# FishingBC > Official British Columbia tidal fishing license and catch logging app. (iPhone/iPad app by Sport Fishing Institute of BC.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fishingbc/id1202047514 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Sport Fishing Institute of BC](https://appshunter.io/developer/1202047513) - Category: Sports - Price: Free - Rating: 4.60/5 from 72 App Store ratings · 79 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 15.0 · 155 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2017-03-13 - Data updated: 2026-09-02 - Monetization: free - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fishingbc/id1202047514/reviews.md ## What is FishingBC? NEW & IMPROVED FOR SPRING 2026! FishingBC is the official app for tidal (saltwater) fishing in British Columbia, created by the Sport Fishing Institute of BC with support from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and the Pacific Salmon Foundation. Features: • Now the FishingBC app replaces the need to carry a paper licence! After linking it with your BC Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence, the FishingBC app allows you to permanently record, store, and display mandatory catch information including for Chinook salmon, halibut, and lingcod, as well as provide proof of your current, valid licence. • Up-to-date, easy-to-view official regulations including closures and contamination areas. • Updated catch log and species ID to identify and record your catch and access your historical catch data. • Certified Tidal Angling Guides (CTAG) can now easily complete DFO catch log requirements. • UBC Enhanced Catch Log provides additional Chinook and Coho catch log information to University of British Columbia researchers. • Current, location-based weather forecasts including marine synopsis. ## Key features - Digital fishing license storage - Mandatory catch recording - Official regulation updates - Species identification and logging - Location-based weather forecasts - Certified guide logbook functionality ## What do users think of FishingBC? Overall sentiment: positive **Pros** - 👍 Easy to use - 💡 Comprehensive information - 🗺️ Useful map feature - ✅ Clear regulations - 📱 Digital license - 🚀 Fast and efficient - 🎯 Accurate data (mostly) - 🤝 Good collaboration with DFO - ✨ Best app encountered - ✅ One-stop shop for fishing needs - 👍 Well-executed app - 👍 Great for tidal water fishing - 👍 Informative - 👍 User-friendly - 👍 Great job by developers - 👍 Makes regulations easier to understand - 👍 Syncs regularly for updates - 👍 Helpful for checking regulations - 👍 Good for managing tidal water license and catches - 👍 Great resource - 👍 Makes fishing information accessible - 👍 Time saver compared to DFO web pages - 👍 Convenient - 👍 Updated regs - 👍 Good for planning - 👍 Updated information on areas for fishing - 👍 Good to have on boat - 👍 Daily updates for fishing regs - 👍 Easy to find fishing areas - 👍 Quick response from support - 👍 Works great after updates - 👍 Vital information on the go - 👍 Must have for fishermen - 👍 Good functionality - 👍 Easy to scan license - 👍 Quick and easy to use - 👍 Super easy to use - 👍 Intuitive with clean layout - 👍 Finally all fishing info in one app - 👍 Easier to find fishing limits **Cons** - 🐛 Inaccurate closures/openings - 🐛 Incomplete regulations (e.g., max size) - 🐛 Catch log portal displays productive areas - 🐛 Unable to register account (verification email) - 🐛 Pop-up salmon facts annoying - 🐛 Pop-up tips annoying - 🐛 Corrupted data requiring re-download - 🐛 Species ID not always accurate (e.g., all salmon as chinook) - 🐛 Maps are terrible/difficult to discern boundaries - 🐛 Maps not detailed enough/zoom issues - 🐛 Confusing and hard to understand regulations - 🐛 Regulations are chopped up - 🐛 Difficult to understand sub-area regulations - 🐛 Missing info on legal transport/packaging of catch - 🐛 Dead link for AI species identification - 🐛 Boundary map could be better/zoom needed - 🐛 Prawn opening times confusion - 🐛 Rockfish identification needs improvement - 🐛 Species identification generic - 🐛 Bio toxin reports outdated - 🐛 Regulation changes not always timely in app - 🐛 Seasonal changes not communicated ahead - 🐛 Rockfish Conservation Area maps vague/poor resolution - 🐛 Sub-area closures unclear - 🐛 Needs live GPS map with boundaries - 🐛 Crab fishing regulations info lacking - 🐛 Useless without internet/account - 🐛 Requires internet connection - 🐛 Confusing shellfish biotoxin report - 🐛 Regulations can be inaccurate - 🐛 Species ID needs work - 🐛 Hatchery identification missing - 🐛 Needs more detailed and useful maps - 🐛 App is confusing - 🐛 Regulations are hard to understand - 🐛 Needs to be easier to understand for responsible fishing - 🐛 Unable to link BC gov account - 🐛 Wrong regs for area 14 - 🐛 Species ID needs improvement - 🐛 Map feature needs improvement - 🐛 GPS overlays would be useful - 🐛 Offline use not described well - 🐛 Max size for halibut not listed - 🐛 Some fishermen gun shy about using it due to catch log portal - 🐛 Unnecessary addition in catch log portal - 🐛 Needs to be spot on with closures/limitations - 🐛 Needs better maps - 🐛 Needs RCA and sponge reef on maps - 🐛 Needs more detailed area maps - 🐛 Needs to be able to zoom into area maps - 🐛 Needs to check tides - 🐛 Needs to communicate seasonal changes ahead - 🐛 Needs scaleable maps - 🐛 Needs clearer sub-area closures - 🐛 Needs live, zoomable, GPS enabled map - 🐛 Needs alarm for drifting into new areas with different regs - 🐛 Crab sizes/limits unclear - 🐛 Shellfish biotoxin report conflicts - 🐛 Does not trust app for regulations - 🐛 Lacks info about crab fishing regulations **Commonly reported bugs** - Unable to register account (verification email not received) - Corrupted data requiring re-download - Dead link for AI species identification - Species ID not always accurate - Maps are terrible/difficult to discern boundaries - Maps not detailed enough/zoom issues - Rockfish identification needs improvement - Species identification generic - Regulation changes not always timely in app - Seasonal changes not communicated ahead - Rockfish Conservation Area maps vague/poor resolution - Sub-area closures unclear - Crab sizes/limits unclear - Shellfish biotoxin report conflicts - Wrong regs for area 14 - Unable to link BC gov account - Catch log portal displays productive areas - Pop-up salmon facts annoying - Pop-up tips annoying - Max size for halibut not listed - Some fishermen gun shy about using it due to catch log portal - Unnecessary addition in catch log portal - Needs to be spot on with closures/limitations - Needs better maps - Needs RCA and sponge reef on maps - Needs more detailed area maps - Needs to be able to zoom into area maps - Needs to check tides - Needs to communicate seasonal changes ahead - Needs scaleable maps - Needs clearer sub-area closures - Needs live, zoomable, GPS enabled map - Needs alarm for drifting into new areas with different regs - Needs to be easier to understand for responsible fishing - App is confusing - Regulations are hard to understand - Requires internet connection - Useless without internet/account - Does not trust app for regulations - Lacks info about crab fishing regulations **Most requested features** - Add freshwater license - Add juvenile license and catch log data - Ability to add multiple licenses - Add hunting app - Improve species identification - Add hatchery identification - Include bio toxin reports from past years or remove - Add tide charts - Add live GPS map with boundaries - Make map zoomable and GPS enabled - Overlay fishing boundaries on map - Click on map boundary to see summary - Sound alarm if boat drifts into new area with different regs - Add crab fishing regulations information - Add RCA and sponge reef to maps - Add more detailed and useful maps - Improve map resolution and zoom capabilities - Add ability to toggle between sub-area regulations and map easily - Map should remember previous settings or allow default layers - Better description of offline use - Clearer guidance on legal transport and packaging of catch - Add dark mode option - Add advanced analytics dashboard - Add freshwater licenses integration - Add prawn opening map (green open, red closed) - Add ability to zoom in on boundary maps - Add ability to see seasonal changes ahead of time - Add ability to see sub-area closures more clearly - Add ability to see crab sizes and limits - Add shellfish biotoxin report clarity - Add ability to manage dependants licenses and catch ## Recent user reviews (10 of 79) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fishingbc/id1202047514/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Easy to use *2026-08-07* Great map function for the fishing areas including use my location. Easy to find the local regulations and report a catch. ### 5/5 — Very handy *2026-07-23* The regs are so complex that an app like this helps a lot. ### 5/5 — Awesome *2026-07-12* This app is awesome. It is user friendly. You will enjoy discovering it. ### 5/5 — Great app *2026-07-01* Useful, handy and easy to use ### 4/5 — Add freshwater licence!!!! Please *2026-05-31* Wish it could hold freshwater license too. Why wouldn’t it? Right? Like, I feel like I’m taking CRAZY pills… ### 5/5 — Great app *2026-05-23* These government funded apps are always BS, but someone clearly has put proper resources and thought into this one. Whatever is being done please keep doing it, this thing is great. ### 1/5 — WARNING *2026-05-16* The app is not monitoring closures/openings correctly, especially when it comes to shellfish. following the apps open/closure information and catch limits can result in SEVERE fines, seizure of property (your boat) and fishing prohibition if you run into an officer, as they don’t care at all if you’re using the app, even though it’s supposedly made in collaboration with the DFO using their data. ### 4/5 — Enjoying the app, but a few suggestions *2026-04-09* I’m really liking this fishing bc app for its species id, regulations by area (although some are incomplete ie max size for halibut is not listed as far as I found) and easy catch log. I do have a feeling some fisherman are gun shy about using it since it publicly displays which areas are most productive at any one time in the catch log portal. I feel like that’s an unnecessary addition that will scare off the majority of Cagey fisherman from using the app and deprive dfo of potentially useful data. Hopefully removing that is considered for a future update otherwise great first month with the app. ### 5/5 — Good App *2026-04-03* Easy to use ### 5/5 — Wow! *2026-03-27* Best app I've come across in years. These guys rock! All the stuff any fisher wants and it's at your fingertips. Amazing! Well done!!! ## Frequently asked questions about FishingBC ### What does the FishingBC app do? The FishingBC app is the official digital tool for tidal (saltwater) fishing in British Columbia. It replaces the need for a paper license by allowing you to store your BC Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence digitally. You can also use it to record mandatory catch information for various species and access up-to-date regulations and marine weather forecasts. ### How do I use my fishing license with the app? After obtaining your BC Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence, you can link it with the FishingBC app. This allows the app to permanently store and display your license, providing proof of its validity directly from your device. ### Can I record my catches in the app? Yes, the app allows you to permanently record and store mandatory catch information, including details for Chinook salmon, halibut, and lingcod. It also features an updated catch log and species ID to help you identify and record your catches, as well as access your historical catch data. ### Is the FishingBC app free to use? Yes, the FishingBC app is provided free of charge. It is the official app for tidal fishing in British Columbia, created with support from various governmental and foundational bodies. ### What kind of regulations and information can I find in the app? The app provides up-to-date, easy-to-view official regulations, including information on fishing closures and contamination areas. It also offers current, location-based weather forecasts with marine synopses to help plan your fishing trips safely. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 2.7.8 — 2026-08-09 Tweaks to the iREC status display and the layers in the map. ### 2.7.7 — 2026-05-22 iREC information — The app now includes information about the Internet Recreational Effort and Catch (iREC) reporting program. You'll be reminded when you have a survey coming up, when your reporting period is active, and when you are able to complete your survey. Boundary Maps — Updated conservation area / boundary map images. New Season — New Salmon Conservation Stamp artwork for the 2026-27 season. Miscellaneous — Bug fixes and other performance and stability improvements. ### 2.7.6 — 2026-04-10 iREC information — The app now includes information about the Internet Recreational Effort and Catch (iREC) reporting program. You'll be reminded when you have a survey coming up, when your reporting period is active, and when you are able to complete your survey. Boundary Maps — Updated conservation area / boundary map images. New Season — New Salmon Conservation Stamp artwork for the 2026-27 season. Miscellaneous — Bug fixes and other performance and stability improvements. ### 2.7.5 — 2026-04-01 iREC information — The app now includes information about the Internet Recreational Effort and Catch (iREC) reporting program. You'll be reminded when you have a survey coming up, when your reporting period is active, and when you are able to complete your survey. Boundary Maps — Updated conservation area / boundary map images. New Season — New Salmon Conservation Stamp artwork for the 2026-27 season. Miscellaneous — Bug fixes and other performance and stability improvements. ### 2.7.4 — 2026-03-27 iREC information — The app now includes information about the Internet Recreational Effort and Catch (iREC) reporting program. You'll be reminded when you have a survey coming up, when your reporting period is active, and when you are able to complete your survey. Boundary Maps — Updated conservation area / boundary map images. New Season — New Salmon Conservation Stamp artwork for the 2026-27 season. Miscellaneous — Bug fixes and other performance and stability improvements. ## Apps similar to FishingBC | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [RAMP GameSheets](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ramp-gamesheets/id1525405432) | 4.4 (12) | Free | Sports | | [Hockey Canada Network](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hockey-canada-network/id1040578840) | 2.6 (5) | Free | Sports | | [iHunter](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ihunter/id570558600) | 4.8 (341) | Free | Sports | | [Spordle](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/spordle/id6741865117) | 3.0 (2) | Free | Sports | | [SK Hunt & Fish](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/sk-hunt-and-fish/id1547750230) | 4.9 (56) | Free | Sports | | [FishAngler: Fishing App](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fishangler-fishing-app/id1073941118) | 4.8 (13,740) | Free | Sports | ## Related topics [sport fishing institute of bc](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/sport-fishing-institute-of-bc) · [the history of sportfishing](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/the-history-of-sportfishing) · [bc services](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/bc-services) · [bclubber](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/bclubber) · [cgt alkor](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/cgt-alkor) · [sinch](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/sinch) --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-02.*