 Oak Bay Marine Group photo
Other popular saltwater catches in the region include halibut, cod, herring, groundfish, prawns and crab. Steelhead trout is Vancouver Island's most popular freshwater catch. They can be found in more than 100 rivers and lakes in the region.
The freshwater fishing in the region can also be spectacular: the Gold, Campbell, Quinsam, Cowichan and Salmon Rivers are well-established fishing destinations on the island.
Fishing charters and resorts offer all of the equipment and expertise you'll need to get to any location, even if it's in a remote area. Accommodations range from rustic to luxury.
A word or two on your excursion:
- Appropriate fishing license(s) required
A word or two on safety:
- Life jackets are mandatory in BC
Campbell River
The charming community of Campbell River, known as the "Salmon Capital of the World", is one of BC's top salmon fishing destinations. All five species of Pacific salmon - chinook, pink, sockeye, chum and coho - run through its waters each year. Rockfish, prawns and crab are also plentiful. Go May through October for the best saltwater fishing opportunities but consider a visit in winter, too, as there are still plenty of chinook salmon to be caught from December to April. Whatever the time of year, if you're fishing near Campbell River you're fishing in whale, dolphin, sea lion, seal and bald eagle habitat - and you're likely to spot at least a couple of these creatures when you're out on the water.
Campbell River is a 30-minute drive north from Courtenay via Highway 19.
Port McNeill/Port Hardy
The waters around these two northern Vancouver Island towns are famous for trophy catches. The area's many experienced guides will get you to the best angling spots for salmon, halibut, and cod. They'll show you how to detect a school of herring by telltale ripple formations on the ocean's surface. Salmon tend to follow herring and whales tend to follow salmon, so fishing these waters can be a thrilling experience. Chinook salmon often weigh in at more than 14 kg (30 lb), while 45-kg (100-lb) halibut are common.
Port McNeill is a 45-minute drive south from Port Hardy via Highway 19.
Port Alberni
Port Alberni is situated at the head of an inlet surrounded by mountains, which makes for beautiful scenery and sheltered waters. There are plenty of guided charters or boat rentals available for fishing expeditions of long or short duration. The main catches around Port Alberni are salmon, halibut and groundfish. Go in June and July for sockeye salmon, August for chinook salmon or any time, spring through fall, for halibut.
Port Alberni is a 30-45-minute drive west from Parksville via Highway 4.
Pacific Rim
The fishing communities of Bamfield, Ucluelet and Tofino lie on the West Coast of Vancouver Island and are some of BC's top salmon and halibut fishing destinations. Anglers come from all over the world seeking trophy chinook salmon, high-flying coho and monster halibut. These areas offer many opportunities for anglers, from protected fishing among windswept islands to exciting adventures fishing the offshore feeding banks. The fishing is generally excellent from May through September.
The communities of Tofino, Ucluelet and Bamfield are approximately 2-3 hours from Nanaimo.
Greater Victoria
Islands, inlets, ever-changing coastline and frequent wildlife sightings make fishing around Victoria and the Gulf Islands a singular treat. Plentiful salmon, halibut, crabs and prawns draw anglers to the waters off Clover Point, Oak Bay and Sooke year-round. For a more laid-back approach, try throwing a trap or a line off the Sidney pier - you never know what might come up!
Sidney is a 30 minute drive north of Victoria on Highway 17 and Sooke is a 35-minute drive west from Victoria on Highway 14.
Gold River
Anglers are drawn to Gold River for its year-round catch-and-release steelhead fishing. Although steelhead are always present, peak times for catching the fast and fiery fish are during its two annual spawning runs, one from December to March and the other from June to September/October. A number of companies offer guided expeditions and some will fly, hike or 4X4 you into remote locations for a true wilderness fishing experience.
Gold River is a 90-minute drive west from Campbell River via Highway 28.
Campbell/Quinsam Rivers
It's no secret that the fishing is good on the Campbell and Quinsam Rivers - trout fishing is a year-round activity, complimented by summer and winter runs of steelhead, plus exciting fall runs of both chinook and coho salmon.
Campbell River is a 30-minute drive north from Courtenay via Highway 19.
Cowichan River
The Cowichan River is considered the finest trout stream on Vancouver Island, and is known as the "Fly Fishing Capitol of Canada". A designated Heritage River, it is internationally renowned for its wild salmon and steelhead fishery.
There are approximately eight km (5 mi) of designated "fly-fishing only" areas and 23 km (14 mi) of water open to almost all angling techniques along its scenic banks. As well, there are many local outfitters and guides to help you find the best spots for the fish you're after. Go year-round for trout, from December to April for steelhead, October to November for coho salmon and September to November for chinook salmon.
The Cowichan River is located near Duncan, about a one-hour drive north from Victoria via Highway 1.
Salmon River
Salmon River is a well-known steelhead fishing destination on Vancouver Island. At one time it was the reputed home of the largest steelhead on the island.
Other species found in Salmon River include rainbow trout, Dolly Varden and -particularly in the lower reaches of the river- sea-run cutthroat trout.
The Salmon River runs near Sayward, a two-hour drive north from Campbell River via Highway 19.
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