The waters on and around Vancouver Island are so prolific that both the “Salmon Capital of the World” (Campbell River) and the “Fly Fishing Capital of Canada” (Cowichan River) are found here. Surrounded by the rich waters of the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver Island - recognized by Condé Nast Traveller magazine as the "Top North American Island" for seven years in a row - is known worldwide for its saltwater and freshwater fishing.
From Port Hardy in the north to Victoria in the south, from the Pacific Rim communities in the west to Campbell River in the east, this region offers excellent year-round sport fishing opportunities.
Whale watching, wildlife viewing and First Nations sites are also popular activities in this region.
Most communities on Vancouver Island lie on or near the ocean, meaning anglers have nearly unlimited fishing opportunities, tours and services.
Types of Fish on Vancouver Island
- Salmon - All five species (coho, sockeye, pink, chum and some of the largest Chinook salmon on the BC coast) swim here.
- Steelhead - A highly prized, hard-fighting game fish; found in dozens of rivers and lakes in the region
- Rainbow and Cutthroat trout - Found in most lakes and rivers in the region
- Halibut - This popular game fish is easily caught and can reach a huge size
- Rockcod, lingcod - Caught nearly everywhere in coastal waters off the Island
- Shellfish - Crabs, prawns, shrimp, oysters and clams share space with the fish, and are truly delectable.
Saltwater Fishing Highlights
Thanks to its mild climate and protected waters, Vancouver Island is the home of year-round salmon fishing. Popular fishing spots include:
- Northern Vancouver Island - The communities of Port Hardy, Port McNeill and Alert Bay are located along the salmon migration route and offer consistent year-round fishing. To the south, Telegraph Cove is a popular hub for whale watching and ocean kayaking in Johnstone Strait and the Broughton Archipelago.
- Rivers Inlet - Known world-wide as one of the places to fish for trophy Chinook salmon. The huge salmon caught here can weigh over 70lbs/34kg.
- Campbell River - Located in the middle of Vancouver Island's sheltered east coast, this town is known as the “Salmon Capital of the World” and is home to the world famous Tyee Club. Nootka Sound and Kyuquot Sound are also great saltwater fishing destinations, as they are both renowned for huge salmon and halibut.
- Pacific Rim - The west coast of Vancouver Island is noted for consistently good salmon, lingcod and halibut fishing, a tradition that's thousands of years old here.. The communities of Port Alberni, Tofino, Ucluelet and Bamfield are the gateways to these waters. Charter fleets and fishing lodges are available here.
- South Island - These waters are a primary rearing area and migratory route for salmon. Saltwater fishing opportunities are plentiful in the Cowichan Region and charters and guides can be arranged for departure from marinas in Cowichan Bay, Maple Bay, Crofton, Chemainus and Ladysmith.
- Gulf Islands - This easily accessible and sheltered group of islands lie in the southern Strait of Georgia and are close to both Vancouver and Victoria. They offer year-round salmon fishing opportunities and are a haven for recreational boaters and anglers.
Freshwater Fishing Highlights
Vancouver Island is home to some of the best steelhead rivers in the province and features dedicated fly-fishing only streams. Popular rivers include:
- Cowichan River -known as the “Fly Fishing Capital of Canada,” this heritage river is located near Duncan. Considered the finest trout stream on Vancouver Island, it offers over 20km/12mi of river access and dedicated fly-fishing only areas. Anglers flock here for the rainbow, cutthroat, brown trout, salmon and winter steelhead.
- North Island - The Sayward Forest has the greatest concentration of trout fishing lakes on vancouver Island. Farther north, great freshwater fishing spots include Muchalat Lake, Vernon Lake, the Nimpkish River, Woss Lake, Klaklakama Lake, Nimpkish Lake and Shoen Lake.
- Stamp/Somass rivers - these rivers are located near Port Alberni and are known for excellent trout and salmon fishing. Anglers target rainbow and cutthroat trout year-round; large runs of sockeye salmon in the summer; and coho and Chinook in the fall. The Stamp River is also known for excellent steelhead fishing.
- Campbell/Quinsam Rivers - Trout fishing is a year-round activity, with good salmon and steelhead fishing in the fall and winter months. For a unique opportunity to view salmon in their natural environment, try a “snorkel with salmon” trip down the Campbell River.
- Central Island - Freshwater anglers have several options including trout fishing at Englishman River Falls Provincial Park and Cameron Lake west of Qualicum Beach. Little Qualicum River is another hot spot for trout, while Spider Lake, which bans motorized watercraft, has a reputation for bass. Fly fishing for coho along the shoreline at the mouth of Nile Creek and other Oceanside rivers is a popular fall activity.
- Gold River - Considered one of the premiere steelhead rivers in the province. The small wilderness village bearing the same name offers access to the fish-rich waters of Nootka Sound on Vancouver Island’s west coast.
- Salt Spring Island -Enjoy the laid-back reputation of this Gulf Island. St. Mary’s Lake and Weston Lake offer good fly fishing for a variety of species, including smallmouth bass, cutthroat trout and rainbow trout.
Practical Points and License Information
- Appropriate fishing license(s) required for fresh and saltwater fishing. Both types can be purchased online via the BC Government's fishing websites 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.