It will cost you a little bit more to buy a freshwater fishing licence in British Columbia this year.

The province says fees will increase by 9.9 per cent for the 2023-24 licence year, with another 4 per cent increase for the 2024-25 licence year. That means the annual basic licence for adults will cost $39.56 in 2023, up from the current $36.

it will then cost $41.15 in 2024.

“Freshwater angling fees in British Columbia have not increased since 2003, and 100 per cent of the revenue goes toward funding programs run by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC and the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation,” the province said, in a news release.

“Both organizations work to support the management of fisheries, habitats and angler opportunities within the province. These increases are anticipated to infuse additional funding to the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC and the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, helping them continue to deliver the conservation services they provide to British Columbians.”

Annual licences are valid from April 1 to March 31 of the following year.