Fishing Regulations

Freshwater Fishing:

The British Columbia Government manages inland rivers and lakes and produces a downloadable Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis every two years. Please familiarize yourself with these regulations and note that freshwater regulations do not apply to salmon fishing.

The province is split into regions for the freshwater lakes and rivers that you fish. Each region differs in regulation, may limit the number of fish species you can harvest, or for conservation reasons may ban fish species that you can harvest.

Fishing regulations change from year to year and throughout any given year. So it is very important that when you plan to fish that you take the time to review the regulations and changes that apply to the region you plan to fish.

Please note the types of fishing hooks you are allowed to fish with, the limits of fish you are allowed to keep and ensure that you are allowed to harvest the fish species you want.

If you happen to catch a fish that the regulations ban you from keeping, please handle the fish as gently as possible, take time to revive it and then release it.

As an angler, when you fish you are required to carry your fishing licence. Conservation officers will ask you to produce a licence when they check you and your harvest.

Salt Water Fishing:

The Federal Government, Department of Fisheries and Oceans manage the pacific fishery off the coast of British Columbia. Each government has different areas of responsibility and jurisdiction. This difference results in two sets of fishing regulations: one for the ocean and one for the inland water.

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans produce a downloadable Sports Fishing Guide that they divide into fishing areas. The federal government has responsibility for the salmon fishery, ocean finfish, shellfish and crab. Please familiarize yourself with these regulations.

Regulations and catch limits, especially for the salmon species, may vary from week to week, month to month. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans do have a fishery notice system that you can subscribe to receive email notifications of regulation changes that occur during the fishing season. You may subscribe to this notification by accessing the Sports Fishing Guide.

Fishing regulations change from year to year and throughout any given year. So it is very important that when you plan to fish that you take the time to review the regulations and changes that apply to the region you plan to fish. Subscribing to the email fishery notice system will help you stay up-to-date on changes that occur during the fishing season.

Make sure you follow the regulations about the types of hooks you are allowed to use when you fish. Familiarize yourself with the slot limits of fish you are allowed to harvest. If you happen to catch a fish that the regulations ban you from keeping, please handle the fish as gently as possible, take time to revive it and then release it.

As an angler, when you fish please carry your fishing licence as you are required to do so. Conservation officers will ask you to produce a licence when they check you and your harvest.