More topics

Classified Waters Licences

Last updated on February 28, 2026

The Classified Waters Licensing System was created to preserve the unique fishing opportunities provided by these waters, which contribute significantly to the province's reputation as a world class fishing destination.

The classified waters of B.C. are fifty-two highly productive trout streams. These streams are classified as either Class I or Class II and are listed in the water-specific tables for each region.

To fish on a stream during the period when it is classified, you need all of the following:

Buying Classified Waters Licences

B.C. resident

Classified Waters Licences may be purchased anywhere basic licences are sold. The Classified Waters Licence is an annual licence. This means you can fish any Class I or Class II water in the province during the year the licence is valid.

Non-residents and non-resident aliens

Classified Waters Licences for Class I or Class II waters may be purchased anywhere basic licences are sold. Class I and Class II Classified Waters Licences are sold on a per day basis and are date and water specific. For most classified waters, multiple licences can be purchased, but each licence cannot exceed 8 consecutive days.

Special rules apply for the Dean River. Non-resident aliens may only buy one Classified Waters Licence for the Dean River per year.

Non-resident and non-resident alien anglers will be required to provide their guide’s Angling Guide Licence Number when buying a guided Classified Waters Licence.

Classified Waters Licence fees

Classified Waters Licences are available for purchase on March 1 of each angling year at 00:00:01 PT along with all other angling licence pre-sales for the new licence year. Licence pre-sales will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Licences can also be purchased anywhere basic licences are sold.

Classified Waters Licence fees
Licence type Resident Non-resident or non-resident alien
Annual Classified Waters Licence (includes Class I and II) $17.15 Not available
Class I Waters Licence N/A $45.72/day
Class II Waters Licence N/A $22.86/day

Kootenay region Classified Waters Angling Licence booking system

As part of the implementation of the 2015 Kootenay Angling Management Plan (PDF, 720 KB), a booking system was implemented for non-guided non-residents and non-guided non-resident aliens wanting to fish on Michel Creek, Skookumchuck Creek and the Wigwam River. These regulatory measures are to help ensure a quality fishing experience, reduce crowding and to support trout conservation.

Angler days available for non-guided non-residents

In order to distribute angling pressure throughout the season, the region has set bi-weekly allocations for each residency group (non-resident and non-resident alien). The following angler day quotas for non-guided non-residents will be distributed throughout the angling season. Once the non-guided non-resident angler days are fully allocated, non-guided anglers may choose to either fish with a licensed angling guide or choose another classified water without these restrictions.

Michel Creek River System
Allocation period
Non-resident angler days
Non-resident alien angler days
June 15-30 4 2
July 1-15 20 14
July 16-31 64 49
August 1-15 78 73
August 16-31 81 72
September 1-15 64 49
September 16-30 38 31
October 1-15 15 11
October 16-31 4 1
Annual allocation 368 days 302 days
 

Skookumchuck Creek River System
Allocation period
Non-resident angler days
Non-resident alien angler days
July 1-15 2 4
July 16-31 20 10
August 1-15 42 25
August 16-31 43 48
September 1-15 15 15
September 16-30 5 4
October 1-15 3 0
Annual allocation 130 days 106 days
 

Wigwam Creek River System
Allocation period
Non-resident angler days
Non-resident alien angler days
June 15-30 1 0
July 1-15 8 2
July 16-31 14 13
August 1-15 42 38
August 16-31 43 38
September 1-15 23 21
September 16-30 12 8
October 1-15 5 3
October 16-31 1 0
Annual allocation 149 days 123 days