Fishing
Fishing at sunset (Picture BC photo)
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 and Rivers Inlet 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. Most communities on Vancouver Island lie on or near the ocean, meaning anglers have nearly unlimited fishing opportunities, tours and services.
For suggestions on how to combine fishing and golfing in one vacation, check out Vancouver Island golfing and fishing trip ideas. Whale watching and wildlife viewing are also popular activities in this region.
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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: 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: Located north of Port Hardy on the coast of the mainland, Rivers Inlet is world-renowned as one of the best places to fish for trophy chinook salmon. The huge salmon caught here can weigh more than 34kg/70lb.
- Campbell River: Located in the middle of Vancouver Island's sheltered east coast, Campbell River 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. 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: The Gulf Islands are an 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.
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30 Fishing in Vancouver Island
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11
General Delivery
Kyuquot, British Columbia
V0P 1J0
Websitehttp://www.fishingkyuquot.com
Toll-free866-964-5220
Phone250-332-5220
Fishing Kyuquot is a one of a kind fishing resort on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Offering 4 day/3 night all inclusive salmon & halibut packages, for groups or individuals up to 12. Come & relax in our new Rugged Point Lodge. Enjoy fresh baked goods daily & gourmet 4 course meals. Fish in one of our fully guided 7 metre (23 ft) Grady White Gulfstreams. Fishing Kyuquot is close to the fishing grounds & has some of the most consistent salmon & halibut fishing around, expect your limits!
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12
707 Nimpkish Heights RD
Port McNeill, British Columbia
V0N 2R0
Websitehttp://www.vanislefishing.com
Toll-free
Phone250-882-5088
Hook'n Them Up Fishing Charters is family owned & operated local business. We are proud to present our World Famous Guided Salmon Fishing, Halibut & Lingcod Sportfishing Charters located in the beautiful & remote location of Port McNeill & the surrounding areas. Photography & Sightseeing Tours of Queen Charlotte Sound, Inside Passage, Northern Vancouver Island, British Columbia. A company that is proud to serve your sports fishing needs. Thank you in advance for thinking of us.
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13
Websitehttp://www.kayakfishingbc.ca
Toll-free
Phone604-535-7985
Natural West Coast Adventures offers kayak fishing tours & instruction for both fresh & salt waters species. Our kayak fishing courses are designed for the novice to experience fisherman & take place in beautiful White Rock, BC where you can learn the fundamentals of paddling.
For those seeking further adventure & sport fishing opportunities we offer guided kayak fishing tours for both fresh & salt water fish on BC's Sunshine Coast.
We offer small group tours for Cutthroat trout, salmon, ling cod, rock cod, green ling & other ground fish species.
Come out for a relaxing day of kayak fishing!
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14
Port Renfrew
Port Renfrew, British Columbia
V0S 1K0
Websitehttp://www.pacificsportfishing.ca
Toll-free866-537-2838
Phone866-537-2838
We're a world-class sportsfishing destination in Port Renfrew, on Vancouver Island's West Coast of British Columbia. If you've come to wrestle our famous halibut on the Swiftsure Bank or fight some of our famous pacific salmon, you've come to the right place! We've built the business with personalized service. I'm happy to share my skills & secrets of successful salmon & halibut fishing. Want to run your own downrigger & set up your own bait? We'll teach you! For a guaranteed West Coast Adventure, jump aboard our Transport Canada approved 8 m West Coast Aluminium boat for an adventure of a lifetime.
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15
Box 234
Merville, British Columbia
V0R 2M0
Websitehttp://www.pacificwildcharters.com
Toll-free
Phone250-337-0100
We provide Fishing Charters & Marine Tours out of Tahsis, Zeballos, Comox or Campbell River. Pacific Wild Charters would be pleased to help you catch salmon, halibut or bottom fish. We are passionate about fishing & will do everything we can to ensure that you have a great day out on the water. Our boat is a 24' welded aluminum vessel specifically designed for fishing the ocean waters of the Pacific Northwest. Whether it's a multi-day adventure out on the spectacular West Coast of Vancouver Island, or a 5 hour excursion out of Comox, we can custom design a trip that suits you & your schedule.
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16
1625 MacDonald Rd
Campbell River, British Columbia
V9W 4S5
Websitehttp://www.painterslodge.com
Toll-free800-663-7090
Phone250-598-3366
Explore the rich tradition of BC salmon fishing in renowned Campbell River, 'The Salmon Capital of the World,' at the doorstep of one of the world's most impressive salmon migrations.
Set off from the resort in a 17 foot Boston Whaler & fish the waters of Discovery Passage with an experienced guide who shares your passion & excitement for fishing. Our guides are BC salmon fishing experts with a vast knowledge of the region & a deep respect for the sport. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced angler, your guide will help you reel in the catch you've been waiting for.
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17
4265 Discovery Dr
Campbell River, British Columbia
V9W 4X9
Websitehttp://www.peniukssportfishing.com
Toll-free888-287-2550
Phone250-830-7108
Brant Peniuk started guiding at 14 years old & has been a Top Salmon fishing guide in Campbell River for the past 40 years. Brants Charter boat is a near New Grady White Gulfstream that is Transport Canada certified , comes with onboard washroom, huge deck for fishing, comfortable seating for up to 4 , heater & full electronics for safety. Brant is a Certified Tidal Angling Guide & will row his guests a chance for Tyee in August & early September for membership into the Tyee Club of BC. Fishing in our area is fantastic so fish with one of the best , Peniuks Sportfishing Adventures.
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18
509 Reno St Zeballos
Zeballos, British Columbia
V0P 2A0
Websitehttp://www.reelobsession.ca
Toll-free888-855-7335
Phone888-855-7335
Come & join us for a world-class BC fishing vacation at one of the premier Vancouver Island fishing resorts. At our oceanfront fishing lodge you'll be treated like family. Enjoy gourmet meals prepared by our chef & relax after a day on the water in our hot tub & sauna - all in Vancouver Island hottest fishing area. We consistently send our guests home with salmon & halibut. Many BC fishing lodges only experience good fishing for a few weeks each year. Fishing Vancouver Island at our location in Zeballos provides huge runs of salmon & halibut throughout the entire summer fishing season.
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19
Fly-In Trophy Fishing Lodge
Rivers Inlet, British Columbia
V6P 4Z9
Websitehttp://www.riversinlet.com
Toll-free800-663-2644
Phone250-923-2689
Trophy Salmon Fishing at the all-inclusive Rivers Inlet Sportsman's Club is more than a world-class fishing experience. We offer you a rare treat where you can enjoy quiet time with family, friends & colleagues. There are no roads, crowds, cellphones/texting. Family operated, our floating lodge is only 5 min from fishing grounds, where Salmon weighing up to a record 126 lbs have been caught. Fish for Chinook, Coho, Halibut, etc. There's also sightseeing, whale watching, hiking trails, fly-fishing & boating/cruising; relax on sandy beaches. Everything here is first class: gear, guides, lodging & meals. Book today.
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20
326 Tower Rd
Bamfield, British Columbia
V0R 1B0
Websitehttp://www.rockypointcharters.ca
Toll-free
Phone250-728-3678
Rocky Point Charters is located on the West Coast of Vancouver Island at Barkley Sound in Bamfield. Your personalized fishing adventures with some of BC's finest Salmon & Halibut fishing are waiting. Rocky Point Charters is Bamfield's premier fishing destination. Your waterfront accommodation, 3 bedroom suite can sleep 9 with fully equipped kitchen, dining, living room, TV, Internet.
Owner/operator Ken Bodaly has over 25 years of fishing experience. You will fish from 7.27-7.82 m boats that are fully rigged & designed for fishing the West Coast, on the calm sheltered waters of Barkley Sound or 20 miles off shore.
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