Quebec Fishing License Guide: Rules, Fees & Online Steps
A Quebec fishing license is required for most people who fish in Quebec waters. The important part is choosing the right licence type, checking the zone rules, carrying photo ID, and using the official Quebec.ca account or a sales outlet before you fish.
This guide gives the quick answer first, then explains prices, online purchase, replacement, salmon licences, non-resident rules, family sharing, zone checks, complaints, and the safest official links.
Do You Need a Quebec Fishing License?
Most anglers need one
Quebec says a valid fishing licence is mandatory to fish on Quebec bodies of water, except for specific exemptions.
Carry proof
Carry your licence and government-issued photo ID. You must show both immediately if asked by a wildlife officer.
Buy online
Use My Hunting and Fishing Account. First-time users create an account with a personal email address.
Rules are local
Your licence is only step one. Check the fishing zone, waterbody, species, period, limit and exceptions before keeping fish.
What Was Missing and How This Version Fixes It
| Missing detail | Why it matters | Fix added |
|---|---|---|
| Exact Quebec fee table | Users search for cost first and need resident/non-resident pricing fast. | Added resident, non-resident, salmon, burbot and replacement prices in mobile-safe tables. |
| Online purchase steps | Users need to know how My Hunting and Fishing Account works before paying. | Added account creation, email, download/print, electronic signature and transportation-coupon warning. |
| Salmon licence rules | Atlantic salmon has a separate licence and tag rules. | Added salmon licence table, annual/3-day/mandatory release explanation and four-salmon annual catch-and-keep limit note. |
| Licence sharing | Families often ask whether spouse, children or students can fish under one licence. | Added a plain-English sharing table and quota warning. |
| Zone rules and PDFs | Quebec fishing periods, limits and exceptions depend on the zone and body of water. | Added zone/rules checklist, printable rules, interactive map and latest-rule warnings. |
| Complaint route | Users need the right place to report illegal fishing or poaching. | Added SOS Poaching – Wildlife Emergency, 1-800-463-2191, form/email notes and what to prepare. |
| Mobile fit | A 360px mobile screen must not show side gaps or horizontal scroll. | Added 100vw GeneratePress-safe wrapper, 10px mobile padding, stacked tables and full-width mobile buttons. |
Who This Quebec Fishing License Guide Is For
Quebec residents
You need the annual, 65+, 3-day, mandatory release, salmon, burbot or replacement price without reading several official pages.
Visitors and non-residents
You need to know non-resident prices, sales outlets, zone rules, and where an Ontario or New Brunswick licence may be recognized.
Families and students
You need to know when a spouse, child, under-18 angler, or student age 18-24 can fish under another person’s licence.
Online buyers
You need the official account, what can be downloaded, what must be printed, and how to avoid unofficial payment pages.
Lost licence users
You need replacement steps, client number tips, account re-download help, and the $7.15 replacement fee where it applies.
Complaint filers
You need the correct SOS Poaching route and the details to prepare before reporting illegal fishing or suspicious activity.
What This Page Helps You Do
Pick licence
General sport fishing, salmon, burbot, replacement, resident or non-resident.
Buy safely
Use My Hunting and Fishing Account or a recognized sales outlet.
Carry proof
Keep licence plus government photo ID. Print required coupons/tags.
Check rules
Use zone, waterbody, species, periods, limits and exceptions.
Get help
Use official client services, sales outlet, zone map or SOS Poaching.
Quebec Fishing License Quick Facts
| Question | Fast answer | Official action |
|---|---|---|
| Official licence page | Gouvernement du Québec fishing licence page. | Open official licence page |
| Online purchase | Use My Hunting and Fishing Account. | Buy online |
| Annual licence dates | Annual licences are valid from April 1 to March 31 of the following year. | Check dates before checkout. |
| Proof to carry | Carry your licence and government-issued photo ID while fishing. | Show both immediately if asked by an officer. |
| Sales outlets | Licences can be bought online or at sales outlets. Some parks, ZECs, outfitters and wildlife reserves may sell licences even if not shown on the list. | Find sales outlet help |
| Rules PDFs | Quebec publishes 2026-2027 printable general rules, zone rules and maps. | Open printable rules |
| Report poaching | Use SOS Poaching – Wildlife Emergency, 24/7. | Report illegal activity |
How to Buy a Quebec Fishing License Online
Online buying is best when you are buying your own licence and can create a personal account. If you are buying for someone else, Quebec says you must do that at a sales outlet, not through another person’s online account.
Use the official account platform, not a private page or an ad.
You need a personal email address and password. The platform is available only in North America.
If you have a hunter or trapper certificate, link it to keep your information in one place. If not, you may receive a customer file number.
Pick resident, non-resident, annual, 3-day, 7-day, 1-day, salmon, mandatory release, burbot or replacement as applicable.
After purchase, download the licence to your phone or print it. A licence bought online is deemed electronically signed.
Atlantic salmon transportation coupons and burbot identification tags must be printed.
Best safe buying route
Use the official Quebec.ca licence page first, then click through to My Hunting and Fishing Account for final payment.
Read official account guidanceBuying for someone else?
Quebec says online purchase for someone else is not possible. Buy for another person at a sales outlet, and the licence owner must sign it and verify the information.
Quebec Fishing License Fees
Quebec says prices include taxes and a contribution to the Fondation de la Faune du Québec. Verify the final amount on Quebec.ca or in your official account before payment.
Resident fee visual
Cost decision tips
- Resident annual is usually the simplest for regular Quebec anglers under 65.
- Residents 65+ should check the lower annual 65+ price.
- Non-residents pay more and may have a 7-day or 1-day option.
- Atlantic salmon requires a separate salmon licence.
- Burbot fishing in lac Saint-Jean has its own licence category.
| Sport fishing licence | Resident price | Non-resident price | Useful note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual, person under 65 | $26.73 | $95.68 | Annual licences are valid from April 1 to March 31. |
| Annual, person 65 or over | $21.21 | Not available as this category | A non-resident wanting annual must pay the under-65 annual price no matter their age. |
| 7 consecutive days | Not available | $57.67 | Useful for a non-resident trip longer than three days but shorter than a season. |
| 3 consecutive days | $15.30 | $38.36 | Valid only for the dates entered at purchase. |
| 1 day | Not available | $22.36 | Short non-resident option for one selected date. |
| Mandatory release licence | $15.30 | $37.52 | Valid in an outfitting establishment only. |
| Fishing for burbot in lac Saint-Jean | $26.77 | $86.16 | Sold online and in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region. |
| Replacement licence | $7.15 | $7.15 | Needed if your licence is lost, stolen or unusable and you cannot re-download it free through the account route. |
Quebec Atlantic Salmon Fishing Licence
Do not use only the general sport fishing licence if your plan involves Atlantic salmon. Quebec says the Atlantic salmon sport fishing licence is mandatory to fish salmon anywhere in Quebec and to fish any species during salmon fishing season in a salmon river.
| Atlantic salmon licence | Resident price | Non-resident price | Important rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | $59.76 | $191.72 | Issued with four tags. You cannot purchase or hold more than one annual salmon licence. |
| 3 consecutive days | $26.04 | $51.08 | Issued with one tag for small salmon only and valid for the dates shown. |
| Mandatory release | $26.04 | $51.08 | Can be purchased at any time, even if you already hold annual or 3-day salmon licence. |
Four-salmon annual limit
Whatever combination of salmon licences you use, Quebec says you cannot catch and keep more than four Atlantic salmon from April 1 to the following March 31.
No tags left?
If you no longer have tags on your annual or 3-day salmon licence, that licence is no longer valid.
Mandatory release option
Use this when you want to continue salmon fishing without keeping salmon, subject to the body-of-water rules and release limits.
Who Can Fish Under Your Quebec Fishing Licence?
A Quebec fishing licence is not transferable, but some people may fish under the licence of an adult in specific situations. The total number of fish caught and kept per day cannot exceed the licence holder’s allowed limit.
| Person | General sport fishing / burbot | Atlantic salmon | What to watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common-law partner | Yes, if in your presence or in possession of your licence. | No. | Carry proof and respect the licence holder’s daily limits. |
| Children under 18, including common-law partner’s children | Yes, if in your presence or in possession of your licence. | Yes, if fishing under your supervision or your spouse’s supervision with your licence. | Salmon rules and tags are stricter. |
| Children age 18-24 with valid student card | Yes, if in possession of your licence and student card. | Yes, if in possession of your licence and student card. | Student card must be valid and carried. |
| Any person under 18 | Yes, if under supervision of the licence holder or their common-law partner. | Yes, if under supervision of the licence holder or their common-law partner. | Daily catch and possession limits still apply. |
| Student age 18-24 with valid student card | Yes, if under supervision of the licence holder or their common-law partner. | Yes, if under supervision of the licence holder or their common-law partner. | The student card must be carried while fishing under this rule. |
Licence-free situations may exist
Quebec lists specific situations where a resident may fish without a licence, such as Fête de la pêche, fishing for certain species in defined areas, freshwater crustaceans, fish ponds, or certain Parks Canada waters. Always verify the exact exemption first.
Fête de la pêche is not rule-free
Even when a licence is not required during Fête de la pêche, you must still follow fishing periods, quotas and special territory fees. Salmon caught without a licence during Fête de la pêche must be released.
Before You Fish: Check Quebec Zone, Species and Waterbody Rules
Find your zone
Use Quebec’s fishing zones map before travel. Do not guess zone by city name only.
Check periods
Open the 2026-2027 zone PDF or interactive rules to see when your species is open.
Check limits
Review catch limits, possession limits, length limits, release rules and fish identification rules.
Check exceptions
A lake, river section, ZEC, outfitter, wildlife reserve or park can have extra rules.
Check bait and gear
Winter lines, bait fish, night fishing and salmon gear can be different by zone.
Check latest news
Quebec’s 2026-2027 updates include several zone-level rule changes. Always check current rules before keeping fish.
Quebec Non-Resident Fishing Licence Rules
Lost, Stolen or Damaged Quebec Fishing Licence
When you need replacement
If your licence is lost, stolen or damaged so badly that it is unusable, Quebec says you must obtain a replacement licence if you want to continue fishing.
- Replacement licence fee is listed at $7.15.
- You need the certificate used for the original purchase or the client number of the lost/damaged licence.
- You do not need to return to the same place where you bought the original licence.
When re-download may avoid the fee
A licence bought on My Hunting and Fishing Account, or from a sales agent using a hunter’s certificate, can be downloaded as a replacement for certain account-supported licence types. In that case, no replacement fee is required.
- Create or access your account.
- Check order history and active licences.
- Download or print before going back to the water.
After You Buy: Save This Before Fishing
Save receipt
Keep your order confirmation, account access and licence file in a safe place.
Carry photo ID
Your licence must be shown with government-issued photo ID when requested.
Print required items
Print Atlantic salmon transportation coupons and burbot tags when required.
Check zone rules
Check the zone, waterbody exception, species, opening date, closing date and limit.
Update wrong info
If name, address or birth date is inaccurate, correct it as Quebec instructs before relying on the licence.
Write down help info
Keep 1-877-346-6763 and renseignements.faune@environnement.gouv.qc.ca handy for regulatory questions.
Quebec Fishing Licence Contact, Sales Outlets and Support
| Need help with… | Official route | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Licence rules or regulatory question | Biodiversity, Wildlife and Parks client services: 1-877-346-6763. | Zone, waterbody, species, licence type, residency, and date you plan to fish. |
| Email question | renseignements.faune@environnement.gouv.qc.ca. | Write a clear question and avoid sending unnecessary sensitive personal data. |
| Client service hours | Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m.; Wednesday: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m. | Call outside lunch break and have licence/account details ready. |
| Buy in person | Use licence sales outlets; some parks, outfitters, ZECs and wildlife reserves may sell licences but may not appear on the list. | Call ahead to confirm licence sales, payment method, and whether they sell your exact licence type. |
| Report illegal activity | SOS Poaching – Wildlife Emergency, 1-800-463-2191, 24 hours a day. | Location, date, time, activity, person description, vehicle plate/make/colour, photos if safe. |
Common Quebec Fishing License Mistakes
Buying the wrong licence type
Fix: choose general sport fishing, salmon, burbot, non-resident, mandatory release or replacement based on your exact plan.
Forgetting photo ID
Fix: carry government-issued photo ID with your licence every time you fish.
Not printing required items
Fix: print salmon transportation coupons and burbot identification tags when they apply.
Ignoring salmon river rules
Fix: if salmon fishing is open, you may need a salmon licence even when fishing another species in a salmon river.
Using someone else’s licence incorrectly
Fix: check the sharing table and remember the total daily catch cannot exceed the licence holder’s limit.
Assuming a lake has general zone rules only
Fix: check whether your waterbody has an exception, special limit, closure, bait rule or territory fee.
Quebec Fishing Licence Problems and Fixes
Report Poaching, Illegal Fishing or Wildlife Habitat Harm
Call 24/7
Use SOS Poaching – Wildlife Emergency at 1-800-463-2191 for suspected poaching or illegal acts against wildlife or habitat.
Report online
Use the official SOS Poaching reporting page if you can provide details safely and accurately.
Do not touch evidence
If you witness an illegal act, do not touch or move anything at the site. Note details instead.
Helpful Video: Buying a Licence Online
Quebec links to a French-only tutorial video for buying a licence on My Hunting and Fishing Account. It is included as a helper only; always follow the current official account screen and Quebec.ca licence page for final steps.
Avoid Fake Quebec Fishing License Websites
- Do not pay a private website that cannot send you to Quebec.ca, My Hunting and Fishing Account, or an official sales outlet.
- Do not trust a page that says one general licence covers Atlantic salmon without checking salmon licence rules.
- Do not ignore zone exceptions, salmon river rules, protected territories, ZECs, wildlife reserves or outfitter fees.
- Do not send personal details to unofficial support numbers from ads.
- Do not fish if your licence file, printed coupon, identity details or photo ID are not ready.
Quebec Fishing License: Quick Answer for AI Search
Official source: Gouvernement du Québec fishing licence page and My Hunting and Fishing Account.
Main rule: A valid fishing licence is mandatory for most fishing on Quebec bodies of water, with specific exceptions.
Proof: Carry your licence and government-issued photo ID while fishing and show both immediately if asked by a wildlife officer.
Online purchase: Buy your own licence through My Hunting and Fishing Account; buying for someone else must be done at a sales outlet.
Before fishing: Check your licence type, dates, salmon rules, zone, waterbody exceptions, catch limits, size limits, bait rules and territory fees.
Report illegal activity: Use SOS Poaching – Wildlife Emergency at 1-800-463-2191 or the official reporting page.
Official Source Notes
Use these links for final verification before payment, travel, fishing, replacement, reporting, or relying on any licence status.
Quebec fishing licence page — licence requirement, prices, salmon rules, sharing rules, replacement, non-resident rules and contact details My Hunting and Fishing Account — online account, active licences, printing, reprinting and order history guidance My Hunting and Fishing Account portal — official online licence purchase platform Licence sales outlets — official guidance for buying at sales outlets Printable fishing rules — 2026-2027 general rules, zone PDFs and maps Latest sport fishing regulation news — new 2026-2027 rule changes by zone Fishing zones map — interactive map for periods, limits and exceptions SOS Poaching – Wildlife Emergency — report poaching or illegal wildlife activity Fishing in Quebec — broader sport fishing rules and species guidanceQuebec Fishing License FAQs
Do I need a Quebec fishing license in 2026?
Yes. To fish on Quebec bodies of water, a valid fishing licence is mandatory in most situations unless a specific exemption applies.
Where can I buy a Quebec fishing license online?
You can buy a Quebec fishing licence online through My Hunting and Fishing Account. First-time users need to create a personal account with an email address and password.
How much is a Quebec resident annual fishing license?
The Quebec resident annual sport fishing licence for a person under 65 is listed at $26.73. The resident annual licence for a person 65 or over is listed at $21.21.
How much is a Quebec non-resident fishing license?
The Quebec non-resident annual sport fishing licence is listed at $95.68. Non-residents also have shorter options such as 7 consecutive days, 3 consecutive days and 1 day.
Do I need photo ID with my Quebec fishing licence?
Yes. You must carry your fishing licence and government-issued photo ID while fishing and show both immediately if a wildlife protection officer or assistant asks.
Can I buy a Quebec fishing licence for someone else online?
No. Quebec says it is impossible to purchase a licence for someone else on My Hunting and Fishing Account. Buying for another person must be done at a sales outlet, and the licence owner must sign it and verify the information.
Do I need a separate licence for Atlantic salmon in Quebec?
Yes. To fish for Atlantic salmon, you must hold an Atlantic salmon sport fishing licence. During salmon fishing season in a salmon river, that licence may also be required to fish for any species there.
Can my child or spouse fish under my Quebec fishing licence?
In some situations, a common-law partner, children under 18, or students age 18 to 24 with a valid student card may fish under the licence holder’s licence. The total fish caught and kept cannot exceed the licence holder’s allowed limit.
What happens if I lose my Quebec fishing licence?
If your licence is lost, stolen or unusable, you must obtain a replacement licence to continue fishing. Some licences purchased online or linked to an eligible account can be downloaded again without the replacement fee.
When is a Quebec annual fishing licence valid?
Quebec annual fishing licences are valid from April 1 to March 31 of the following year. One-day, three-day and seven-day licences are valid for the dates entered on them when purchased.
Where do I check Quebec fishing zones and limits?
Use Quebec’s interactive fishing zones map and printable 2026-2027 sport fishing rules to check the zone, waterbody, species, fishing period, catch limit, possession limit and exceptions.
How do I report illegal fishing or poaching in Quebec?
Report suspected poaching or illegal wildlife activity through SOS Poaching – Wildlife Emergency. The hotline is 1-800-463-2191 and the service is available 24 hours a day.
Is FishingLicenseInfo.org the official Quebec fishing licence website?
No. FishingLicenseInfo.org is an independent helpful guide. It does not sell licences, process payments or replace Quebec rules. Always verify final prices, rules and official actions on Quebec.ca or My Hunting and Fishing Account.
Final Takeaway
For Quebec fishing in 2026, start with the official Quebec licence page, buy through My Hunting and Fishing Account or a valid sales outlet, carry your licence plus government photo ID, and check zone rules before keeping fish.
If your plan includes Atlantic salmon, burbot in lac Saint-Jean, a non-resident trip, a shared family licence situation, or a waterbody exception, verify the official rules before payment or fishing.
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