The rugged, unspoiled wilderness and most productive fishing ground in the province draws anglers from around the world to Northern British Columbia.
From the salmon fishing in the legendary Queen Charlotte Islands to world-famous steelhead fishing in the Skeena River system to inland lakes and rivers filled with trout, anglers will find exceptional fishing here.
The rich coastal waters make for huge fish - anglers can hope to catch 300lb/130kg halibut, 60lb/27kg Chinook salmon and 30lb/14kg steelhead. Inland trout fishing is exceptional as well; the town of Houston is home to the “World’s Largest Fly Rod”, which is an indication of the kind of fishing to expect.
Types of Fish in Northern BC:
- Salmon – All five species are readily caught here; the region is one of the premiere salmon fishing destinations in the world.
- Steelhead – Considered one of the most prized game fish in the world, the river systems in Northern BC produce more large steelhead than any watershed in the world.
- Halibut – Found throughout the coastal waters of the region; these fish can reach huge sizes of up to 130kg/300lbs.
- Trout – Rainbow, cutthroat and char are abundant in the region’s lakes and rivers.
- Rockfish – Almost every variety of rockfish can be caught, including huge ling cod and yelloweye.
- Shellfish – Prawns, crabs, shrimp, clams and oysters; the shellfish found here are big and abundant.
- Walleye, northern pike, Arctic grayling, bull trout and lake trout are found in many of the lakes and rivers of northeastern BC.
Saltwater Fishing Highlights in Northern BC
The fishing is good along the entire coast of Northern BC. Highlight areas include:
- Queen Charlotte Islands - Considered one of the ultimate fishing destinations for saltwater anglers, these islands provide exceptional fishing for all salmon species. The area is especially noted for the size and abundance both of Chinook salmon and halibut. Anglers can choose from luxurious fly-in fishing lodges near Queen Charlotte City or more modest accommodations located throughout the area.
- Prince Rupert - One of BC’s fishing hotspots, Prince Rupert is the gateway to the north coast and has long been a hub of commercial and sport fishing activity. For a look into the region’s commercial fishing history, visit the historic North Pacific Cannery, a restored fishing village and cannery that was first established in 1889.
- Kitimat - Another coastal city, Kitimat provides access to great saltwater fishing in Douglas Channel, a steeply walled fjord noted for its waterfalls and amazing scenery.
Freshwater Fishing Highlights in Northern BC
Anglers will find good fishing in almost every lake and river in this region. Some of the best fishing locations include:
- Skeena River - The mighty Skeena River and its tributaries – the Kispiox, Bulkley and Babine rivers – attract anglers. Although salmon and trout are plentiful, the main attraction is the highly prized and elusive steelhead, known as one of the top game fish in the world. Prince Rupert and Terrace are the main access points for these rivers.
- Lakes District - Approximately 300 lakes make up this area, located around the communities of Burns Lake, Houston and Smithers. The lakes in this area feature excellent fishing for rainbow trout, char and kokanee and salmon.
- Babine Lake - Near the village of Granisle lies the largest natural lake in BC. Ideal for trolling, bait or fly-fishing, anglers catch rainbow trout up to 5kg/12lbs, cutthroat trout and lake trout up to 16kg/35lbs. Excellent fly-fishing is found here in a legendary stretch of water known as “Rainbow Alley”. The lake is also home to the Fulton Channel spawning beds, where tens of thousands of sockeye salmon can be seen in August and September.
- Northeastern BC/ Alaska Highway - There is excellent fishing in the lakes and rivers along the Alaska Highway and in northeastern BC. The communities of Dease Lake, Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Fort Nelson , Mackenzie and Tumbler Ridge all offer excellent fishing opportunities for lake trout, Arctic grayling, northern pike, walleye, and bull trout. Muncho Lake is known for trout up to 23kg/50lbs, and is a launching point for floatplane trips to remote lakes.
Practical Points and License Information
- Appropriate fishing licenses are required for fresh and saltwater fishing. Both types can be purchased online via the BC Government's fishing website or at sporting good stores and other fishing retailers.
- A specific license is required to fish in National Parks and can be purchased at the Park Headquarters at each Park site.
- Check with authorities for the current restriction status of sport fish catches.
- Life jackets are mandatory in BC.
- Boating regulations may be in effect.