 Big Bar Creek
Albert Normandin photo The Chilko River is one of North America's premier destinations for wild rainbow trout and Dolly Varden. Summer and fall, the Dean River attracts anglers from around the world for its steelhead and rainbow trout. Over one hundred fishing lakes are situated within an hour's drive along Highway 24, "The Fishing Highway." Quesnel Lake offers some of the finest trout fishing around.
Saltwater fishing is at its best on the pristine waterways of Hakai Pass. Known worldwide for trophy salmon fishing, here you'll find some of the biggest salmon on the BC coast. Surrounded by calm, protected waters, Shearwater is home to all five species of salmon. The chinook salmon here top 32 kg (70 lb) while coho reach up to 11 kg (25 lb). Halibut weigh in at up to 91 kg (200 lb).
A word or two on your excursion:
- Appropriate fishing license(s) required
A word or two on safety:
- Life jackets are mandatory in BC
Chilko River
The Chilko River is one of North America's premier destinations for wild rainbow trout and Dolly Varden. Also swimming in the crystal-clear waters are bull trout, mountain whitefish and sockeye salmon. Fast and calm waters, deep pools and long shelves make fishing this river an angler's dream. The best time to visit is from late August to early October. The Chilko River must be fished with a guide - advance booking is highly recommended as local resorts get very busy.
The Chilko River is a 3.5-hour drive southwest from Williams Lake. Head south at Tatla Lake from Highway 20.
Dean River
Running wild until the beginning of fall, the Dean River's steelhead and rainbow trout attract worldwide interest. The Lower Dean River steelhead are some of the strongest of all steelhead stock - some reach 13.5 kg (30 lb). The best time to visit the Lower Dean is from June to September. The Upper Dean River is known for its native rainbow trout. Chinook salmon enter this river in June and July.
The Lower Dean River is accessible by air from Nimpo Lake and Hagensborg or by boat. The Upper Dean River is easily accessible by car. The river crosses Highway 20 between Nimpo and Anahim Lake. Good fishing spots are a short drive off the highway.
Dean River is a 3-4-hour drive west from Williams Lake, via Highway 20.
Highway 24, "The Fishing Highway"
With over a hundred lakes within an hour's drive from each other, "The Fishing Highway" is a popular stop for anglers. Highway 24 is the home of the famous Interlakes District, comprised of four main destination lakes: Fawn, Sheridan, Bridge and Lac Des Roches. Rainbow, lake and brook trout, kokanee as well as burbot are all popular catches in this area.
While you're there stay at a local resort or guest ranch. You can enjoy trail riding, hiking and even journey on horseback to fish the more secluded lakes.
Highway 24 runs between 93 Mile on Highway 97 and Little Fort on Highway 5.
Quesnel Lake
With a depth of 610 m (2,000 ft), Quesnel Lake is one of the deepest glacially formed lakes on earth. The area - surrounded by small lakes, rivers and creeks and set amidst the Cariboo Mountains - offers some of the finest trout fishing anywhere.
The unique strain of rainbow trout found in Quesnel Lake can range up to 11 kg (25 lb); these are some of the hardest fighting fish on any line. Bull and lake trout as well as kokanee swim these waters, too. The Quesnel Lake system is also host to one of the province's largest sockeye salmon runs. The best times to fish are from May to June and from September to October. Visitors can stay in one of the area's resorts.
Quesnel Lake is a 90-minute drive northeast from Williams Lake, via Horsefly Road.
Hakai Pass
The pristine waterways of Hakai Pass are known worldwide for trophy salmon fishing. Here you'll find some of the biggest catches on the BC Coast. Huge runs of chinook, coho, sockeye, chum and pink salmon crowd through the Hakai Pass area. You can also drop a line for halibut, snapper and lingcod. The best time to visit is in July and August.
The wildlife viewing is just as good: Orca, humpback and grey whales, dolphins as well as eagles all make stops at Hakai Pass. You may even spot sea lions, seals, wolf and deer along the shore.
Resorts and floating lodges in the Hakai Pass area offer accommodations ranging from rustic to luxurious.
Hakai Pass runs through the Hakai Luxvbalis Conservancy Area, a group of small- to mid-sized islands on the Central Coast. Access is by air or by boat. Lodges/resorts often fly guests in from Vancouver. BC Ferries' Discovery Coast Passage route makes stops in the area and transportation can often be arranged from these points.
Shearwater
Shearwater has a reputation for attracting big fish. Surrounded by calm, protected waters, it is home to all five species of salmon. Chinook top 32 kg (70 lb) while coho reach up to 11 kg (25 lb). Abundant bottom fish in the area include lingcod, red snapper and rockfish.
The wildlife viewing is just as impressive, ranging from whales and dolphins to bears and wolves.
After a full day's fishing, you can unwind in one of the area's B&Bs or resorts or climb aboard a luxury yacht. Tackle and boat rentals are within easy access, while guided fishing tours are also available. For an unforgettable escape, book a helicopter fly-fishing trip. The best time to visit is from June to mid-September.
Shearwater is located on Denny Island along the Central Coast. Access is by air or by boat. Shearwater is also a stop on BC Ferries' Discovery Coast Passage Route.
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