Freshwater Fishing Regulations in BC

2019 to 2021 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis: In effect now through March 31, 2021logo of provincial poacher reporting program

All freshwater sport fishing regulations in effect in British Columbia (except for salmon fishing and fishing in National Parks) are published every two years as the Regulations Synopsis. Anglers should become familiar with these regulations before going fishing.

In the event that there is a need to change a regulation in-season, the online version of the synopsis will be updated with any changes highlighThumbnail image linked to a BC provincial map displaying freshwater fishing management boundaries. Regions on the map are linked to regulation synopsis excerpts for each areaated in red.  You also need to be aware of regional In-Season Regulation Changes.

To access regionally specific synopsis excerpts and In-Season regulation changes you can search in the table below or click on the map image to the right to search by location.

Regional Synopsis Information and In-Season Changes

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General Information

Wildfire Notice: Stay up to date on regulation changes and vehicle/access restrictions during wildfire season. While planning your angling trip please visit fire bans and restrictions for the most up to date information.

Transporting and Exporting Your Catch [PDF 130 KB]                  

Salmon and Saltwater Fishing [PDF 144 KB]

Fishing in Parks and Ecological Reserves [PDF 127 KB]   

Does my boat need to be registered? [PDF 118 KB]

Angler Safety Considerations [PDF 205 KB]

Ethics for Anglers [PDF 255 KB]

 

Provincial Level Information     (last updated April 1, 2019)

 

Region 1 - Vancouver Island     (last updated April 1, 2019)

Region 1 Synopsis Section [PDF 1.9 MB]

Region 1 In-Season Recreational Freshwater Fishing Regulation Changes

NOTE: These changes are IN ADDITION TO the published regulations unless noted otherwise here. Be sure to check the published regulations as found in the online version of the 2019-2021 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis.

Water In-Season Change Effective Date
Gold River Correct administrative error: No fishing upstream of the Muchalat River*, Dec 1 - May 31 should be no fishing downstream of the Muchalat River*, Dec 1 - May 31 April 1, 2019
 

Region 2 - Lower Mainland     (last updated May 21, 2020 )

Region 2 Synopsis Section [PDF 1.3 MB]

Angler Updates: Invasive Bass Presence in Cultus Lake (updated June 10,2020)

                            Fraser River Sturgeon Closures

Region 2 In-Season Freshwater Fishing Regulation Changes

NOTE: These changes are IN ADDITION TO the published regulations unless noted otherwise here. Be sure to check the published regulations as found in the online version of the 2019-2021 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis.

Water In-Season Change Effective Date

Fraser River

 

No Fishing for trout in the Fraser mainstem upstream of the CPR bridge at Mission, excluding tributaries, sloughs, Jesperson's Side Channel, Herring Island Side Channel and Ruby Creek Side Channel

September 1 to November 15

 
 

Region 3 - Thompson     (last updated May 21, 2020)

Region 3 Synopsis Section [PDF 850 KB]

Region 3 In-Season Freshwater Fishing Regulation Changes

NOTE: These changes are IN ADDITION TO the published regulations unless noted otherwise here. Be sure to check the published regulations as found in the online version of the 2019-2021 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis.

Water In-Season Change Effective Date

Fraser River

 

No Fishing for trout in Fraser River mainstem:

1. Downstream of Hell's Gate

2. From hell's gate to the confluence with the Thompson River

3. Upstream of the confluence with the Thompson River

 

 

1. September 1 to November 15

2. October 1 to November 30

3. October 1 to October 31

 
 

Region 4 - Kootenay     (last updated July 30, 2020)

Region 4 Synopsis Section [PDF 1.2 MB]

Region 4 In-Season Freshwater Fishing Regulation Changes

NOTE: These changes are IN ADDITION TO the published regulations unless noted otherwise here. Be sure to check the published regulations as found in the online version of the 2019-2021 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis.

Water In-Season Change Effective Date
Grave Creek and tributaries No fishing August 1, 2020

Kootenay Lake - Main Body

Barbed hooks permitted.

Bull trout daily quota = 3,

Rainbow trout daily quota = 5 (only 2 over 50 cm)

Rainbow trout over 50 cm: annual quota = 10

Removal of the requirement to release rainbow trout, February 1 to June 10, north of a line between fishing boundary signs posted at Lost Ledge Creek and Salisbury Creek.

May 14, 2020

Upper West Arm of Kootenay Lake

 

Kokanee release all year

April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021
 

Region 5 - Cariboo     (last updated September 18, 2019)

Region 5 Synopsis Section [PDF 1.3 MB]

Region 5 In-Season Freshwater Fishing Regulation Changes

NOTE: These changes are IN ADDITION TO the published regulations unless noted otherwise here. Be sure to check the published regulations as found in the online version of the 2019-2021 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis.

Water In-Season Change Effective Date

Fraser River

No fishing for trout in the mainstem downstream of the confluence with the Chilcotin River

Click here for angling closure rationale

October 1 to October 31
 

Region 6 - Skeena     (last updated December 9, 2020)

Region 6 Synopsis Section [PDF 2.5 MB]

Angler Update: Gitxsan Closure Declaration  (updated June 2020)

Region 6 In-Season Freshwater Fishing Regulation Changes

NOTE: These changes are IN ADDITION TO the published regulations unless noted otherwise here. Be sure to check the published regulations as found in the online version of the 2019-2021 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis.

Water In-Season Change Effective Date
Ross Lake No fishing  December 10, 2020 to May 1, 2021
Nass River No fishing from white triangular fishing boundary signs located downstream of the Meziadin River confluence, and upstream to the Hwy 37 bridge August 8, 2020 to September 15, 2020
Lost Lake Closed to fishing due to illegal introduction of goldfish June 22, 2019
 

Region 7A - Omineca     (last updated March 2, 2020)

Region 7A Synopsis Section [PDF 64 KB]

Region 7A In-Season Freshwater Fishing Regulation Changes

NOTE: These changes are IN ADDITION TO the published regulations unless noted otherwise here. Be sure to check the published regulations as found in the online version of the 2019-2021 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis.

Water In-Season Change Effective Date

Various

Administrative:

  • Add fish symbol to Bow, Butterfly, Camp, Kathie and Shere Lakes as they are stocked. 
  • Add (known as Gravelpit Lake) to Kwitzil Lake

March 2, 2020

Various

Administrative Corrections:

  •  Remove fish symbol from Chubb Lake, Lynx Lake and Morfee Lake (South) as lakes are not currently being stocked.
  • Add fish symbol to Ness Lake as it is being stocked.

June 11, 2019
 

Region 7B - Peace     (no changes)

Region 7B Synopsis Section [PDF 1.0 MB]

Region 7B In-Season Freshwater Fishing Regulation Changes

NOTE: These changes are IN ADDITION TO the published regulations unless noted otherwise here. Be sure to check the published regulations as found in the online version of the 2019-2021 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis.

Water In-Season Change Effective Date
  no changes at this time  
 

Region 8 - Okanagan     (last updated July 10, 2019)

Region 8 Synopsis Section [PDF 790 KB]

Region 8 In-Season Freshwater Fishing Regulation Changes

NOTE: These changes are IN ADDITION TO the published regulations unless noted otherwise here. Be sure to check the published regulations as found in the online version of the 2019-2021 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis.

Water In-Season Change Effective Date
Skaha Lake Quota for kokanee over 35 cm = 0 July 10, 2019
Shannon Lake Correct administrative error: Trout daily quota = 1 applies only to the netted off portion on the south end of Shannon lake March 26, 2019