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
1 - 10 of 30 Results
31
Quathiaski Cove
Quadra Island, British Columbia
V0P 1N0
Websitehttp://www.agfish.net
Toll-free
Phone250-285-2770
AG-Fish Enterprises specializes in saltwater salmon fishing charters in & around Quadra Island and Campbell River. A short 15-45 min cruise from the Quadra Island or Campbell River dock puts you in the middle of some of the best salmon fishing action. The waters around Quadra Island area are sheltered & offer calm seas. For your comfort, our fishing is from 7 m (23 ft) covered sport fishing cruiser, which is Transport Canada Certified & Approved, offering on-board toilets & the best equipment on the market. Join us for the fishing adventure of a lifetime!
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32
900 April Point Rd
Quadra Island, British Columbia
V0P 1N0
Websitehttp://www.aprilpoint.com
Toll-free800-663-7090
Phone250-598-3366
Some of the most exciting salmon runs in BC come past our doorstep.
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 can set the hooks, offer new tips & techniques & help you reel in the catch you've been waiting for.
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33
705 South Island Hwy
Campbell River, British Columbia
V9W 2C2
Websitehttp://www.archersfishing.com
Toll-free866-663-1800
Phone250-287-6881
Salmon Fishing Charters departing from Pier #1 at Fisherman's Wharf, near the Fishing Pier. Warm, comfortable 24 foot cruisers with top of the line electronics & gear, very experienced fishing guides, marine toilet, inside & outside seating. Famous for salmon fishing with five species of salmon to target our waters, which are protected from the open ocean by Vancouver Island & are teaming with fish & wildlife. It is usual to see an abundance of marine life including killer whales, porpoises, sea lions, seals, seabirds & bear on shore. Be sure to bring your camera to capture your memorable trip.
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34
Bones Bay
Minstrel Island, British Columbia
V0P 1L0
Websitehttp://www.bonesbaylodge.com
Toll-free
Phone509-844-7284
Clio Channel near Minstrel Island, Knight Inlet is home to Bones Bay Resort/Float Lodge. Centrally anchored in the remote, pristine waters of Bones Bay, our small, intimate guest lodge is perfectly located. We provide guests the option to book Wildlife Eco-Tours, Fishing Adventures or Combination Stays.
These unique opportunities appeal to individuals, couples or families wanting a diverse & exciting vacation holiday that will offer the experience of a lifetime. Join us at our remote lodge for custom designed, fully guided tours & adventures.
Tired of the everyday rat race? Make this 'Your Last Resort!'
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35
6555 Hardy Bay Rd
Port Hardy, British Columbia
V0N 2P0
Websitehttp://www.coastwidesportsfishing.com
Toll-free877-779-9094
Phone604-765-0436
Coastwide Sports Fishing, in Port Hardy on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, is where you find a pure, unique, hardcore BC saltwater salmon fishing experience! Coastwide Sports Fishing is owner-operated & their goal is to supply you with a true BC saltwater sportfishing experience. At Coastwide Sports Fishing, they offer 2 or 3 person fully-guided, all-inclusive packages.
You'll love your day's fishing aboard Coastwide Sportsfishing's 25' Grady White, appropriately named 'Tenacious'.
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36
561 Campbell St
Tofino, British Columbia
V0R 2Z0
Websitehttp://www.tofinofishing.com
Toll-free888-534-7422
Phone250-725-2700
One of Tofino's most recommended saltwater & freshwater Fishing Outfitters since 1996. Top-rated tour on TripAdvisor. You can pursue trophy-sized salmon, halibut & cod offshore, or explore protected inshore waters with light tackle or a fly rod for salmon & sea-run cutthroat trout, or enjoy a private day trip to fish remote, pristine streams & lakes for steelhead & trout.
Our professional guide team and certified vessels will not disappoint you! Family & corporate groups welcome, or if you are travelling on your own, please ask about shared charter options. Full-service Fly & Tackle Shop. Excellent accommodation packages & online Specials. Tofino offers BC's most consistent fishing action.
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37
630 Campbell St
Tofino, British Columbia
V0R 2Z0
Websitehttp://www.cleanlinesportfishing.com
Toll-free855-726-3828
Phone250-726-3828
Located in beautiful Tofino, British Columbia on Vancouver Island's stunning west coast, Cleanline Sportfishing offers both saltwater & freshwater fishing experiences. Our premium charters are fully guided & outfitted, combining local knowledge & passion for the sport with attention to comfort & safety for our clients. Cleanline Sportfishing experiences can be fully customized for all ages & ability levels, & with every excursion we focus on best environmental & ethical fishing practices.
Offering Salmon & Halibut fishing, Wilderness River Fishing, Saltwater FlyFishing charters all based from our Tofino BC location. We also offer a unique eco-fishing experience; great for families.
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38
359 Denman St
Comox, British Columbia
V9M 3A7
Websitehttp://www.cccharters.ca
Toll-free
Phone250-650-0684
I am available to provide you with any fishing package you would like to develop with me as I have a reliable network of fishing guides & sports fisherman all over VI. Areas I prefer to fish are locally Comox Valley & Campbell River however I have an extensive knowledge of other areas, Port Alberni, Bamfield, Tofino, or Port McNeil area. If you are interested in fishing any of these locations let me know & I will provide you with advice in setting up accommodations & any other necessary arrangements to make your fishing trip of a lifetime a success.
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39
Websitehttp://www.crabbyscharters.com
Toll-free
Phone250-218-0671
Come enjoy a day of fishing in the beautiful Comox Valley & Campbell River area.
The waters of the Strait of Georgia are open to salmon fishing year round! Marine wildlife such as Killer whales, dolphins, seals & sea lions can be seen as well. Crabby's Charters welcomes families & encourages taking kids fishing! You could consider splitting the day up with salmon fishing, then switching to light tackle cod fishing for the kids; or pull crab & prawn traps for a seafood feast! We also have fishing charters in Tofino on Vancouver Island's westcoast. Visit our website for more information.
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40
Websitehttp://www.fishersadventures.com
Toll-free
Phone250-871-3474
We provide Fishing Charters & Marine Tours - Year round. Whether it be fishing on the East Coast, West Coast or interior of Vancouver Island, we are ideally placed to move to where the fish are. We love salmon fishing, halibut fishing, bottom fishing & prawning/crabbing on the ocean & trout or salmon fishing on the Island's lakes & rivers.
We are passionate about providing safe & exciting fishing adventures. Our boats are comfortable & certified. Our guides are experienced, licenced & fully insured. We provide Charters in and around Courtenay/Comox, /Hornby/Denman, Port McNeil, Senora Island, Tahsis, Zeballos, Esperanza, Quatsino, Strathcona Park.
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