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Freshwater Fishing Regulations

2011-2013 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis: Printed Version

All sport fishing regulations in effect in freshwater in British Columbia (except for salmon fishing and fishing in National Parks) are published each spring in the Regulations Synopsis booklet. A copy is also posted on this web site. Anglers should become familiar with these regulations before going fishing. Click on the province-wide regulations first. These are in effect throughout B.C.

2011-2013 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis – Complete

[PDF 31.66MB]
 

Regional Map

Regional Map Region 7 Region 6 Region 7 Region 5 Region 3 Region 4 Region 8 Region 2 Region 1

Note: check the tables presented with each region to see whether any Water-specific Regulations have been adopted for the lake or stream you plan to fish.
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Sign Up for Instant Updates of In-Season Regulation Changes!

Visit our RSS Feeds page to subscribe to receive instant notifications of in-season regulation changes, and to see a complete list of RSS feeds that we offer.
You can also click on the RSS icon above to quickly subscribe to this feed.

E-Mail Distribution Lists

Thank you for your interest in fishing regulations. The Fish and Wildlife Branch is adopting a new system for providing update notifications. RSS is an internet-based technology that allows users to sign up for instant web updates. It is a convenient way to be notified of changes to our in-season regulation changes webpage. We encourage you to sign up for this new service. Beginning in April 2009, the Fish and Wildlife Branch will no longer be supporting the Listserv service as described on page 1 of the 2009-11 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis.

In-Season Regulation Changes

During the year, after the synopsis booklet has been published, a small number of important regulation changes may have to be made on specific bodies of water to conserve fish stocks.

Please check the list of in-season changes posted here to see whether the lake or stream you plan to fish has been affected.

Click on the region of interest below.
Click a link to the left to select a region

For corrections or omissions to the 2011-2013 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis click here.

Transporting and Exporting Fish

If you caught the fish yourself you must:

  • keep your angling licence handy while travelling.
  • transport no more than your legal limit.
  • ensure your fish can be identified, counted and measured if necessary.

If you are transporting fish for someone else:

  • obtain and carry a signed letter from that person with the following details: the angler's name, address, telephone number and fishing licence number; when and where the fish were caught; the date and place at which you were given the fish; the number, species and size of the fish that you have been given and the name and address of the person to whom the fish are to be delivered.
  • if you will be exporting the fish from B.C., carry the letter and insure that it is available for inspection by fishery enforcement and/or customs officers if requested to do so.

If someone else caught the fish and gave it to you for your personal consumption:

  • keep a signed letter from the angler in your possession until you have eaten the fish.
  • the letter should list the name, address and telephone number of the angler who gave you the fish; the number, species and size of the fish; and when and where the fish were caught.

Wrap it Right

A guide to cleaning and canning your catch

(all species except salmon in non-tidal waters)

In order to enforce quotas and size limits, our officers must be able to count, measure and identify your catch. To comply with the law, follow these simple guidelines when you clean and transport your fish.

  • Leave the head, tail and all fins on your catch until you get them to your permanent (ordinary) residence.We suggest you immediately remove the gills and internal organs of any fish you keep to reduce spoilage.
  • Do not freeze fish together in an unrecognizable block.
  • Do not can, bottle or fillet fish caught by sport fishing in non-tidal waters except at your permanent residence.

Salmon and Saltwater Fishing

Freshwater Salmon Regulations

The management of salmon fisheries in B.C., in both tidal and freshwater, is the responsibility of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Unlike previous years, DFO's regulations for salmon fishing in freshwater are not included in this Synopsis. This year, for conservation and fisheries management reasons, this information will be published by DFO in a supplement to this Synopsis, which will be available where you purchase your licence, or at any DFO office.

Barbless hooks are required for salmon fishing in all freshwater, as well as all tidal waters in B.C.

Please note that when freshwaters are closed to fishing or have gear restrictions outlined in this Synopsis, these regulations apply to salmon as well as to non-salmon species.

For information on all the salmon regulations,
please contact the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO)

Updated freshwater salmon regulations are listed in the Freshwater Salmon Supplement. as well as information on salmon identification and packaging salmon
for transport.

Saltwater Sport Fishing Regulations

The tidal recreational fishery includes harvest of a wide array of fish and shellfish species. However, the bulk of the effort has traditionally focused on salmonid species, particularly coho, chinook and steelhead, as well as lesser numbers of cutthroat and Dolly Varden. In addition, there is a growing interest in sport fisheries targeting on sockeye, pink and chum salmon as well as groundfish (halibut, ling cod, rockfish, flounder, sole etc.) and shellfish (clams, crabs, mussels, oysters, octopuses, scallops, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, shrimp and prawns) species.

Under the federal Fisheries Act, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans is responsible for the day-to-day management of tidal recreational fisheries and in-river salmon fisheries. In addition, the department is responsible for the protection of fish habitat.

Freshwater Fishing in Parks and Ecological Reserves

Fishing in Provincial Parks

Individuals fishing in a Provincial Park or Recreation Area should be aware that the Park Act and its regulations apply, as do the sport fishing regulations in this synopsis.

NOTE: the use of horses, motor vehicles, motorcycles, snowmobiles, other self-propelled vehicles or bicycles is generally prohibited in Provincial Parks and Recreation Areas except where specifically authorized. All motor vehicles on parks roads must be licenced. Use of aircraft to arrive at or depart from some parks is restricted.

In National Parks, unless stated otherwise, these regulations do NOT apply and provincial angling licences are NOT valid.

Ecological Reserves

Fishing is prohibited in Ecological Reserves in B.C. A complete list of ecological reserves is available from any BC Parks district office or from BC Parks headquarters. You may also consult commercial Recreational Atlases for locations.

Fishing in National Parks

Obtain a National Park Fishing Permit and Park Regulations before fishing park waters. Both are available at park visitor centres and some commercial outlets. Special regulations, such as closed waters and bans on bait, lead sinkers and lead jigs may be in place to protect park resources.

For more information, contact Parks Canada at: 1-888-773-8888, or visit their website.

Does my boat need to be registered?

All recreational vessels powered by an engine 10 horsepower (7.5 kilowatts) or more must be licenced or registered. The licensing process is free of charge through Transport Canada. or call Boating Safety Infoline: 1-800-267-6687.