Harrison Lake and the headwaters of Harrison and Lillooet rivers are prime fishing destinations. Fly cast for trout year round or chase down something a little larger.
Fishing for White Sturgeon
As home to the world's oldest fish, the White Sturgeon, the Harrison River is a big-fish draw to anglers seeking once-in-a-lifetime bragging rights. A diligent conservation program has tagged 40,000 of this pre historic species since 1999 and with a recapture rate still hovering around 50 percent, it continues to be a thriving – and ancient, fishery. The oldest White Sturgeon caught near Harrison Hot Springs was 180 years old!
Salmon Fishing
Most fishing enthusiasts come here for the salmon, many of which start their migration into Harrison River and across Harrison Lake as early as June. Come mid August the sockeye arrive, making their way to Morris Creek and the Weaver Creek spawning channels, with runs of Chinook (king salmon), pink, Coho and chum filling both the Harrison River and a tributary waterway, the Chehalis River. The runs are so prolific that the water seems to turn pink in colour. Snorkeling with the salmon is one of the newest eco-adventures to experience!
BC Sport Fishing Group
Operating out of the Harrison Hot Springs Resort & Spa, BC Sport Fishing Bay offers fully-equipped, guided fishing trips around Harrison waters including fly-in excursions to the end of the lake. Boat rentals (motorized and non-motorized) are numerous from Killer's Cove Boat Rentals for self-guided adventures as well as canoe rentals in Sasquatch Provincial Park for fishing on its smaller lakes. Fishing licenses are included in guided trips, otherwise they are easily purchased in advance, online.
For more information on where to fish, get hold of equipment and rentals, contact the Harrison Hot Springs Visitor Centre.