Do I need a fishing license to fish in Campbell River?

Yes. Every person fishing in BC tidal waters must have a valid BC Tidal Waters Sport Fishing License. This includes children over 16 years old. Fishing without a license results in heavy fines, confiscated catch, and possible boat seizure.

How do I buy a BC fishing license?

Purchase your license online at the official Fisheries and Oceans Canada website. Choose annual (April 1 - March 31) or short-term (1, 3, or 5 days). Add a Salmon Conservation Stamp if you plan to retain any salmon. The process takes 5-10 minutes and is valid immediately.

What is the Salmon Conservation Stamp and do I need it?

The Salmon Conservation Stamp is mandatory if you plan to keep (retain) ANY salmon species including Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, Pink, or Chum. It costs approximately $6 and is valid for the same period as your license. You don't need it if you only plan to catch-and-release.

What are the salmon limits in Campbell River (Area 13)?

Area 13 daily limits: Maximum 4 salmon total per day (all species combined). Chinook: 1/day (Jul-Aug, max 80cm) or 2/day (Sep-Mar), min 62cm. Coho: 2/day hatchery from Apr 1; Sep 1-30 allows 1 wild (2 total). Pink and Chum: 4/day within aggregate. Sockeye: Currently non-retention. Possession limit is 2 daily limits.

When can I keep Chinook salmon in Campbell River?

Chinook retention: Open July 15 - March 31, closed April 1 - July 14 (conservation). July 15 - Aug 31: 1/day, max 80cm, min 62cm. Sept 1 - March 31: 2/day, no max size, min 62cm. 2-day possession limit applies. Always check current DFO regulations before fishing.

Know Before You Go

Fishing License & Regulations

Everything you need to know about BC fishing licenses, Area 13 regulations, daily limits, and conservation rules for Campbell River.

License Required - No Exceptions

Every person fishing in BC tidal waters MUST have a valid BC Tidal Waters Sport Fishing License. This includes children over 16. Licenses are checked by DFO officers on the water.

Fishing without a license = Heavy fines + confiscated catch + possible boat seizure

How to Get Your Fishing License

Purchase online before your charter. It takes 5-10 minutes and is valid immediately.

Visit DFO Website

Go to the official Fisheries and Oceans Canada website to purchase your license online.

Buy License Online

Choose Duration

Select annual license (April 1 - March 31) or short-term (1, 3, or 5 days). Add Salmon Conservation Stamp.

Print or Screenshot

Save your license confirmation. You'll need your license number on the water. Bring photo ID to verify.

License Types & Pricing (2024-2025)

License Type	Canadian Resident	Non-Resident
Annual (Apr 1 - Mar 31)	~$22	~$106
5-Day	~$7	~$21
3-Day	~$6	~$16
1-Day	~$5	~$11
Salmon Conservation Stamp	~$6	~$6

Prices are approximate and subject to change. Check official DFO website for current pricing.

Salmon Conservation Stamp REQUIRED

If you plan to keep ANY salmon, you MUST purchase a Salmon Conservation Stamp in addition to your basic fishing license. This includes all salmon species: Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, Pink, and Chum.

Stamp Requirements:

Mandatory if you plan to retain (keep) any salmon
Valid for same period as your license (annual or daily)
Not required if you only plan to catch-and-release

Area 13 Regulations (Campbell River)

Campbell River is in Management Area 13. These are the key regulations you need to know.

Daily Catch Limits

Chinook Salmon 1-2

Jul 15-Aug 31: 1/day (max 80cm). Sep 1-Mar 31: 2/day (no max). Min 62cm.

Coho Salmon 2

Apr 1+: 2 hatchery only. Sep 1-30: +1 wild allowed. Min 30cm.

Pink Salmon 4

4 per day (even years only)

Chum Salmon 4

4 per day

Total Salmon 4

Maximum 4 salmon total per day (all species combined)

Size & Possession Limits

Chinook Size Limits

Minimum: 62 cm (all open periods)
Jul 15-Aug 31: Maximum 80 cm (slot limit)
Sep 1-Mar 31: No maximum size limit

Possession Limits

You may possess up to 2 daily limits of salmon (8 total salmon) at home or in storage.

Example: If daily limit is 4 salmon, you can have 8 salmon in your freezer.

How to Measure Fish

Measure from tip of nose to fork of tail (NOT total length including tail fin).

Chinook Retention Dates (Seasonal)

Chinook retention dates change every year to protect spawning runs. Always check current regulations before your trip.

Current Retention Periods (Area 13):

July 15 - Aug 31: OPEN - 1 Chinook/day, max 80cm, min 62cm
Sept 1 - March 31: OPEN - 2 Chinook/day, no max size, min 62cm
April 1 - July 14: CLOSED for conservation

IMPORTANT: Regulations change frequently. Always check the official DFO website for current Area 13 regulations before your trip.

Other Important Regulations

Additional rules you need to follow when fishing in Area 13.

Single Barbless Hooks

All hooks must be barbless (barb pinched down or filed off) when fishing for salmon. Makes catch-and-release easier.

License Valid April 1 - March 31

Annual licenses run April 1 to March 31, NOT calendar year. Check expiry date before fishing.

Rockfish Conservation

Some rockfish species are protected. If you catch one accidentally, release immediately. Know your species.

Must Have License On Water

Carry your license number and photo ID. DFO officers check licenses regularly on the water.

Youth Exemption

Children under 16 don't need a license BUT must still follow all catch limits and regulations.

Head Must Remain On

Salmon heads must stay attached until you reach shore. This helps enforcement identify species and size.

Always Check Official Regulations

Fishing regulations change frequently. The information on this page is for general guidance only. Always verify current regulations on the official DFO website before your trip.

View Official DFO Regulations

Your captain will also ensure all regulations are followed during your charter.

Ready to Fish Campbell River?

Get your license, book your charter, and get ready for the fishing adventure of a lifetime in the Salmon Capital of the World.

Book Your Charter Call: 250-202-8324