Freshwater Fishing Regulations in BC

logo of provincial poacher reporting program2019-2021 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis: In effect now through March 31, 2021

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 255KB]

 

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 September 18, 2019 )

Region 2 Synopsis Section [PDF 1.3 MB]

Angler Updates: Invasive Bass Presence in Cultus Lake

                            Voluntary 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

Click here for angling closure rationale

 August 15 to October 31
 

Region 3 - Thompson     (last updated September 18, 2019)

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

Click here for angling closure rationale

1. August 15 to October 31

2. October 1 to November 30

3. October 1 to October 31

 
Stein River Administrative: Simplify water specific regulations to clarify the period of time when fishing is not allowed May 2, 2019
 

Region 4 - Kootenay     (last updated May 2, 2019)

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
Norbury Lake Administrative: Remove fish symbol as lake is not currently being stocked May 2, 2019
Upper West Arm of Kootenay Lake

Kokanee release all year, EXCEPT Apr 1-Apr 2 and July 1-July 2 when kokanee daily quota = 5.

NOTE: the combined daily quota for kokanee from the Upper West Arm (when open to kokanee harvest) and the Lower West Arm (when open to kokanee harvest) cannot exceed 5.

 April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020
 

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 June 28, 2019)

Region 6 Synopsis Section [PDF 2.5 MB]

Angler Update: Gitxsan Closure Declaration

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
Kitsumkalum River No fishing

Click here for a map of the closed area		 July 1, 2019
Nass River No fishing from the white triangular fishing boundary signs downstream of the confluence with the Meziadin River (UTM 9V 491116 6208733) upstream to the Hwy 37 Bridge (UTM 9V 490404 6209853).

Click here for a map of the closed area 		July 1, 2019
Skeena River (Mainstem only)

No fishing on the Skeena River from the confluence with the Zymagotitz River (also known as the Zymachord River) (UTM 9U 517196 6037276) upstream to the upper boundary of the Skeena 2 classified waters at the top of Hell’s Gate (UTM 9U 523147 6039113), from Mill Creek (UTM 9U 556654 6106648) upstream to the Highway 37 Bridge (UTM 9U 558958 6106035), and within the three white triangular fishing boundary signs located at the confluence of the Skeena River and Kispiox River (UTM 9U 582956 6133612).

Click below for maps of the closed areas:

Skeena Mainstem Closure-Kispiox Confluence
Skeena Mainstem Closure-Kitwanga Confluence
Skeena Mainstem Closure-Kitsumkalum Confluence

 July 1, 2019
Lost Lake Closed to fishing due to illegal introduction of goldfish June 22, 2019
 

Region 7A - Omineca     (last updated June 11, 2019)

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 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