BC making it easier to get your fishing license online

Starting next week anglers will be able to get their fishing license with the same system used for hunting licenses in BC.

On Monday, Feb. 9, anglers will be able to register for a free Fish and Wildlife ID using the Wildlife Information and Licensing Data system, also known as WILD, for the 2026-2027 fishing season, according to a provincial government press release issued today, Feb. 2.

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

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

Anglers will still be able to buy their licenses in person at FrontCounter BC, Service BC or other vendor locations. 

A Fish and Wildlife ID is required to buy a license using the WILD system, and this ID number will be permanently attached to someone’s profile in the system. Angler numbers will be retired after the current license year. 

People will be able to use Basic BCeID or a BC Services Card Account to register with the WILD system.

Starting on April 1, anglers won’t need to carry a paper or digital copy of most fishing licenses since their Fish and Wildlife ID and personal identification will be proof for authorization for basic angling, classified waters and white sturgeon conservation licenses. 

The president of Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC Andrew Wilson said license fees fund the society and making the system easier will help fund the initiatives that help anglers in BC.

“We welcome a streamlined and improved licensing system that will support the management and administration of B.C.’s recreational fisheries and help remove barriers to participation for all anglers,” Wilson said in the release.