Between alpine lakes, mountain rivers, spawning channels and the Fraser River itself, fishing in and around Hope is a year round activity as much for the serious fisherman as for family outings.
However, anglers need to be self sufficient in terms of tackle and equipment; Hope provides no guiding services although STS Guiding out of Chilliwack will do pick-ups here. A visit to Cheyenne Sports (267 Wallace St) will provide the lowdown on current honey-holes for cutthroat, Dolly Varden, Rainbow and Kokanee, as well as up to date information on fishing regulations, closures and licensing requirements.
Be aware that some locations are off the beaten track and any valuables stowed in left vehicles may be vulnerable to theft.
A busy, easily accessible lake for Kokanee with a few cutthroat, Dolly Varden, Coho juveniles and Suckers. Closed in winter.
Lake in the Woods
Located at the side of TransCanada Hwy 1, just 4km/2.5m north of Hope, this lake is stocked annually with rainbow trout. Guests have access to a canoe launch; non-guests may find access limited.
Lightning Lakes
Manning Park's chain of four alpine lakes is a family fishing favourite. Catch rainbow trout right from the shore.
Silver Lake
Situated 12km/7.5m south of Hope, via Flood Hope Road and the Silver Skagit Road. There's plenty of parking at this day-use lake which also has a small boat launch for car toppers. Fish for trout, catch and release only.
Jones Lake (aka Wahleach Lake)
Located off the TransCanada Hwy 1 west of Hope, BC Hydro manages and stocks the reservoir with cutthroat, Dolly Varden, Rainbow and Kokanee. A word of caution: This is an active logging road Monday to Friday and the final 9km/5.6m is steep gravel.
Ross Lake
Ross Lake is tocked with rainbow and eastern brook trout. Set at the edge of the Cascade Mountains, this is a hot spot for summer 'electric motors only' fishing and winter ice fishing. Take it easy driving; the 80km/50m road is mostly gravel with a deceptive incline.
Fishing Hope's Rivers & Creeks
The Fraser River
The salmon runs are the region's biggest draw with fishermen lining the Fraser River's banks. Spring salmon and Chinook run May through December, Sockeye arrive in late August and steelhead run November until March. Check with the Visitor Centre as to permissible areas; some shores are exclusively First Nations. Note that sturgeon fishing requires a special license and are catch and release only.
The Coquihalla River
The Coquihalla River's fast-moving, clear waters are good for steelhead and Dolly Varden. There are access points near downtown.
The Skagit River
Best for fly fishing and rainbow trout, especially the upper Skagit where it enters Ross Lake. There are access points all along the Silver-Skagit Road.
American Creek
This small creek fills with rainbow trout in June and July, and Chinook salmon June through September. It crosses TransCanada Hwy 1 approximately 8km/5m north of Hope.
Emory Creek
Look for Dolly Varden in late Spring and Fall. Emery Creek is located off the TransCanada Hwy 1 about 18km/11m north of Hope.
Silverhope Creek
Good estuary waters for year round steelhead and Dolly Varden; accessible from Silver-Skagit Road, 3km/1.8m west of Hope off Flood-Hope Road.
Spawning Salmon
Ask any local for the hot viewing spots when the salmon runs start in earnest. Tried and true locations include Kawkawa Lake Creek in Thacker Regional Park. The creek has many spawning channels and observation decks. Meandering pathways head upstream along the Delair spawning channel and around Thacker Marsh and downstream to where Kawakawa Creek flows into the Coquihalla River.
For more information about Fishing near Hope, contact the Visitor Centre.
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