Venture inland in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region and find a fly-fishing paradise. There are 8,000 lakes, 17,000 km/10,000 miles of rivers and countless streams that offer anglers unparalleled fishing options.
Saltwater Fishing on the Coast
Travel outward, to the Pacific Coast part of the region and discover an area well-known for huge fish hiding in its lakes, rivers and ocean waters.
For saltwater fishing, the Coast offers trophy-sized salmon and halibut, which can be caught from the world-famous waters around Hakai Pass and Shearwater.
Most of the saltwater fishing in this part of the region is focused around remote fishing camps and lodges accessed by float plane or boat.
Fly-in and Wilderness Lodges
Anglers fishing in the Cariboo Chilcotin can choose from luxury wilderness resorts, lodges or rustic campgrounds. Check in with the local communities' Visitor Centres to find out more.
As befits a unique region that offers a variety of fishing experiences, the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast also boasts incredible scenery, healthy stocks and uncrowded waters for anglers to discover.
Wildlife viewing in these areas of the coast is spectacular. Orca, humpback and grey whales frequent these waters as well as porpoises, dolphins, sea lions, eagles and other wildlife.
Types of Fish in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast
- Salmon – All five species of salmon can be caught, including coho, sockeye, pink, chum and trophy-sized spring, or Chinook up to 75lbs/34kg.
- Rainbow trout – Trophy-sized rainbows up to 16lb/7kg can be found in some lakes.
- Cutthroat and Steelhead trout – Some of BC’s finest steelhead rivers are found in this region
- Halibut – This popular and tasty fish can reach weights of hundreds of pounds.
- Other popular species include rockfish, lingcod, various shellfish, brook trout, burbot, and kokanee.
Freshwater Fishing Highlights
- The Fishing Highway - The section of Highway 24 between the town of Lone Butte and Little Fort is known as the "fishing highway". There are more than 100 lakes within an hour’s drive of each other.
- Chilcotin, Chilko and Dean rivers - These rivers are famous for steelhead fishing and rainbow trout.
- Blackwater River - This heritage river is famous for dry fly fishing and wild rainbow trout.
- Nimpo Lake - Nimpo Lake has great rainbow and bull trout and is a major centre for floatplane excursions to the many remote lakes and resorts in the area.
- Dragon Lake - One of the best trout lakes in the region, known for its impressively large rainbow trout that regularly reach 12lbs/5kg.
- Quesnel Lake - The deepest glacial-formed lake in the world, Quesnel Lake features huge fish and almost 600km/360mi of shoreline to explore.
Saltwater Fishing Highlights
- Hakai Pass - This legendary fishing spot is a scenic marine park made up of many sheltered islands, channels and bays. It is well known for spectacular spring and coho salmon fishing, as well as an abundance of halibut, lingcod and rockfish
- Denny Island - Shearwater, located on this mid-coast island, is a peaceful and scenic fishing destination that provides access to Milbanke and Camano sound, home to great open-water fishing for salmon and halibut.
- Bella Coola - Accessed via Hwy 20, Bella Coola is the only coastal city in the region accessible by car. For a unique trip take the BC Ferries’ Discovery Coast sailings and explore the remote coastal towns of the area.
Practical Points and License Information
- Appropriate fishing licenses are required for fresh and saltwater fishing. Both types can be purchased online via the Government of BC'swebsite or at sporting good stores and other fishing retailers.
- Check with authorities for the current restriction status of sport fish catches.
- Life jackets are mandatory in BC.
- Boating regulations may be in effect.