Get a Fishing Licence

You need a fishing licence if you are:

  • between 16 and 65 years of age.

You do not need a fishing licence if you are:

  • a Northwest Territories (NWT) and Canadian resident under the age of 16 or 65 years of age and over unless fishing in an area requiring an additional validation.
  • a non-resident angler under the age of 16 accompanied by a person holding a valid Sport Fishing Licence or unless you are fishing in an area requiring an additional validation.
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Where can I buy one?

You can buy your Sport Fishing Licence:

What you need to provide

  • First and last name
  • Date of birth
  • Mailing and residential address, including postal code
  • Email address
  • method of payment (Visa or MasterCard)
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How much does it cost?

Fishing licence fees are different, depending on whether you live in the NWT, Canada or elsewhere.

Residency descriptions 

NWT Resident

A resident Canadian who has resided continuously in the NWT for a period of (a) in respect of sport fishing, three months immediately preceding the day on which the person begins to fish

Resident Canadian

A person who is a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident

Non-Resident 

A person other than a resident Canadian

Fees

Class Description Eligibility Fee GST ($) Total ($) Valid for
F1 Northwest Territories Resident  Must have a valid NWT address  $10.76 $0.54 $11.30 Season 
F2 Resident Canadian Must have a valid Canadian address $21.51 $1.07 $22.58 Season
F3 Non-resident Does not have a valid NWT or Canadian address $43.03 $2.15 $45.18 Season
F4 NWT Resident and Resident Canadian over 65 years of age Must have a valid Canadian address AND must be 65 years of age or older Free In order to fish in the Great Bear Lake Special area, you must obtain the Great Bear Lake Special Management license. It is important to note that there will be a fee associated with obtaining this license, even if the standard permit itself is free of charge. Season
F5 NWT Resident and Resident Canadian person under 16 years of Age (Special Management Area) Must have a valid Canadian address AND must be 16 years of age or younger Free Season
F8 Beneficiary  F8 is specific only to the Inuvialuit Settlement region Free  
F6 3-day Resident Canadian Must have a valid Canadian address $16.14 $0.81 $16.95 3 days
F7 3 day Non-resident Does not have a valid Canadian address $32.27 $1.61 $33.88 3 day
F9 1-day Resident Canadian  Must have a valid NWT address  $10.76 $0.54 $11.30 1 day
F10 1-day Non-Resident  Does not have a valid Canadian address $10.76 $0.54 $11.30 1 day
M1 Great Bear Lake Special Management  If wanting to fish in Great Bear Lake Special area – print free standard licence AND charge for GBLSM licence. $10.76 $0.54 $11.30 Special
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NWT Sport Fishing Regulations Guide

Information on fish species, daily catch and possession limits, general regulations and additional validation and special management areas in the NWT are listed in the NWT Sport Fishing Regulations Guide. 

Copies are available online, from your local or regional Environment and Climate Change office as well as Service TNO and other locations that sell fishing licences.

Keep the guide in your tackle box for a quick reference while fishing in the NWT.

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Daily catch and possession limits

You will find in the guide, the chart of daily catch and possession limits by type of fish. Print it and bring it with you.

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Important tips

Remember these important tips when fishing:

  • Have your fishing licence with you at all times.
  • Use barbless hooks; they are mandatory for sport fishing in the NWT.
  • Stay within daily catch and possession limit.
  • Stay safe: practice safe boating, make sure all campfires are completely out before leaving and be bear aware.
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Arsenic in the environment around Yellowknife

Arsenic is found at naturally low levels in the water of many NWT rivers and lakes. However, past gold mining activities have resulted in additional quantities of arsenic being released in the immediate environment surrounding the City of Yellowknife.

The Department of Health and Social Services has released a precautionary public health advisoy for arsenic in lakes around Yellowknife. Please visit Arsenic in Lake Water Around Yellowknife for the most up-to-date information.

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Fishing in National Protected Areas

A separate fishing permit is required to fish inside the boundaries of National Wildlife Areas. Permits are subject to review and are not guaranteed. You can request a permit by emailing CWSPermitNorth@ec.gc.ca. It is recommended to apply early to allow time for review, as permits are not guaranteed. For more information, visit www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/national-wildlife-areas/locations/edehzhie.html.

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Need more information?

For more information regarding daily catch and possesion limits, or any questions about fishing regulations:

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