Trip Ideas: Sport Fishing
British Columbia is a sport fishing paradise. Go saltwater fishing for salmon on endless coastlines, or enjoy freshwater fishing on thousands of sparkling lakes and countless rivers. Some options? Fly-fish in streams teeming with trout in the Kootenay Rockies or Cariboo Chilcotin Coast; visit Campbell River, dubbed the “Salmon Capital of the World”; or hook trophy salmon and halibut in Northern BC. Accommodations range from floating lodges to historic seaside hotels.
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Oak Bay Marine Group
For one of the most satisfying sport fishing experiences in North America, journey to magnificent Haida Gwaii (formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands) and board a luxurious floating lodge. Oak Bay Marine Group owns and operates five lodges along the BC coast, including two floating lodges in Haida Gwaii. Prefer to stay on land? Check into Canadian Princess Resort in Ucluelet, iconic Painter’s Lodge in Campbell River or beautiful April Point Resort & Spa, which is located directly across the channel from Painter’s on Quadra Island.
Deep Sea Charters
In Prince Rupert, hop on board Deep Sea Charters’ “Ocean Slayer” for a full- or half-day fishing charter in search of salmon, halibut, lingcod and dungeness crab. Captain Glenn Kierce is a third-generation West Coast fisherman with more than 30 years experience on the water. Located on the rugged North Coast of BC, Prince Rupert is also situated between two of North America’s most important salmon-producing rivers: the Skeena and the Nass. Prince Rupert has a number of waterfront hotels; for stunning views, book into The Crest Hotel.
Mid-Island Fishing Charters
BC’s recreational salmon-fishing industry draws more than 300,000 people to British Columbia waters each year. Campbell River, located 257km/160mi north of Victoria on Vancouver Island, has been dubbed the “Salmon Capital of the World.” Fish for five types of salmon – chinook, chum, pink, coho and sockeye – with Archers Fishing Charters, which specializes in half- or full-day saltwater charters and freshwater adventures.
Fraser River Lodge
In Agassiz (east of Chilliwack), hit the Fraser River with an experienced guide to go sturgeon fishing. Landing a 454-kg/1,000-lb giant white sturgeon isn’t easy – but that’s not the point! Fishing for white sturgeon on the Fraser River is a once-in-a-lifetime deal.
The area also boasts excellent salmon, steelhead and trout fishing on seldom-fished backcountry rivers. After an epic sturgeon battle, settle into a relaxing evening at Fraser River Lodge. The rustic, log-cabin-style dining room features fresh, organic food prepared by Executive Chef Miodrag Srentenovic (who has worked for the Four Seasons and prepared meals for various Heads of State and British Royalty). The Fraser River Lodge is located 123km/76mi east of Vancouver.
Highway 24: "The Fishing Highway"
Load up the camping gear, grab some snacks and head down the legendary “Fishing Highway” (Highway 24) in BC's Cariboo region. Peppered with more than 125 trout-filled lakes, this angler’s dream follows the historic Bridge Trail, which was used by the Shuswap people as a trade route. In the evening, after cleaning the catch, listen to loons on the lake, make a fire and enjoy fresh, pan-fried trout. Campsites are just one overnight option – there are also numerous guest ranches and dude ranches along the way. Siwash Lake Ranch, near 100 Mile House, is a Canadian classic. It’s rated one of the Top 10 Luxury Dude Ranches in North America by Forbes Traveller.
The Dean on Nimpo
Hunker down for a week at The Dean on Nimpo lodge to enjoy unforgettable wild rainbow-trout-fishing. The lodge is tucked away on the Chilcotin Plateau in a remote area of central British Columbia. After a day of fishing, re-hash the day in Pilot’s Bar & Grill, which captures the rich aviation tradition in the area. Take a flightseeing tour over the Coast Mountains for unsurpassed scenery.
Fly Fishing in the Kootenay Rockies
Go fly-fishing on wild rivers like the Elk, St. Mary, Kootenay, Wigwam, Bull, Columbia and Slocan rivers. All are located in the southeast corner of British Columbia, and all are great fishing rivers with above-average fish sizes, intense dry-fly-fishing opportunities and incredible catches. Cook up the day’s catch on a riverside campfire and bask in glorious Rocky Mountain scenery. Kootenay Fly Shop & Guiding Company offers single- or multi-day float trips on the famous Elk River, “walk and wade” day trips, and scenic heli-fishing excursions to pristine alpine lakes.