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So, you’re gearing up for a guided fishing adventure in Manitoba—home to legendary waters teeming with monster walleye, giant lake trout, and hard-fighting northern pike. It’s the kind of trip anglers dream about. But before you start casting, there’s one essential step: getting your fishing license.
Navigating license rules can feel complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. This guide breaks down everything you need to know for the 2025-2026 season, from costs and where to buy your license to the key rules you’ll need to follow on a guided trip.
Manitoba Fishing License Costs for Guided Trips (2025-2026)
Manitoba’s license fees depend on whether you’re a resident of the province, a resident of another part of Canada, or visiting from another country. The angling season runs from May 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026.
Most anglers on guided trips purchase a Conservation Licence, which promotes sustainable fishing by allowing for a reduced limit of fish you can keep. All prices below are in Canadian dollars (CAD) and include taxes and administration fees.
| License Type | Manitoba Resident | Canadian Resident | Non-Canadian Resident |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Conservation Licence | $13.50 | $17.80 | $25.50 |
| Annual Conservation Licence | $28.75 | $44.00 | $65.00 |
| National Parks Daily Permit | $10.75 | $10.75 | $10.75 |
| National Parks Annual Permit | $37.25 | $37.25 | $37.25 |
A key thing to remember is that a standard provincial license is not valid inside Riding Mountain or Wapusk National Parks. If your trip takes you into a national park, you will need to purchase a separate National Park Fishing Permit. Always check with your guide to see which licenses are included in your package.
Who Actually Needs a License?
The general rule in Manitoba is that anyone aged 16 or older must have a valid fishing license with them while fishing. However, there are a few important exceptions:
- Youth Under 16: Canadian residents under 16 can fish without a license, but they must share the catch limit of the licensed adult they are with. If they want to keep their own limit of fish, they will need to purchase a license.
- Manitoba Seniors: Residents of Manitoba who are 65 or older can get a free Resident Seniors Conservation Licence.
- Active Military & Veterans: Manitoba residents who are active members or veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces can fish without a license but must carry proof of service.
- Status Indians: Individuals with status under Canada’s Indian Act do not need a provincial angling license to fish for food.
How to Buy Your Manitoba Fishing License
Getting your license is simple, and you have a few convenient options to choose from.
- Online: The fastest and easiest way is through the official Manitoba eLicensing website. You can buy it from home before your trip and save a digital copy to your phone or print it out.
- From Your Guide or Lodge: Most outfitters and lodges can sell you a license directly when you arrive or include it in your trip package. This is often the simplest choice for a guided trip.
- In-Person: Licenses are sold at hundreds of locations across the province, including tackle shops, hardware stores, and retailers like Cabela’s.
Key Rules to Know for Your Guided Trip
Your guide will keep you on the right side of the law, but you are also responsible for knowing the basic rules. Breaking them can result in hefty fines and ruin a great trip.
- Use Barbless Hooks: In Manitoba, all hooks must be barbless. This means the barb is either manufactured without one or has been pinched completely flat against the hook’s shaft. This is a critical rule for protecting fish and making catch-and-release more effective. For more tips, check out our guide on proper catch-and-release techniques.
- Follow Bait Restrictions: To stop the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) like zebra mussels, you cannot bring any live bait into Manitoba. All bait must be purchased from a licensed dealer within the province and be disposed of properly.
- Respect Catch Limits: Every lake and river has specific limits on the number and size of fish you can legally keep. A Conservation Licence has lower limits than a regular one. Your guide will know the exact regulations for the waters you’re fishing.
For a complete breakdown of all regulations, you can review the official 2025 Manitoba Angler’s Guide online.
What About Free Fishing Weekends?
Manitoba hosts two Free Family Fishing Weekends each year, where anyone can fish without a license (though all other rules still apply).
- Winter 2026: February 14–16
- Summer 2026: June 6–8
While this is a great opportunity for a casual day on the water, it’s unlikely to line up with a planned guided expedition.
Getting your license is a small but vital part of your fishing adventure. It’s your contribution to keeping Manitoba’s fisheries healthy and world-class for years to come. Now, all that’s left to do is get out there and enjoy the trip of a lifetime.
