Fishing

Fishing Northern BC, Westcoast Fishing Adventures photo

Whether it's fishing Pacific coast waters, flycasting in the perfect stream, or taking a floatplane to a secluded spot of paradise, BC has such a variety of stellar fishing opportunities, the mind will boggle.

There is more than 20,000km/12,000mi of coastline, 25,000 lakes and tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams here.

Learn More About Fishing in:
Kootenay Rockies
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast
Thompson Okanagan
Vancouver Island
Vancouver, Coast & Mountains
Northern British Columbia

Vancouver
Victoria
Whistler

BC's Best Fish

The chinook salmon has always been BC sport fishing's crown jewel. This trophy fish can tip the scales at over 32 kg/70lbs, but there are other species that promise anglers the fight of their fishing lives.

Fishing for giant white sturgeon, the largest freshwater fish in North America, is also possible here. These monsters can grow to lengths longer than 3m/12ft, weigh more than 500 kg/1200lbs and leap clear out of the water when hooked.

Another iconic BC fish is the steelhead. Revered by anglers, these fish are considered one of the hardest-fighting and most elusive game fish in the world and are found in hundreds of rivers in the province.

The lakes and rivers in every region offer excellent fishing. Rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and char are found in most waters as well as other species like whitefish, pike and bass.

Where to Fish in BC

Each region in BC offers a unique fishing experience. Tranquil mountain lakes and clear rivers teem with trout while sheltered inlets and open Pacific Ocean waters promise trophy salmon. One fact is undisputed: in BC every region is home to a fisherman's dream.

Vancouver, Coast, and Mountains

From 500 kg/1,000lbs sturgeon in the mighty Fraser River, to the scenic saltwater fjords of the Sunshine Coast, to fly fishing for steelhead, salmon and trout in the Fraser Valley, this area offers a diversity of species and experiences.
> More about Fishing in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains

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.
> More about Fishing in Vancouver

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.
> More about Fishing in Whistler

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.
> More about Fishing in Vancouver Island

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.
> More about Fishing in Victoria

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" comprised of more than a hundred lakes.
> More about Fishing in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

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.
> More about Fishing in Northern BC

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.
> More about Fishing in the Thompson Okanagan

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.
> More about Fishing in the Kootenay Rockies

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.

Fishing		Business or Service Provider
Show all listings A-Z
Freshwater		View listings (39+)
Ice		View listings (1+)
Saltwater		View listings (28+)

^ Back to top