Official MFFP fees

Quebec fishing license — prices, types, exemptions

2026-2027 cycle, in force April 1, 2026

In Quebec a valid fishing permit is mandatory to fish — including catch-and-release — with a few exemptions for minors, seniors and specific zones. Permits are issued by the Quebec government and run April 1 to March 31. Standard sport-fishing permits cover all species EXCEPT Atlantic salmon, which requires a separate permit.

In short

A Quebec fishing license costs $26.73 for a resident (annual, under 65), $21.21 for ages 65+, and $95.68 for a non-resident. It is mandatory from age 18, valid April 1 to March 31, and can be bought online on Mon dossier chasse et pêche or from an authorized retailer.

Buy a permit online

Resident — sport fishing (except Atlantic salmon)

Annual (under 65)26,73 $
Annual (65+)21,21 $
3 consecutive days15,30 $
Mandatory catch-and-release15,30 $

Non-resident — sport fishing

Annual95,68 $
7 consecutive days57,67 $
3 consecutive days38,36 $
1 day22,36 $
Mandatory catch-and-release37,52 $

Resident — Atlantic salmon

Annual (4 tags)59,76 $
3 days (small salmon only)26,04 $
Mandatory catch-and-release26,04 $

Non-resident — Atlantic salmon

Annual (4 tags)191,72 $
3 consecutive days51,08 $
Mandatory catch-and-release51,08 $

Replacement permit (lost/damaged): $7.15

Who does NOT need a permit

Quebec residents in any of these cases do not need a sport fishing permit:

  • Under 18 with "Pêche en herbe" or "Relève à la pêche" certificate (Atlantic salmon must be released)
  • During the annual Fête de la pêche (Fishing Festival, first weekend of June)
  • Fishing non-salmon species in zone 21 and the part of zone 1 below Route 132 (excluding Sainte-Flavie to Matapédia)
  • Fishing smelt and Atlantic tomcod in the St. Lawrence River downstream of the Laviolette Bridge
  • Fishing freshwater crustaceans (e.g. crayfish)
  • Fishing in designated ponds or the 3 federal national parks (Forillon, Mingan Archipelago, Mauricie)

Where to buy

Two main channels:

  • Online via Mon dossier chasse et pêche (signed digitally)mondossierchassepeche.gouv.qc.ca
  • Authorized retailers — Canadian Tire, SAIL, Latulippe, dépanneurs near lakes, dedicated fishing shops

Validity & required documents

  • Annual permits: April 1 to March 31 of the following year
  • Multi-day permits: only the consecutive dates chosen at purchase
  • Salmon permits: expire end of salmon season or when the 4 tags are used
  • Non-transferable — must be signed by the holder
  • Carry your permit AND a government photo ID at all times — both must be shown on demand to a wildlife officer

Atlantic salmon: separate permit required, max 4 salmon per year (April-March cycle).

Minors fishing

Children under 18 can fish under the supervision of a parent or guardian who holds a valid permit (their catch counts toward the adult's daily limit), or fish for free with a "Pêche en herbe" / "Relève à la pêche" certificate (any Atlantic salmon caught must be released).

Quebec fishing license — frequently asked questions

How much does a Quebec fishing license cost in 2026?

A Quebec sport fishing license costs $26.73 for a resident (annual, under 65), $21.21 for ages 65+, and $15.30 for 3 days. For a non-resident: $95.68 (annual), $57.67 (7 days) or $22.36 (1 day). The Atlantic salmon permit is separate ($59.76 resident, $191.72 non-resident).

Do you need a license to fish in Quebec?

Yes. A valid fishing license is mandatory in Quebec for anyone 18 and older, including catch-and-release. A few exemptions apply: under 18, the Fishing Festival (first weekend of June), and certain zones or species.

Where can you buy a Quebec fishing license?

Online on the Mon dossier chasse et pêche portal (mondossierchassepeche.gouv.qc.ca), or in person from an authorized retailer: Canadian Tire, SAIL, Latulippe, dépanneurs near lakes and dedicated fishing shops.

At what age is a fishing license required in Quebec?

At 18. Under-18s can fish without a license under the supervision of a licensed adult, or with the "Pêche en herbe" certificate.

Is a Quebec fishing license valid everywhere?

The standard sport-fishing license is valid in all Quebec zones for every species EXCEPT Atlantic salmon, which needs a separate permit. Some zones and reserves also have special rules — always check your zone's regulations.

When is a Quebec fishing license valid?

The annual license runs April 1 to March 31 of the following year. Multi-day licenses only cover the consecutive dates chosen at purchase. The salmon permit expires at season's end or once the 4 tags are used.

Is a Quebec fishing license free (seniors)?

It is not free for seniors: those 65 and older pay a reduced $21.21 (instead of $26.73). Fishing is free only in specific cases: under-18s, during the Fishing Festival (first weekend of June), and a few exempt zones or species.

Is there a family fishing license in Quebec?

There is no single "family license": every adult 18 and older needs their own. However, children under 18 can fish for free under the supervision of an adult who holds a valid license, with no license in their own name.

Can a tourist or non-resident buy a Quebec fishing license online?

Yes. Non-residents and tourists (including from the US) can buy their license online on Mon dossier chasse et pêche and print it immediately, or buy it from an authorized retailer on arrival. Non-resident prices: $95.68 (annual), $57.67 (7 days), $22.36 (1 day).

Is a Quebec fishing license valid in Ontario?

No. A Quebec license is only valid in Quebec; to fish in Ontario or New Brunswick you need that province's license. On some boundary waters (Ottawa River, Lake St-François) reciprocity agreements apply — check the rules specific to that water body.

Official sources

Prices may change at the start of each fiscal year (April 1). Verify current price on the official portal before buying.