British Columbia is famous as the capital of salmon fishing, and that title may not be far off the mark. Besides salmon, here you will find other species of fish worth catching, such as steelhead, halibut, and trout. Deep sea fishing is an alternative to consider, but fishing in the pristine waters of the local rivers is much preferred, too. Where to fish in British Columbia? If this question is on your mind, here are a few ideas to get you started.
Capilano River – The opportunity for a real adventure
Considered by many a veritable paradise for anglers, the Capilano River lies right at Vancouver’s back door. That means that you can expect large crowds here especially during the best season for catching Coho salmon. That usually happens between June and August, so traveling here in summer may be tricky, with so many tourists coming to the area.
As expected from a place known for its many varieties of salmon, you can catch many other subspecies, such as Chinook, steelhead, and cutthroat. A very popular hatchery can be found next to the dam, but that is not the only place you can go fishing, as many good pools are scattered along the river.
One thing to bear in mind is that the river can be difficult to navigate, due to the cliffs that surround it. Roe fishing is a favored method here, but you can try your hand at fly fishing just as much. Also, you must remember the local bylaws; you will not be allowed to take home with you any wild Coho salmon, or steelhead.
Ambleside Park
Another great location for fishing in BC, and also happens to be placed in Vancouver, is the Ambleside Park. An excellent fishing spot for anyone who enjoys salmon, it is located close to the mouth of the Capilano River, mentioned just earlier. If you are in the mood for some Chinook salmon, Coho salmon, or the pink subspecies, you will find them all here.
The best thing about the Ambleside Park is that it offers all the conveniences of an urban setting while placing you very close to fishing grounds that are hardly equaled by many other locations on the planet.
You can fish here all throughout the summer, and even partly in the fall. The season depends on how high or low the river waters are. When they are low, fish will remain here longer to enjoy the feeding opportunities, and that means that you will be able to fish, as well.
Dundarave Pier
A place located in the western part of Vancouver, this pier is ideal for fishing. It is part of the Dundarave village, a quaint location where you can enjoy ocean fishing to the best of your abilities. The picturesque place makes it a fine choice for anyone who likes traveling with their family.
Here you will find plenty of shops and eateries and even a beach where a children’s play area is readily available. The seawall stretches up to Ambleside, offering beautiful views of the ocean, and making for one of the most popular areas for walking in the entire metro area of Vancouver.
Head over to the pier if you are in the mood for fishing. While your kids and the rest of the family are having fun, you can enjoy relaxing hours by the pier.
Fraser River
Not far from Vancouver, you will find the largest river crossing through British Columbia. Most of the water system in BC is drained into this river, which explains why the aquatic world is so abundant, as well.
Here you can catch a beautiful specimen of white sturgeon, for which the river is one of the best fishing spots in British Columbia and the entire world. Fishers from all over the world come here hoping for a chance to catch one of these magnificent fish. Struggling with one such specimen can count as the adventure of a lifetime.
Besides sturgeon, you will find plenty of salmon in these waters, as well. The place is famous for salmon runs, and this is yet another reason why so many people travel here every year. Trout and steelhead are common here, as well. Camping and adventuring by the river side are possible.
Campbell River
Any fishing enthusiast will find the Campbell River a fantastic destination for making all their dreams come true. The hamlet located on the river is the ideal spot to start your fishing adventure and explore the capital of salmon fishing. You will reach this place easily by car, traveling less than one hour from Victoria.
Summer is the best season for salmon, and these waters are abundant in fish all throughout the hot months. You can try fishing adventures of all kinds. You can opt for the calm pools scattered across the river, or you can head over to the Seymour Narrows, where the fast-moving waters make for a different kind of adventure. No matter what you choose, rest assured that your vacation will be one to remember.
Haida Gwaii
This archipelago is located not far away from the north coast of BC. You can reach this quaint place by floatplane, but be aware that you need to make proper arrangements in advance. That being said, expect no roads to take you from the nearby Vancouver to Haida Gwaii. Of course, if you choose to stay in one of the local resorts, they will take care of such aspects.
Haida Gwaii is aptly named an angler’s paradise, and there is more than just fishing to enjoy when you pick this destination for your vacation. If you are all for catching salmon during its migration, be aware that the Langara Island should be your top priority. This place is favored by migrating salmon when they move towards the local streams.
Here you can fish sockeye, halibut, rockfish, and red snapper, to name a few of the species abundant in these waters. And, overall, the proximity to Alaska makes this destination more exciting than others on the continent.
Victoria Waterfront
You can have many choices when it comes to fishing in Victoria. Here, the local authorities take care of hatcheries for Chinook and halibut. Other salmon sub species can be caught in summer. The Oak Bay Flats is the place where you can find plenty of needlefish, no matter what time of the year you choose.
Constance Bank is located not far from Clover Point. Here is the place you should try for halibut, and boat fishing is highly recommended. The remote location makes for exciting opportunities, but be aware that you should hire a guide when you want to venture into these waters. Bottom bumping is the method recommended by locals, well versed in catching Chinook salmon.
During the summer, head over to the Quarantine Buoy. This is where you will find plenty of sockeyes, pink salmon, and Coho, and you will not be disappointed. Whether you like the idea of fishing throughout the year, or you pick summer as your season for fishing, you will discover that the Victoria water-front is quite generous in all ways.
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