |
| 3-Year License for Conservation Fishing | $100.29 | $45.21 | $158.13 |
| 3-Year License for Sport Fishing | $79.71 | $167.43 | $249.57 |
Fishing license Ontario price, as shown in the table above, varies depending on the duration of your fishing trip.
If you’ll be getting a one-day fishing license in Ontario, there’s no need for you to get an Outdoors Card. It’s, however, mandatory to bring with you a government-issued ID.
You may be wondering how ‘Sport’ and ‘Conservation’ differ from each other. A sport fishing license will allow you to have normal catch limits.
A conservation fishing license, on the other hand, will give you a lower or reduced catch limit. The catch limit will depend on the species of fish you’re targeting or have caught.
British Columbia (B.C.) Fishing License Price
| Product | Resident | Non-Resident | Non-Resident Alien |
| Annual Angling License | $36 | $55 | $80 |
| 1-Day Angling License | $10 | $20 | $20 |
| 8-Day Angling License | $20 | $36 | $50 |
The Canadian fishing license cost for British Columbia is also subject to change without prior notice. Tax isn’t included in the fees above.
The annual fishing license cost for anglers in British Columbia is also different for residents aged 65 or older ($5) and persons with disabilities ($1). An annual angling license in BC, Canada is only valid from the 1st of April to the 31st of March the following year.
You can purchase several 1-day and 8-day angling licenses, but only 1 annual angling license. All angling licensing products include a surtax which is for the Habitat Conservation Trust.
Saskatchewan Fishing License Price
| Product | Saskatchewan Resident | Canadian Resident | Non-Resident |
| Annual | $37 | $75 | $100 |
| Three Consecutive Days | $19 | $40 | $50 |
| One Day | $13 | $20 | $25 |
Saskatchewan senior residents (age 65 and older) don’t have to acquire a fishing license. There’s also no license required for youth under 16.
For Canadian Armed Forces veterans, an angling license is free. Annual angling licenses will expire on the 15th of April each year.
Recreational Licensing Regulations
Apart from the Canadian fishing license cost, you also need to know about the regulations surrounding sport and conservation fishing.
Local regulations can also vary, but generally speaking, a fishing license in Canada:
- Is mandatory for fishing any species of shellfish or finfish.
- Isn’t transferable.
- Doesn’t need to have the signature of the license holder.
- Can be obtained online or in person; and obtained for a partner, spouse, or child under 16.
- Needs to be produced upon request of a local fishery officer, fishery guardian, or conservation officer to ensure that you have a license as you fish and/or transport your catch.
- A license holder has to immediately and permanently record on the fishing license all retained halibut and Chinook caught in a Management Area, including lingcod that’s caught from Areas 12-19, Subareas 29-5, 20-7, and 20-5 excluding Subarea 12-14.
- The current license of a license holder and the catch records need to be made available for inspection when requested by a fisheries guardian or fishery officer.
- Youth under 16 are required in obtaining a fishing license, but there isn’t a fee involved.
- An annual license is valid from the date printed on the license to March 31st of the following year unless stated otherwise.
- It’s illegal to possess more than one fishing license.
Salmon Fishing Regulations in Canada
A Salmon Conservation Stamp at the fee of $6.25 + tax has to be affixed to a fishing license that’s held by an angler, either juvenile or adult if the angler wishes to retain Pacific salmon species. A Salmon Conservation Stamp has to be purchased annually.
Fisheries & Oceans Canada will provide the funds that are generated from the stamp sales to Pacific Salmon Foundation.
The funds will be to support salmon stewardship, restoration, and enhancement programs in Canada. Pacific Salmon Foundation has been established to conserve and rebuild the populations of Pacific salmon in Canada.
The foundation is working in partnership with various volunteer community organizations and stream-keepers to leverage the various benefits of each dollar that’s generated from the sale of Salmon Conservation Stamps.
Conclusion
Freshwater and saltwater fish abound on Canada’s shores, lakes, and streams. Over 3 million people every year enjoy angling in Canadian waters.
There are more than 200 different species that thrive in Canada. With fishing charters, numerous campgrounds, and fishing lodges, Canada can definitely be a relaxing, exciting, and excellent place to enjoy fishing as a sport.
Sockeye salmon, pink, and salmon Chinook are plentiful in Canadian rivers and along British Columbia’s western coastline.
Regardless of where in Canada you want to start your fishing adventure, don’t forget to get the right fishing licenses!
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