Permit and Authorization Service Bureau

Rainbow Trout Pond Permits and Farmed Sturgeon Permits:

Steps to Obtaining Rainbow Trout Pond Permits and Farmed Sturgeon Permits

Rainbow Trout Pond Permit

Farmed Sturgeon Permit

Obtaining a NEW Rainbow Trout Pond Permit

This Permit is for individuals applying to possess and/or purchase and transport Rainbow Trout from a commercial supplier, and keep in a private pond.

Basic Eligibility Criteria

Please see Appendix A of the Rainbow Trout Pond Permit application [PDF 65KB] for further details before filling out an application.

  1. Review the basic eligibility criteria to ensure you can meet the requirements;
  2. The following is required in order to proceed with the permitting process:

Visa/Mastercard Payment Authorization Form [PDF 133KB]

Questions regarding permit requirements that are not addressed within these pages or for contact information visit: Permit and Authorization Service Bureau.

Steps to RENEW your Rainbow Trout Pond Permit

If you have made structural changes to the Rainbow Trout Pond, then you must complete the application in full as directed above in obtaining a NEW Rainbow Trout Pond.

If no structural changes to the Rainbow Trout Pond, then proceed as follows:

The following is required in order to proceed with the permitting process:

  1. A completed Rainbow Trout Pond Permit application form; [PDF 65KB] and,
  2. A cheque for $55 (permit is valid for up to 5 years), made payable to the B.C. Minister of Finance.

Visa/Mastercard Payment Authorization Form [PDF 133KB]

Questions regarding permit requirements that are not addressed within these pages or for contact information visit: Permit and Authorization Service Bureau.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rainbow Trout Pond Permits

Can the pond be used for commercial aquaculture?
No, the pond is for recreational use only.
What kind of pond should I have to meet the requirements?
A “Pond” means an artificially created pool of water that is a closed-system for holding rainbow trout, that is not connected to a natural watercourse, and from which rainbow trout can not escape to tidal or non-tidal waters if the pond overflows.
Are there any supporting documents that should be included with the application?
Yes, attach detailed information showing locations of your property lines, roads, ponds and buildings, as well as any nearby natural watercourses, including the direction of water flow in the natural watercourse. Include several photographs showing the pond and all lands immediately surrounding the pond. An aerial photograph may be included, but this is not required.

Steps to Obtaining a Farmed Sturgeon Permit

Basic Eligibility Criteria

Please see Appendix A of the Farmed Sturgeon application for further details before filling out an application.

  1. Review the basic eligibility criteria, to ensure your company can meet the requirements; and,
  2. The following is required in order to proceed with the permitting process:

Visa/Mastercard Payment Authorization Form [PDF 133KB]

Questions regarding permit requirements that are not addressed within these pages or for contact information visit: Permit and Authorization Service Bureau.

Frequently Asked Questions about Farmed Sturgeon Permits

What kind of Farmed Sturgeon permits are there?
There is one for transporting live sturgeon to a retail outlet within BC and another to hold/retail live sturgeon at a restaurant or market within BC.
If I sell my business can I hand over my permit to the new owner(s)?
No, these permits are non-transferable. The new owner would have to apply under their name.