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.
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)
How much does it cost?
Fishing licence fees are different, depending on whether you live in the NWT, Canada or elsewhere.
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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 |
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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 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
- Information on legacy arsenic monitoring, fishing and health advisories in the Yellowknife area
- Brochure - Arsenic in the Environment Around Yellowknife
Need more information?
For more information regarding daily catch and possesion limits, or any questions about fishing regulations:
- NWT Sport Fishing Regulations Guide
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada local office
- Environment and Climate Change local office