A tidal waters sport fishing licence is required to fish, spearfish or net, or to capture any species of finfish or shellfish. Annual licences are valid from date shown on licence to the following March 31. Licences of a shorter duration expire at midnight on the final day of validity. A licence is not transferable and is not valid unless signed by the licence holder. Licences must be obtained in person, except that a parent may obtain a licence for a child under age 16, and one may obtain a licence for a spouse. It must be produced on request by a fishery or conservation officer or guardian, so ensure you have your licence with you while fishing.

A salmon conservation stamp ($6.42) must be affixed to licences held by anglers wishing to retain any species of Pacific salmon. Note that the stamp is an annual stamp. 

Licences are available province-wide from more than 600 vendors, including
sporting goods stores, resorts, service stations, marinas, charter boat operators and department stores. For further information about licensing, call
604-666-5835.

If a licence is lost, accidentally destroyed, or "forgotten at home," a replacement licence must be obtained prior to resuming fishing, and can be purchased for the same price as the original from any licence vendor. The vendor will ask you to complete and sign a Statement Concerning Loss describing the disposition of the original licence.

In the case of a ‘forgotten licence’, record any catch from the replacement licence on your original licence, and then return the replacement licence to
Fisheries and Oceans Canada with an explanation. It is illegal to hold more than one licence.