Northern British Columbia Fishing

Fly Fishing on Morice River near Houston, Picture BC photo

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, and anglers can hope to catch 130kg/300lb halibut, 27kg/60lb chinook salmon and 14kg/30lb 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/300lb.
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 lingcod and yelloweye.
Shellfish: Prawns, crabs, shrimp, clams and oysters; the shellfish found here are big and abundant.
Walleye, northern pike, Arctic grayling, bull trout, lake trout:These species 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/12lb, cutthroat trout and lake trout up to 16kg/35lb. 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/50lb, 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.

Show Less

Hide Map

Hide Street View

Main Address

Activity/Branch/Terminal

Visitor Centres

Narrow Your Results

Clear All

Freshwater Fishing (5)

Saltwater Fishing (5)

1 - 10 of 10 Results

1. Charlotte Queen Salmon Fishing Adventures - Queen Charlotte City

Hippa Island
Queen Charlotte City, British Columbia
V0T 1S0

World class salmon & halibut fishing adventures. All-inclusive, fly-in fishing resort on the West Coast Queen Charlotte Islands/Haida Gwaii. Join us for the remote wilderness fishing adventure of a lifetime!

View Details

2. Deep Sea Charters - Prince Rupert

153 Alpine Dr
Prince Rupert, British Columbia
V8J 4C5

Join Glenn Kierce, owner/operator of Deep Sea Charters, for a fishing adventure with Deep Sea Charters in Prince Rupert. Glenn is currently a commercial deep sea trawl skipper fisherman & a licensed charter fishing guide. He has over 25 years of knowledge personally & professionally in the fishing industry. Glenn's knowledge of the North Coast & Queen Charlotte waters is second to none. His passion in the industry is shown through his chosen profession & as a sport fishing charter guide. You will have an unforgettable experience with one of the most knowledgeable fishermen in this area.

View Details

3. Foggy Point Charter Services - Prince Rupert

Foggy Point Charters is one of Prince Rupert's premier booking agents, representing Prince Rupert's top fishing guides & largest fleet. Let our personable & knowledgeable, locally trained fishing guides & shore staff arrange your custom North Coast fishing experience. Working with you, we can help with your trip planning requirements from restaurant reservations to accommodation. We pride ourselves on the ability to provide our customers with a safe, relaxing, memorable marine experience. We welcome both international & local customers to experience the amazing scenery & fishing of Northern BC. Experience your North Coast Marine Adventure with us.

View Details

4. Great Pacific Salmon Lodge - Prince Rupert

Lot 4 Dodge Cove
Prince Rupert, British Columbia
V8J 1A4

Adventure Fishing at it's best! Nestled 30 miles south of the Alaska border at the crossroads of two of BC's best salmon producing rivers, the Nass River and the Skeena River, lies Great Pacific Salmon Lodge; a fully guided, land based saltwater fishing lodge; featuring cosy, quiet accommodations, breathtaking views, fully enclosed Skagit Orca boats, and the best sport fishing on the entire coast. Based on Digby Island, a stone's throw from Prince Rupert, BC; Great Pacific Salmon Lodge will offer you outstanding world class fishing opportunities in renowned Chatham Sound, one of the most bountiful locations on the planet.

View Details

5. Northern Rockies Lodge - Muncho Lake

Mile 462 Alaska Hwy
Muncho Lake, British Columbia
V0C 1Z0

Enjoy world-class fishing in the unspoiled wilderness of the Northern Rocky Mountains. Fly-out daily from our comfortable lodge & choose from over 70 pristine remote lakes & streams. Fly-fish or spin cast in BC's Arctic & Pacific watersheds for rainbow Trout, walleye, arctic grayling, northern pike, lake trout & dolly varden. Longing for tranquillity on your very own remote mountain lake? Let us fly you to an outpost cabin in the heart of the Muskwa-Kechika, also known as the Serengeti of the North. You will experience incredible fishing & wildlife viewing. Packages include flight from Vancouver. Drive safe on your travel!

View Details

6. Thunder 1 Adventures - Prince Rupert

121 George Hills Way
Prince Rupert, British Columbia
V8J 4H6

Come experience the adventure of a lifetime aboard the Thunder 1. World-class salmon & halibut fishing, spectacular whale watching & marine life viewing & gourmet meals all await you aboard your private yacht in the pristine wilderness of Northern BC. Three & four day all-inclusive live-aboard charters depart from Prince Rupert, BC from May to September. Accommodations are available for up to six guests aboard the Thunder 1, a 15.7 m (52 ft) trawler. Your crew & vessel are certified by the Coast Guard every year. Great Bear Rainforest and custom cruises also available. Please visit our website for pictures & details.

View Details

Other businesses with Fishing

7. Monkman Provincial Park - Tumbler Ridge

Murray River Rd
Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia
V0C 2W0

Monkman Provincial Park is nestled in-between the Hart Ranges & Central Rocky Mountains. A diverse natural landscape encompasses alpine meadows, jagged mountain peaks, forested valleys, thundering waterfalls & clear alpine lakes. Kinuseo Falls is higher than Niagara Falls & often the highlight of visitors' trips. At Monkman Provincial Park, also enjoy caving, cycling & fishing.

View Details

8. Muncho Lake Provincial Park - Muncho Lake

Km 765 Of Alaska Hwy
Muncho Lake, British Columbia
V0C 1Z0

Spectacular folded mountains, bountiful wildlife, brilliantly coloured wildflowers are just some of the wonders to discover. The southern portion of the park has the impressive geological formations of Folded Mountain, formed by tectonic deformation of limestone.

View Details

9. Northern Rocky Mountains Provincial Park - Fort Nelson

90 Km SW Of Fort Nelson
Fort Nelson, British Columbia
V0C 1R0

Northern Rocky Mountains Park offers an exciting array of visual & recreational features & opportunities for the backcountry adventurer. Recreation activities include scenery & wildlife viewing, angling, boating, adventure tourism, camping, mountaineering, hiking, horseback riding & nature photography.

View Details

10. Stone Mountain Provincial Park - Alaska Highway

Km 595 Of Alaska Hwy
Alaska Highway, British Columbia
V1A 3L6

Stone Mountain Provincial Park offers mountain wilderness & introduces Alaska Hwy travellers to spectacular landscapes & incredible wildlife viewing opportunities in the Northern Rocky Mountains. For the adventuresome, backcountry hiking routes lead to mountain valleys offering alpine meadows & lakes. Fishing & kayaking/canoeing are permitted. Please visit our website for more details.

Northern British Columbia Fishing

Types of Fish in Northern BC:

Saltwater Fishing Highlights in Northern BC

Freshwater Fishing Highlights in Northern BC

Practical Points and License Information

Narrow Your Results

1. Charlotte Queen Salmon Fishing Adventures - Queen Charlotte City

2. Deep Sea Charters - Prince Rupert

3. Foggy Point Charter Services - Prince Rupert

4. Great Pacific Salmon Lodge - Prince Rupert

5. Northern Rockies Lodge - Muncho Lake

6. Thunder 1 Adventures - Prince Rupert

Other businesses with Fishing

7. Monkman Provincial Park - Tumbler Ridge

8. Muncho Lake Provincial Park - Muncho Lake

9. Northern Rocky Mountains Provincial Park - Fort Nelson

10. Stone Mountain Provincial Park - Alaska Highway

Get More Information

Account Log In

Related Websites: