Apply for a rainbow trout pond permit

Apply for a new or renewal of a rainbow trout pond permit

Eligibility

Anyone who is 19 years of age or older can apply for a rainbow trout pond permit.

Overview

This application allows an individual to apply for a permit under section 2.1 of the Wildlife Act Permit Regulation to possess and, or purchase and transport rainbow trout from a licenced aquaculture facility to keep in a private pond in British Columbia.

A pond means an artificially created pool of water that is a closed-system for holding rainbow trout, that is not connected to a natural watercourse, and from which rainbow trout cannot escape to tidal or non-tidal waters if the pond overflows.

Costs

  • Application fee is $50

Fees are payable at the time of application. Applications will not be processed until the fee has been paid. 

Fees can be paid online at the time of application, or at a FrontCounter BC location. See payment guidelines for more information.

The Habitat Conservation Trust Fund surcharge is included in the above fee.

Fees calculated on the electronic fish and wildlife application may not be the complete final fee. A permit clerk will contact you if late fees are owed or if other licence specific fees are outstanding.

Apply

Review and collect the information and documents required before you start an application.

Apply

If you're unable to access this application, check current outage notices or reach out for support.

Location and construction

Be able to describe the location and construction of your fish pond:

  • Applicant contact details
  • Location of the pond (address or legal property description), including region
  • Water source for the pond
  • Stream name and water licence number (if applicable)

Detailed pond information

You will be asked to provide specific detailed information about your fish pond, such as:

  • Detailed information showing locations of your property lines, roads, ponds and buildings, as well as any nearby natural watercourses, including the direction of water flow in the natural watercourse
  • Several photographs showing the entire edge of the pond and all lands immediately surrounding the pond. A single shot taken at a distance is not sufficient. Multiple, closeup photos from various angles are required. Photographs must show that the pond is a closed system that is not connected to a natural watercourse in any way. An aerial photograph may be included, but this is not required

Application renewal

  • If you are submitting a renewal and you have made structural changes to your pond then you will have to complete all sections of the application form (including the new applicant section). If no structural changes have been made then you will not have to complete the new applicant section of the form (see application form for details)

Register for BCeID to submit an application to FrontCounter BC

A BCeID allows you to save, reopen and check the status of your natural resource application: 

  • Basic BCeID can be used in a personal capacity
  • Business BCeID is used when representing a legal entity 
Register

Submit an application

Once you have assembled the required information for your application, apply online.

Apply

If you're unable to access this application, check current outage notices or reach out for support.

Update your application

After you have submitted an application, you can amend or cancel it:

After you apply

The target time frame for decision on your permit is 30 days*

*Processing time may be considerably longer if there is a required consultation process.

Your application will go through the following process before any decision is made:

  1. Receiving the application
    Your application will be reviewed to ensure that it is complete. Your payment and documents will be entered into the appropriate systems. When necessary, you will be contacted for more information. 

    An application will not be accepted and processed until all required information as well as payment has been received.

  2. Decision making
    A decision will be made on whether to issue a permit or not after a full review of your submission.

  3. Issuance of permit
    If your application is approved, the permit is issued and sent to you by FrontCounter BC. If your application was not approved, you will be notified. 

    NOTE: If you applied with a BCeID, you can use it to log in to the Manage your Natural Resource Applications, where you can download your licence or permit if one has been issued.

Application enquiries

Read more about application processing and how to check the status of your application.

Contact information

Find the FrontCounter BC office closest to you.

FrontCounter BC Toll Free
1-877-855-3222
Email
FrontCounterBC@gov.bc.ca