Fishing West Coast Style

A Lake in the Woods, BC 1

With its far-stretching coastline and an abundance of lakes, rivers and streams, British Columbia (BC) is an ideal sport fishing destination. A variety of saltwater and freshwater species are found in BC's waterways including several types of salmon, trout and bass. The province is divided into six tourism regions, all offering anglers a variety of fishing opportunities and options. Two regions that stand out include the vast Northern BC area, including the Queen Charlotte Islands, and the Vancouver Island area, including Victoria and the Gulf Islands. Both sectors offer remote fishing destinations and trophy-size catches, with several tour operators and fishing resorts found here. Some of these resorts are only accessible by boat or plane, adding an adventurous spin to any vacation.

GEOGRAPHY

	Inner Harbour Victoria, BC 2

Northern BC
Northern BC is a vast area covering over 50 per cent of the province. In the northeast sector, visitors will travel through the Peace River Valley and Rocky Mountains and in the northwest portion, explore its glaciers and wildlife. Historically referred to as Haida Gwaii after the northwest coast native people living there, the Queen Charlotte Islands are a unique destination, an archipelago comprised of hundreds of islands that is accessible via plane or by ferry. Here, visitors will encounter a rich and diverse environment, filled with forests, beaches and aquatic eco-systems.

Vancouver Island
Home to BC's capital city of Victoria, Vancouver Island offers a combination of old growth forests, beaches, mountains, lakes and rivers. Its most celebrated features are the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, both providing a mild climate for the region. The island measures 32,261 sq km (19,356 sq mi) and consists of several inlets and the Gulf Islands.

CLIMATE

Northern BC has a variable climate depending on the area visited. Generally, late spring and early fall boast mild temperatures and summers range from the low
20s°C to high 30s°C (68°F to 86°F). Winters in coastal areas feature rain and mild temperatures while Northern BC's interior has large snow falls.

Vancouver Island experiences the mildest climate in Canada, with temperatures averaging in the mid 20s°C (70°F to 80°F) in the summer and just below 0°C (32°F) in the winter. There is a high annual rainfall on the island with the outer coast receiving the heaviest precipitation.

REGULATIONS FOR FISHING IN BC

The Fish and Wildlife Branch of the BC Government (Ministry of the Environment) has established a set of detailed fishing regulations and conservation strategies. All anglers visiting BC are encouraged to review guides published by this division to ensure a positive fishing experience and avoid severe penalties including fines, for not abiding by these rules.

Basic rules include needing separate fishing licenses for freshwater and saltwater fishing that must be on the person at all times. Licenses can be purchased at a number of locations including sporting good stores, resorts, marinas and some service stations. Anglers can purchase a variety of types of permits including annual, day and multiple day licenses.

	BC Ferries Active Pass 3

Certain supplementary licenses and stamps are also required for fishing specific species. There is a salmon conservation stamp for instance and permits are required for fishing in national parks. Anglers should also familiarize themselves with information concerning size limits, quotas, equipment restrictions, catch and release techniques, boating laws and other regulations before heading out. Guides can be obtained where licenses are sold and through BC Government agencies.

SALTWATER AND FRESHWATER FISHING

A number of freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities are available in both Northern BC and Vancouver Island. Species found in these areas' waters include salmon, halibut, steelhead, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, shellfish, rockfish, lingcod and char.

Northern BC
Northern BC is scattered with bodies of water making for prime freshwater fishing, and its coastal regions offer good saltwater fishing especially around the Queen Charlotte Islands. There are several lakes and rivers in the Prince George area including the mighty Fraser River. Along the north coast anglers will find saltwater options in Prince Rupert and Kitimat and freshwater fishing in the Skeena River, a top place for river fishing. Anglers will find fishing pools that are accessible from many of the major highway systems in Northern BC including the Babine, Bulkley, Morice and Kispiox Rivers, located off the Yellowhead Highway 16 and Highway 37. The Stewart-Cassiar region offers saltwater fishing in Stewart and freshwater options in Kinaskin and Boya Lakes, among others.

Vancouver Island
Saltwater fishing is the main draw to this region with the lure of the Pacific Ocean and its bounty. The South Island area offers year-round saltwater fishing including the availability of chinook salmon all year. Summer and fall are especially good times for saltwater fishing in the Gulf Islands. Freshwater anglers will also find hot spots on Vancouver Island including year-round fishing in the Pacific Rim and in the North Coastal Island (Campbell River and Tofino). Other highlights of this locale include the Cowichan region known for its fly-fishing, Central Island for the salmon and shellfish of the Strait of Georgia, and North Island's Rivers Inlet, famous for its monster salmon and halibut catches.

TYPES OF FISH SPECIES

Anglers will find a variety of saltwater and freshwater species in both Northern BC and Vancouver Island including salmon and trout species.

Salmon
One of the highlights of any fishing trip to BC is the variety of salmon species found here including chinook, coho, sockeye, pink and chum. All of these species are found in the waterways of both Northern BC and Vancouver Island.

Chinook
Also known as king salmon, chinook salmon average in size from 1.5 to 38 kg (3 to 80 lbs) with those weighing over 14 kg (30 lbs) referred to as tyee and highly prized by trophy fishers. Notable physical characteristics of this species include spotted tails and black gums. An abundant population of chinook are found in Prince Rupert and the Queen Charlotte Islands of Northern BC.

Coho
Averaging 0.9 to 14 kg (2 to 30 lbs) in size, coho salmon are known for their erratic fight and leaps, providing anglers with a good challenge. Coho are also called silver salmon for their bright silver colour.

Sockeye
These slender-bodied salmon are valued for their flavourful pink flesh, averaging 2.2 to 3 kg (5 to 7 lbs) in size. Sockeye are a silver-blue colour and have dark tails with no spots.

Pink
Small yet feisty, pink salmon are a popular species with fly fishers, weighing on average between 1.5 to 3 kg (3 to 7 lbs). In general, more pink salmon are found in northern waters during even-numbered years and in southern waters during odd-numbered years.

Chum
Similar in appearance to sockeye, chum salmon are larger with silver streaks on their tails. They average between 5.5 to 11 kg (12 to 24 lbs) in size.

Spawning Salmon Glendale River, BC 4

Trout
Many freshwater anglers enjoy fishing for trout in BC lakes and rivers.

Rainbow and Steelhead
A popular freshwater fish, rainbow trout average 0.5 to 5 kg (1 to 11 lbs) in size, while big catches weighing as much as 16 kg (35 lbs) have been found in BC lakes. The steelhead trout is a sea-run rainbow trout known for its fighting spirit, averaging 3 to 10 kg (6.5 to 22 lbs) in size.

Brown
Brown trout are found in limited areas of BC, one of which includes Vancouver Island. They average in size from 0.5 to 2 kg (1 to 4.5 lbs).

Lake
These trouts are distinguishable by their forked tails and worm-like markings. Lake trout vary in size and are found in large lakes throughout BC.

Coastal Cutthroat
Located in lakes and rivers on offshore islands and along the coastal mainland, coastal cutthroat trout have numerous spots and average in size from 0.5 to 1 kg (1 to 2.2 lbs).

Bull
The bull trout is mainly located in BC's northern and interior waters. Averaging in size from 1 to 6 kg (2 to 13 lbs), these types of trout have notable jaws that turn downward.

FISHING TRIPS

Vancouver Island and Northern BC offer several lodging and travel choices that cater to an angler's interests and needs, specializing in saltwater and freshwater fishing trips. Travellers can plan a BC fishing vacation by using the services provided on the WorldWeb.com Travel Guide, including a directory of accommodations as well as various transportation and fishing charter options.

	Haida Heritage Centre 5

Saltwater fishing operators, charters and resorts are found in most communities along the mainland coast and on the islands. Those interested in freshwater fishing trips may enjoy the freedom of exploring various lakes and rivers found along major routes on their own. There are also resorts and lodges positioned near main waterways offering all-inclusive packages.

The advantage to staying at a lodge or resort is that anglers can get in more fishing time, have access to remote areas and get inside information and tips from local guides and charters. Remote regions are usually accessed via boat, floatplane or helicopter. Many resorts offer all-inclusive packages that include transportation, accommodation, meals, guides and other amenities.

Renting a boat is an another option but a guided trip is recommended to increase the chances of catching fish and navigating the ocean. Some lodges also offer other activities in addition to fishing, so this may be an option when travelling in groups or for family vacations.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF:

1. c/o Tourism BC; A Lake in the Woods; BC, Canada
2. c/o Tourism BC; Inner Harbour Victoria; Victoria, BC, Canada
3. c/o Tourism BC; BC Ferries Active Pass; BC, Canada
4. Tom Ryan; c/o Tourism BC; Spawning Salmon Glendale River; Knight Inlet, BC, Canada
5. Rolf Bettner; c/o Tourism BC; Haida Heritage Centre; Queen Charlotte Islands, BC, Canada