Start Guide to Freshwater Fishing
With thousands of lakes and fishable streams, B.C. is an angler’s paradise. Scroll down to find out where to go, which lakes are stocked, and other expert tips to plan a #gofishbc experience.
How to Go Fishing in British Columbia
Step 1: Buy your fishing licence
If you are 16 years or older, you will need a freshwater fishing licence from the Province of BC. Anglers can purchase an annual, eight-day, or one-day licence online or in-person at select locations.
BUY YOUR LICENCEStep 2: Check the freshwater fishing regulations
It is every angler’s responsibility to read, understand and follow the Freshwater Fishing Regulations including the provincial, regional, and water-specific regulations (where they apply). Unsure where to start? Watch this video on how to use the regulations.
Step 3: Gather your fishing gear and head to the lake!
If you need more information on essential fishing gear or help to catch more fish, scroll down for additional fishing tips.
Where to Fish
To help you find a fishing spot, we’ve created a map with the 800+ lakes stocked with fish in British Columbia, as well as lakes with fishing docks. Use the filter to narrow your search to lakes with campsites, boat launches, and other amenities.
LAKE MAPWe’ve also curated some of our top recommendations for places to go fishing. Find inspiration for your next fishing adventure in one of the blogs below.
Identify Your Fish
Learn: 1) how to identify popular fish species targeted by recreational anglers in B.C.’s lakes and rivers, 2) more about the strains of fish stocked by the the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC, and 3) how to prevent the spread of invasive freshwater fish.
Fishing Tips and How-To Articles
Discover what equipment you’ll need, how to set it up, plus tips to improve your success on the water in one of the blog posts below.
Looking for additional help from the experts? Visit our Fishing Tips page or check out these educational videos.
Additional Help
No gear? No problem! Borrow tackle and fishing rods for free from our Rod Loan locations.
Looking for some hands-on instruction? Our Learn to Fish program is for youth and their families, as well as adults. In one session we’ll teach you the basics of freshwater fishing, including angling ethics, tackle selection, and fishing and casting techniques. Lessons are held at our visitor centre fishing ponds and at lakes in municipal and provincial parks throughout the spring and summer. Visit our Programs page to learn more about Learn to Fish and to find a session near you.