Status Indians don’t need a federal or provincial
fishing licence to fish for food, ceremonial, or societal

purposes in fresh or tidal waters in B.C.

Does a status Indian need a licence to
sportfish in tidal waters in B.C.?

The federal government manages British Columbia’s tidal
water fisheries. As the Sparrow decision does not talk
about sportfishing, we recommend that you follow the
DFO’s standard sportfishing regulations.

To sportfish in tidal waters, you need:

~ a DFO saltwater fishing licence

AND

~ a DFO salmon stamp if you are sportfishing for

salmon in tidal waters

Does a status Indian need a licence to
sportfish in fresh waters in B.C.?

The provincial government manages British Columbia’s
freshwater fisheries. In the province’s Wildlife Act, it says
in the licensing section that status Indians who have lived
in B.C. for six months do vot need provincial angling

licences to sportfish in fresh waters.

Recommended: Even though status Indians do not
require provincial freshwater fishing licences, we
recommend that you follow the province’s standard rules

and regulations for freshwater sportfishing.

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