All sport fishing regulations in effect
in freshwater in British Columbia (except for salmon fishing
and fishing in National Parks) are published each spring
in the Regulations Synopsis booklet. A copy is also posted
on this web site. Anglers should become familiar with
these regulations before going fishing. Click on the
province-wide regulations first. These are in effect
throughout B.C.
Note: check the tables presented with each region to see whether any Water-specific Regulations have been adopted for the lake or stream you plan to fish.
In-Season Regulation Changes
During the year, after the synopsis booklet has been published, a small number of important regulation changes may have to be made on specific bodies of water to conserve fish stocks.
Please check the list of in-season changes posted here to see whether the lake or stream you plan to fish has been affected.
Click on the region of interest below.
Please also check to see whether any synopsis changes have been recorded.
ensure your fish can be identified,
counted and measured if necessary.
If you are transporting fish for someone
else:
obtain and carry a signed letter
from that person with the following details: the angler's
name, address, telephone number and fishing licence
number; when and where the fish were caught; the date
and place at which you were given the fish; the number,
species and size of the fish that you have been given
and the name and address of the person to whom the fish
are to be delivered.
if you will be exporting the fish
from B.C., carry the letter and insure that it is available
for inspection by fishery enforcement and/or customs
officers if requested to do so.
If someone else caught the fish and
gave it to you for your personal consumption:
keep a signed letter from the angler
in your possession until you have eaten the fish.
the letter should list the name, address and telephone
number of the angler who gave you the fish; the number,
species and size of the fish; and when and where the
fish were caught.
Wrap it Right
A guide to cleaning and
canning your catch
(all species except salmon in
non-tidal waters)
In order to enforce quotas and size
limits, our officers must be able to count, measure and
identify your catch. To comply with the law, follow these
simple guidelines when you clean and transport your fish.
Leave the head, tail and all fins
on your catch until you get them to your permanent (ordinary)
residence.We suggest you immediately remove the gills
and internal organs of any fish you keep to reduce spoilage.
Do not freeze fish together in an
unrecognizable block.
Do not can, bottle or fillet fish
caught by sport fishing in non-tidal waters except at
your permanent residence.
Salmon and Saltwater Fishing
Freshwater Salmon Regulations
The management of salmon fisheries
in B.C., in both tidal and freshwater, is the responsibility
of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Unlike previous
years, DFO's regulations for salmon fishing in freshwater
are not included in this Synopsis. This year, for conservation
and fisheries management reasons, this information will
be published by DFO in a supplement to this Synopsis,
which will be available where you purchase your licence,
or at any DFO office.
Barbless hooks are required for salmon
fishing in all freshwater, as well as all tidal waters
in B.C.
Please note that when freshwaters are
closed to fishing or have gear restrictions outlined in
this Synopsis, these regulations apply to salmon as well
as to non-salmon species.
Updated freshwater salmon regulations
are listed in the Freshwater
Salmon Supplement. as well as information on salmon
identification and packaging salmon
for transport.
Saltwater Sport Fishing Regulations
The tidal recreational fishery includes
harvest of a wide array of fish and shellfish species.
However, the bulk of the effort has traditionally focused
on salmonid species, particularly coho, chinook and steelhead,
as well as lesser numbers of cutthroat and Dolly Varden.
In addition, there is a growing interest in sport fisheries
targeting on sockeye, pink and chum salmon as well as
groundfish (halibut, ling cod, rockfish, flounder, sole
etc.) and shellfish (clams, crabs, mussels, oysters, octopuses,
scallops, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, shrimp and prawns)
species.
Under the federal Fisheries
Act, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans is
responsible for the day-to-day management of tidal recreational
fisheries and in-river salmon fisheries. In addition,
the department is responsible for the protection of fish
habitat.
Freshwater Fishing in Parks and Ecological Reserves
Fishing in Provincial Parks
Individuals fishing in a Provincial
Park or Recreation Area should be aware that the Park
Act and its regulations apply, as do the sport fishing
regulations in this synopsis.
NOTE: the use of horses, motor vehicles,
motorcycles, snowmobiles, other self-propelled vehicles
or bicycles is generally prohibited in Provincial Parks
and Recreation Areas except where specifically authorized.
All motor vehicles on parks roads must be licenced. Use
of aircraft to arrive at or depart from some parks is
restricted.
In National Parks, unless stated otherwise, these regulations
do NOT apply and provincial angling licences are
NOT valid.
Ecological Reserves
Fishing is prohibited in Ecological
Reserves in B.C. A complete list of ecological reserves
is available from any BC Parks district office or from
BC Parks
headquarters. You may also consult commercial Recreational Atlases for locations.
Fishing in National Parks
Obtain a National Park Fishing Permit
and Park Regulations before fishing park waters. Both
are available at park visitor centres and some commercial
outlets. Special regulations, such as closed waters and
bans on bait, lead sinkers and lead jigs may be in place
to protect park resources.
For more information, contact Parks
Canada at: 1-888-773-8888, or visit their
website.
Does my boat need to be registered?
All recreational vessels under 15 gross tons and
powered by an engine 10 horsepower (7.5 kilowatts)
or more must be licenced. The licensing
process is free of charge through Canada Border Services Agency (refer to the blue
pages in your telephone directory for the telephone
number of the nearest office).
