Yukon Fishing Licence (2026)
Complete guide to Yukon fishing licence costs in 2026. Learn about Alaska resident pricing, Salmon Conservation Catch Cards, Chinook salmon restrictions, and remote wilderness fishing.
Quick Answer
A Yukon fishing licence costs $17.99 for residents. Children under 16 can fish without a licence in the Yukon. Youth must still carry a Salmon Conservation Catch Card when fishing for salmon. Purchase online at Yukon Fishing Licence.
Overview
The Yukon offers true wilderness fishing in some of Canada's most remote and pristine waters. Famous for Arctic grayling, lake trout, and northern pike, the territory extends resident pricing to Alaska residents through a reciprocal agreement. Salmon Conservation Catch Cards are required (and not free) for tracking catches along the Yukon River system. Note: Chinook salmon fishing is currently suspended under a 7-year Canada-US conservation agreement.
Licence Prices
Current prices for Yukon fishing licences (April 1 to March 31).
| Licence Type | Yukon/Alaska Resident | Canadian Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season | $17.99 CAD | $29.98 CAD | $41.97 CAD |
| 6-Day | — | $17.99 CAD | $23.98 CAD |
| 1-Day | — | $11.99 CAD | $11.99 CAD |
| Salmon Catch Card (Season) | $11.99 CAD | $17.99 CAD | $23.98 CAD |
| Salmon Catch Card (6-Day) | — | $11.99 CAD | $17.99 CAD |
| Salmon Catch Card (1-Day) | — | $5.99 CAD | $5.99 CAD |
Salmon fishing requires an additional Salmon Conservation Catch Card (not free — prices vary by residency). Catch Card valid April 1 to November 30. Yukon First Nation, Tetlit Gwich'in, and Inuvialuit citizens/members may receive a free licence.
Age Exemptions
Youth (Under 16)
Children under 16 can fish without a licence in the Yukon. Youth must still carry a Salmon Conservation Catch Card when fishing for salmon.
Seniors (65+)
Yukon residents 65 and older can fish for free.
How to Get Your Yukon Fishing Licence
Purchase Online or In Person
Buy online at yukon.ca or at authorized vendors in Whitehorse and communities across the Yukon. Licences for the 2025-2026 season became available March 17, 2025.
Get Salmon Catch Card
If you plan to fish for salmon (excluding kokanee or stocked fish), purchase a Salmon Conservation Catch Card. This is a separate purchase — season cards cost $11.99 for Yukon/Alaska residents, $17.99 for Canadian residents, and $23.98 for non-residents.
Know the Regulations
The Yukon Fishing Regulations Summary lists rules by water body. Note: Chinook (King) salmon fishing is currently suspended under a 7-year Canada-US agreement to protect declining populations.
Plan for Remote Access
Many Yukon fishing destinations require floatplane or boat access. Plan logistics carefully. Fishing in National Parks requires a separate National Park Fishing Licence.
Alaska Residents: Same Price as Yukon Locals
Yukon extends resident pricing to Alaska residents through a reciprocal agreement. If you live in Alaska, you pay the same $17.99 season licence as Yukon residents. Bring a current Alaska Resident Sport Fishing License and valid government-issued photo identification when purchasing. Similarly, Yukon residents can buy non-resident fishing licences in Alaska at the same cost as Alaska residents.
Salmon Conservation Catch Cards
The Yukon requires anglers to carry a Salmon Conservation Catch Card when fishing for salmon (excluding kokanee and stocked fish). Unlike some provinces, this card is not free — season cards range from $11.99 to $23.98 depending on residency. Cards are valid from April 1 to November 30. You must record each salmon caught, the species, location, and whether it was retained or released. This data helps manage salmon populations along the Yukon River system, one of the longest salmon migration routes in the world.
Chinook Salmon Fishing Suspension
Due to significant declines in Chinook (King) salmon populations, Canada and the United States have implemented a seven-year suspension of all commercial, recreational, and domestic fisheries for Canadian-origin Yukon River Chinook salmon. This applies regardless of run abundance and is aimed at protecting and aiding in the recovery of the species.
First Nations Fishing Rights
Citizens or members of a Yukon First Nation, the Tetlit Gwich'in, or the Inuvialuit may receive a Yukon fishing licence at no cost if they wish to harvest outside of a constitutionally protected right. Proof of eligibility is required.
2026 Regulation Updates
- 2025/2026 Yukon Fishing Regulations Summary effective April 1.
- Alaska resident reciprocal pricing continues.
- Salmon Conservation Catch Card fees updated April 1, 2025.
- Chinook (King) salmon 7-year fishing suspension continues (Canada-US agreement).
- Yukon First Nation, Tetlit Gwich'in, and Inuvialuit members eligible for free licences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Yukon fishing licence cost?
A Yukon/Alaska resident season licence costs $17.99. Canadian residents from other provinces pay $29.98, and non-residents pay $41.97. A 1-day licence is $11.99 for all non-Yukon visitors.
Do Alaska residents get discounted Yukon licences?
Yes. Alaska residents pay the same rate as Yukon residents ($17.99 season) through a reciprocal agreement. Bring a current Alaska Resident Sport Fishing License and valid photo ID when purchasing.
How much does a Salmon Conservation Catch Card cost?
The Salmon Conservation Catch Card is not free. Season cards cost $11.99 for Yukon/Alaska residents, $17.99 for Canadian residents, and $23.98 for non-residents. Daily and 6-day options are also available at lower prices.
Do seniors fish for free in the Yukon?
Yes. Yukon residents aged 65 and older can fish without purchasing a licence.
Can I fish for Chinook salmon in the Yukon?
Currently, no. A 7-year suspension on all fisheries for Canadian-origin Yukon River Chinook salmon is in effect under a Canada-US agreement. This applies to commercial, recreational, and domestic fishing regardless of run abundance.
What fish can I catch in the Yukon?
The Yukon is renowned for Arctic grayling, lake trout, northern pike, and inconnu (sheepfish). Note that Chinook (King) salmon fishing is currently suspended. Wilderness fly-in fishing is a highlight.