Fishing in Southwestern BC

Lake Fishing

While popular for ocean, salt-water stream, and river fishing, Southwestern BC is not renowned for its lake fishing. Runoff from the abundant evergreen forests causes high acidity levels in many mountain lakes, resulting in poor nutrients, lower insect populations, and subsequently, smaller fish.

Despite the lack of lake fishing recognition, there are still many wonderful spots to be found if you're willing to look hard enough. Getting to many optimal locations often involves a hike through rugged logging territory, and commonly you'll find yourself completely isolated out in BC's wilderness. BC lake fishing is indeed worth the effort!

Experienced local anglers tend to focus their attention on lower elevation lakes during the early months of the fishing season, and then on the higher elevation lakes as the weather warms. They begin to move back down to lower elevations as the higher lakes freeze over in the fall. This page contains an alphabetical listing of BC's best fishing lakes, including both the popular park lakes, as well as the most remote finds.

As with fishing anywhere in the world, please remember to adhere to local fishing laws and seasonal regulations. BC governments and citizens alike take pride in the abundance of local resources, and laws are specifically designed to keep fish stocks elevated for generations to come. Please fish with conservation in mind!

River Fishing

There is certainly no shortage of beautiful rivers and creeks throughout Southwestern BC, but because of their proximity to urban centers, many rivers and streams receive substantial fishing pressure. Despite this pressure, there are still good populations of steelhead and cutthroat, as well as a wide variety of salmon species. This abundance is primarily due to intense regulation that has been put in place to defend against depleting fish stocks.

Migratory game species, including wild salmon, steelhead, and sea-run cutthroat, are the focus of river fishing in Southwestern BC. Due to migration patterns, river fishing is at its best during the fall and winter.

Before you head out, please familiarize yourself with the multitude of regulations that have been put in place. Most notably, there is a single, barbless hook restriction on all of Southwestern BC's rivers and streams. In addition, any wild steelhead, cutthroat, and all species of char (including brook trout, bull trout, lake trout and dolly varden) caught south of the Jervis Inlet must be released. For further information, please contact the Lower Mainland Office of BC Fisheries at 604-582-5200. Because regulations are ever changing, it is a good idea to give them a call before you head out onto any of BC's many rivers and streams.

Saltwater Fishing

Saltwater fishing regulations are ever-changing in Southwestern BC, as conservation efforts struggle to combat against the notoriously heavy fishing pressure placed on local saltwater hotspots. Despite heavy restrictions, saltwater fishing can be thoroughly enjoyable, as long as you adhere to local laws. Keep in mind that there is a single, barbless hook restriction on all salmon fishing along the Pacific coastline, and also note that conservation and environmental stewardship are your responsibility, as much as anyone else's.

Because regulations are revised so frequently, it is a good idea to get in contact with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans for the most up-to-date information. Check their website at www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Beautiful Howe Sound provides some limited fishing near Vancouver, but its proximity to the city and easy access ensures heavy fishing pressure. These locales do not compare to saltwater fishing along other coastal locations, but some areas are still productive enough to allow an enjoyable day of fishing. Areas surrounding Vancouver have even tighter regulations, due to the sheer number of people eager to try their luck in those areas, so be aware. You can find a boat launch at a number of locations, including False Creek in downtown Vancouver, Horseshoe Bay, Ambleside Beach in West Vancouver, MacDonald Park in Richmond, and at a multitude of locations along the mighty Fraser River. Be prepared to pay around $10 CDN to launch at these locations. There are also boat launches available along the Sunshine Coast, including locations at Langdale and Gibsons, which allow you alternate access to Howe Sound.

The Sunshine Coast itself offers some excellent saltwater fishing venues. Many anglers will tell you that these locations do not compare to saltwater fishing further north or west, but they still offer an excellent alternative to Vancouver.