Regulations, in plain language
Rules change by area and can change mid-season. We explain what the rules mean and always link you to the official source — we never copy a limit table and call it current.
British Columbia — tidal (saltwater)
- • You need a BC Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence, plus a salmon conservation stamp if you keep salmon.
- • Salmon limits, minimum sizes and openings are set per management area and subarea — the area you launch from may not be the area you fish.
- • In-season changes are announced by Fishery Notice and override printed guides and apps — including this one.
- • Barbless hooks are required for salmon in most BC tidal waters.
Official source: Fisheries and Oceans Canada — BC tidal recreational fishing
British Columbia — freshwater
- • You need a BC Freshwater Fishing Licence; classified waters and salmon in rivers need extra stamps/licences.
- • Regional regulations differ by region and by individual water — check the specific lake or river, not just the region.
- • Many interior lakes have ice-off timing, bait bans or single-hook rules in spring.
Official source: Province of BC — freshwater fishing
Washington State
- • Marine areas (Puget Sound is Area 10/11 country) have area-specific salmon seasons set each year through the North of Falcon process.
- • Emergency rule changes are common in-season — check before every trip, not every season.
Official source: Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife — fishing regulations
AnglerPlan is an information service, not a regulator. If anything here disagrees with an official source, the official source wins — and please tell us so we can fix it.