Freshwater Fishing Licences Moving To Online WILD System

Buying a freshwater fishing licence in British Columbia will soon be simpler and more streamlined.

Beginning in the 2026–27 licence year, anglers will be able to purchase their freshwater fishing licences through the province’s existing Wildlife Information and Licensing Data system, also known as WILD. It's the same online system already used for hunting licences and limited entry hunting applications.

To get ready, people not already in the system can create a profile and apply for a free Fish and Wildlife ID beginning this fall.

That ID will be required to buy a fishing licence once sales go live in spring 2026.

Right now, users access the WILD system with a Basic BCeID. But this fall, B.C. residents and others living elsewhere in Canada will also be able to log in using their BC Services Card.

That option will help verify identity and residency more easily, while cutting down on wait times and paperwork.

People living outside of Canada will still need to use or create a Basic BCeID to access the system and register for an FWID.

The province says expanding WILD to include freshwater fishing will improve the experience for anglers, reduce administration time, and help improve data collection for fish and wildlife management.

Freshwater fishing is a popular activity across B.C., with about 350,000 anglers participating each year.

The licence fees help support fish conservation, education, and hatchery programs across the province.

For more information, visit Government of British Columbia.