Choose from a huge variety of stellar fishing locations in British Columbia. Plan a fishing trip to Pacific coast waters, flycast in a quiet mountain stream, or take a floatplane to a secluded lake. There are more than 20,000km/12,000mi of coastlines, 25,000 lakes and tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams here.
The chinook salmon has always been BC sport fishing's crown jewel. This trophy fish can tip the scales at more than 32kg/70lb, but there are also other species that promise anglers the fight of their fishing lives.
Try fishing for white sturgeon – the largest freshwater fish in North America. These monsters can grow longer than 3m/12ft, weigh more than 500kg/1,200lb, and leap clear out of the water when hooked.
Another iconic BC fish is the steelhead. Revered by anglers, steelhead are considered one of the hardest-fighting and most elusive game fish in the world.
The lakes and rivers in every region offer excellent fishing. Rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and char are found in most waters, along with species such as whitefish, pike and bass.
BC Fishing Trip Ideas
Looking for some fishing trip ideas? Check out travel itineraries for sport fishing in BC, saltwater fishing in BC and freshwater fishing in BC.
Where to Fish in BC
Each region in BC offers a unique fishing experience:
Vancouver, Coast, and Mountains: This area offers a diversity of species and experiences, from 500kg/1,000lb sturgeon in the mighty Fraser River, to the scenic saltwater fjords of the Sunshine Coast, and fly fishing for steelhead, salmon and trout in the Fraser Valley.
Vancouver: The temperate climate makes Vancouver a year-round fishing destination with easy access to the Fraser River, Capilano River, Straight of Georgia, and Howe Sound. Horseshoe Bay, just 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver, offers boat and gear rentals, with excellent saltwater fishing just minutes from the dock.
Whistler: Fish the secluded, glacier-fled lakes and rivers of the Whistler region for spring runs of steelhead, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and salmon. Or, catch the coho migration in the fall. Popular spots include: Cheakamus Lake, Callaghan Lake, Alta Lake, and Green Lake.
Vancouver Island: Sport fishermen have been flocking to the island for more than a hundred years. The variety and prolific fishing grounds are the top draw, as is the chance to join the world-famous Tyee Club. Fishing hot spots include: Campbell River, Port McNeill, Port Alberni, Tofino, Ucluelet, and the Gold and Cowichan river.
Victoria: No time to go beyond the city? Victoria is ideally located and provides access to several fishing areas. Local charter operations are geared up to ensure an unforgettable saltwater fishing experience.
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast: This region offers it all – five species of salmon with chinook topping out at 32kg/70lb, red snapper, lingcod, halibut, trout, Dolly Varden, whitefish, steelhead, and trophy-sized rainbow trout. The region includes: Chilko River, Dean River, Quesnel Lake, Hakai Pass, Shearwater, and "The Fishing Highway," which is comprised of more than a hundred lakes.
Northern British Columbia: The waters off the northern coast offer one of the province's most productive fishing grounds. Salmon, halibut, steelhead, lingcod, rockfish, dungeness crab, and prawns are plentiful. Fishing grounds include: the Lakes District, Skeena River System, Kitimat, Prince Rupert, and the Queen Charlotte Islands.
Thompson Okanagan: Spectacular scenery surrounds more than 1,000 lakes jumping with salmon, kokanee, steelhead, whitefish and trout. Excellent fishing is found in the Kamloops, Wells Gray, Okanagan, and Shuswap Lakes areas.
Kootenay Rockies: Mountain lakes and streams set in a secluded wilderness are home to trout, landlocked sockeye (kokanee), bigmouth bass, bull and rainbow trout, whitefish, burbot and cutthroat trout. The region includes: Kootenay Lake, Arrow Lakes, Columbia River, and Kootenay River.
Fishing Licenses and Practical Points
- Appropriate fishing licenses are required for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Freshwater and Tidal/Saltwater fishing licenses are available online from the BC Government, or via local businesses or charter operators. Check with the community's Visitor Centre for more information.
- Need a place to stay after fishing for the day? Accommodation choices range from luxurious lodges to wilderness cabins to camping on the banks of a river or staying onboard a charter boat. Some lodges and fishing lakes in the province are so secluded and special that they can only be accessed by floatplane.
- Knowledgeable guides are found everywhere fishing takes place. A guided trip will ensure that your BC fishing experience is a safe and memorable one.
- Boats and gear of all sizes and types are available. Boating regulations may be in effect.
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