Anglers in British Columbia will soon use the same online system as hunters to buy their freshwater fishing licences.

Starting Monday, February 9, anglers can register for a free Fish and Wildlife ID through the Wildlife Information and Licensing Data system, or WILD.

That registration will prepare anglers for the fishing season, with licence sales beginning in early March.

The province says the move responds to long-standing requests from the angling community for a more integrated licensing system.

WILD is already used for hunting licences and provides a single, secure place to purchase provincial fishing and hunting licences.

“This is in response to B.C.’s passionate angling community who have asked for a more integrated approach to freshwater fishing licensing,” said Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship.

“By having both fishing and hunting licensing in one place, it means that more people will get all the provincial licences they need with fewer transactions.”

Beginning April 1, 2026, anglers will no longer need to carry a paper or digital copy of most fishing licences.

A Fish and Wildlife ID, along with personal identification, will serve as proof of authorization for basic angling, classified waters, and white sturgeon conservation licences.

Conservation officers will be able to verify IDs and licence details in the field using a mobile app.

The province says the move brings fishing licence requirements in line with those already in place for hunters.

Recreational fishing licence pre-sales for the 2026–27 season, which officially begins April 1, 2026, will open in early March through the WILD system.

To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.