Top 5 Fishing Destinations in British Columbia
From freshwater to saltwater, BC has some of the most diverse and incredible fishing locations in Canada. This article will feature the top five destinations for anglers looking to explore BC’s waterways and reel in a big catch. It will include information on what species of fish can be found at each location, as well as tips on bait and tackle selection and boat or shore access points.
In the coastal city of Vancouver, anglers can find an abundance of Salmon and Sturgeon. The Fraser River is a hot spot for chinook (king) salmon during the summer months while the Capilano and Seymour rivers are ideal spots to catch coho (silver) salmon in autumn. For sturgeon fishing, the lower Fraser River near Chilliwack is considered one of the best spots in BC.
For trout and bass enthusiasts, moving eastward away from Vancouver offers some great options. Cultus Lake, located two hours outside of Vancouver near Chilliwack, features excellent Rainbow Trout fishing year-round as well as plenty of other species such as Largemouth Bass, Perch, and Northern Pike. Further east in Kamloops, anglers will find one of the premier trout fisheries in BC with both Rainbow Trout and Bull Trout present in abundance.
The Kootenays region is home to some of the most beautiful riverside landscapes and incredible fishing opportunities. Here, you can explore the Columbia River for species such as Kokanee Salmon, Whitefish, and Lake Trout. The Kootenay Lakes region is also well known for its steelhead run, which occurs from late September to early December each year.
Heading northward toward Prince George offers up more exciting options for fly-fishing enthusiasts. This area is popularly known as a destination for trophy-sized rainbow trout due to its large number of high mountain lakes like Ootsa Lake, Francois Lake, and Williston Lake. While here, don’t forget to try your luck at some of the area’s smaller streams for Brook Trout and Bull Trout as well.
Finally, no list of the top fishing spots in BC would be complete without mentioning northernmost locations like Atlin and Teslin, which are known for their world-class Arctic Grayling fishing opportunities. In addition to Grayling, both lakes feature trout species including Cutthroat and Rainbow Trout.
With so many incredible spots around BC to choose from when it comes to fishing, you’re sure to find a destination that suits your needs perfectly. To help you get started on your next big angling adventure in British Columbia, we’ve highlighted the top five fishing spots in BC. Whether you’re a novice angler or an experienced pro, these destinations are sure to offer up some unforgettable experiences and plenty of big catches!