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Freshwater fishing licences available online April 1
For the first time, freshwater fishing licences and hunting licences are available through the same online system, fulfilling requests of the angling community for a streamlined system.
Recreational fishing licence pre-sales are available in the Wildlife Information and Licensing Data system (WILD) for the 2026-27 season, which starts April 1. WILD is government’s online service that provides a secure way to buy freshwater fishing and hunting licences.
An FWID is required to buy a licence in WILD. Anglers who do not have an FWID can register to obtain one. The permanent identification number links to the angler’s personal profile in the WILD system. Angler numbers will be retired after the current licence year, the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship explained.
All anglers can use a Basic BCeID to access WILD. People who live in Canada also have the option to use a BC Services Card Account, which offers a streamlined FWID registration process and automatic identity and residency verification for eligible users. It is a new login option for WILD users, and provides a quick, secure way to register for and access an FWID profile.
People who prefer in-person service can register for their FWID and buy licences at FrontCounter BC, Service BC or participating vendor locations.
Also starting April 1, anglers will no longer need to carry a paper or digital copy of most fishing licences. Their FWID and identification will serve as proof of authorization for all basic angling, classified waters and white sturgeon conservation licences.
Anglers must still carry a copy of their licence, paper or digital, as proof of authorization for all conservation surcharge stamps. When a conservation surcharge stamp and retention record is required, anglers must carry a paper copy of their licence to record their catch details.
Conservation officers will access and verify angler’s FWIDs and fishing licence details in the field using their mobile application.
Freshwater fishing licences for the 2025-26 season, which ends March 31, 2026, continue to be available exclusively in the Freshwater Fishing E-Licensing System.
e-KNOW file photo
