Fishing License Guide: Canada vs US Requirements

Before you cast a line, you need a fishing license. Requirements vary by province and state, and the rules can be confusing — especially if you're crossing borders. Here's a guide to fishing licenses across Canada and the United States.

Fishing Licenses in Canada

Who Needs a License

In all Canadian provinces and territories, anglers aged 18-64 need a valid fishing license. Residents 65+ and youth under 18 often need a license but at reduced or no cost (varies by province). Non-residents always need a license.

Provincial Breakdown

Ontario

Resident: $27 (1-year sport), $13 (1-year conservation). Available online at ontario.ca/fishing.

Non-resident: $57 (1-year sport), $31 (1-year conservation), $28 (8-day), $14 (1-day).

Ontario has a conservation license with reduced catch limits and a sport license with full limits.

British Columbia

Resident: $36 (1-year). Available online at fishing.gov.bc.ca.

Non-resident: $55 (1-year), $23 (8-day), $11 (1-day).

BC also requires a separate tidal waters license for salmon fishing in coastal waters: $8 (5-day), $18 (1-year) for non-residents.

Quebec

Resident: $37 (1-year). Available online or at licence vendors.

Non-resident: $63 (1-year), $35 (7-day), $20 (3-day).

Quebec also requires a separate salmon license for Atlantic salmon fishing.

Other Provinces

Most other provinces offer similar pricing: $25-40 for residents, $40-70 for non-residents. Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Maritime provinces all have online purchasing options.

Fishing Licenses in the United States

Who Needs a License

In all US states, anglers aged 16+ (varies by state) need a fishing license. Most states offer reduced-cost or free licenses for seniors, youth, and military.

State Breakdown (Popular Fishing States)

Florida

Resident: $17 (1-year freshwater), $17 (1-year saltwater), $32 (combo).

Non-resident: $47 (1-year freshwater), $30 (3-day freshwater), $17 (1-day freshwater).

Available at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

Texas

Resident: $30 (1-year freshwater), $35 (1-year saltwater), $42 (combo).

Non-resident: $58 (1-year freshwater), $12 (1-day freshwater).

Available at tpwd.texas.gov.

Michigan

Resident: $26 (1-year), $11 (1-day).

Non-resident: $68 (1-year), $10 (1-day).

Available at michigan.gov/dnr.

Minnesota

Resident: $25 (1-year), $22 (1-year for seniors).

Non-resident: $51 (1-year), $22 (3-day), $12 (1-day).

Available at dnr.state.mn.us.

Important Things to Know

• Licenses are not transferable — Each angler must have their own license.
• Carry your license with you — Conservation officers check licenses regularly. Digital copies on your phone are accepted in most areas.
• Special stamps and tags — Some species require additional stamps: salmon (BC, Quebec, Great Lakes), trout stamps (some US states), and walleye tags (some Canadian waters).
• Cross-border fishing — If fishing in both countries on the same trip, you need a license for each country.
• Check regulations — Each province/state has specific seasons, size limits, catch limits, and bait restrictions. Always check before you fish.

Convenient License Management

The CatchTales app helps you keep track of your fishing licenses and regulations. While it's always important to check official sources, the app's notes and trip planning features help you organize your fishing paperwork.

Published July 2026 by the CatchTales team.