Starting today (February 9) anglers in the Cariboo and the Province can register for a free Fish and Wildlife ID (FWID) in the Wildlife Information and Licensing Data system (WILD) to prepare for the 2026-27 fishing season.
A FWID is required to buy a fishing license in the Wildlife Information and Licensing Data system.
Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Randene Neill said starting this Spring, April first, freshwater fishers will be able to buy their fishing licenses online and that it’s been something that hunter’s have been using.
It will serve as proof of authorization for all basic angling, classified waters and white sturgeon.
“It basically gives people who hunt and fish the ability to hold just one E license for both sports and cuts down on the duplication of things.”
The Province said anglers must still carry a copy of their license, paper or digital, as proof of authorization for all Conservation Surcharge Stamps.
When a Conservation Surcharge Stamp and retention record is required, anglers must carry paper copy of their license in order to record their catch details.
Minister Neill noted there are many advantages to this system.
“You’ll be able to keep your ID number. You can also get your license online which makes it easier for some people but if you prefer to get one in person you can still go to any Service BC or Front Counter BC or other vendors that sell fishing licenses as well.”
Neill noted that if you are already a current hunter and already have an ID number you can keep that same ID number for angling.
Minister Neill noted that this is something that the hunting and angling communities have been asking for for a long time and that a lot of other Provinces do this already.
Because of this transition, the Province said there will be no changes to the fishing license fees.
“The fee for the 2025-26 year for residents is $41 for the season. You can get a one day fishing license from between 11 or 23 dollars and then there are discounts for seniors as well and it’s a little bit higher for non-residents,” Neill said.
Once you’ve obtained your Free Fish and Wildlife ID (FWID) number, Neill added you get to keep that similar to a drivers license, you don’t have to redo it every single year.
Something going on in the Cariboo you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing cariboonews@vistaradio.ca.
