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Fishing on Vancouver Island

Fishing is one of the unique things to do with friends and family. It lets you play with nature as well as enjoy catching these spectacular fish species in some of the most beautiful areas in the world. If you're looking for amazing fishing spots, and a community absolutely obsessed with fishing, then look no further than Vancouver Island. The island is not only the gateway to the rich waterways like Queen Charlotte Sound, Straits of Georgia, Johnstone Strait, and cities like Campbell River, Tofino, Sooke and Port Renfrew renowned for their fishing, but it has everything an angler wishes to find. From great moorage, different types of fishing trips, and expert fishing outfitters, you'll be well catered for as you explore the sparkling blue waters and reefs amidst some of the world's best fishing grounds. Nearly 10,000 lakes, more than 200 rivers, lots of bays and streams and hundreds of miles of shorelines on Vancouver Island allow you to choose where and when do you want to fish? and How do you want to fish?. Thanks to the weather, you'll find good fishing opportunities on Vancouver Island almost all of the year, so head on out next time you get a few spare days. Freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, deep-sea fishing, river fishing, lake fishing, canoe fishing and kayak fishing are all available on Vancouver Island.


Vancouver Island Fish Species

Anglers from all over the world travel to Vancouver Island to fish there and there are good reasons for that.
Vancouver Island has a great bank of fish species and is home to huge species like white sturgeon and pacific halibut.
The Wilderness nature of the island invites fishermen of all ages to have new experiences of fishing.
The untamed water of Vancouver Island covers a wide variety of native and non-native fish species such as Salmon, Trout, Tuna, Yellow Perch and Bass.
Also, you can enjoy watching the migration of these species from different water bodies of Vancouver Island.

Best Fishing Spots on Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island has many excellent freshwater and salt water fishing spots for beginners or skilled ones, for inshore fishing lovers or offshore fishing lovers, here on Vancouver Island and around that, you can find any fishing destination that you like to catch fish there. We named some of the best fishing locations on Vancouver Island below. Fishing in these spots is popular among anglers.

•Fishing in Campbell River
• Fishing in Port Hardy
• Fishing in Port Alberni
• Fishing in Winter Harbour
• Fishing in Tofino
• Fishing in Port Renfrew
• Fishing in Nootka Sound
• Fishing in Ucluelet
• Fishing Sooke
• Fishing in Kyuquot Sound
• Fishing in Esperanza Inlet
• Fishing in Cowichan Lake
• Fishing in Shawnigan Lake
• Fishing in Telegraph Cove
• Fishing in Comox
• Fishing in Port McNeil

Top 10 Rivers to Fish on Vancouver Island

1. Fishing in Cowichan River
2. Fishing in Campbell River
3. Fishing in Stamp River
4. Fishing in Big Qualicum River
5. Fishing in Elk River
6. Fishing in Salmon River
7. Fishing in Gold River
8. Fishing in Englishman River
9. Fishing in Nimpkish River
10. Fishing in Oyster River

The Best Bays to Fish on Vancouver Island

•Fishing in KelsayBay
• Fishing in Oak Bay
• Fishing in Buckley Bay
• Fishing in Gonzales Bay
• Fishing in Galiano Bay
• Fishing in Nesook Bay
• Fishing in Florencia Bay
• Fishing in Fanny Bay

Fishing Season on Vancouver Island

If you looking for a time that you can experience fishing all types of fish summer is the best time you can visit Vancouver Island and enjoy great fishing in addition to pleasant weather conditions although fishing is available almost year around.
Fishing in June, July, August and September has so many enthusiasts and is considered the best time for fishing on Vancouver Island.

Types of Fishing Methods and Techniques on Vancouver Island

Jigging Fishing

Jigging is a tried-and-true strategy because of its irregular motion, which mimics injured fish. In this method hooks attached to artificial lures to used to attract and capture fish

Trolling Casting

Trolling is one of the popular and easiest ways to catch salmon. Trolling involves moving the boat between 2-3 knots.

Fly Fishing

Fly fishing is the oldest but most popular fishing method among recreational anglers. A lightweight lure(an artificial fly), reel, cast using a fly rod, and specialized weighted line are used in this method.

Bottom Fishing

Bottom fishing is one of the popular ways of fishing, particularly in rivers. It is an excellent way to attract and locate different fish species during the fishing season and most time of the day.

Spin Casting

Spin fishing is an angling technique that uses a spinning lure to entice fish to bite. The method is widely used and is a favourite among sport fishermen.

Float Fishing

Float fishing is an exciting method that can be used to catch a wide variety of fish species from salmon, halibut to bass around Vancouver Island.

Limited Fishing Areas on Vancouver Island

Parks

• Pacific Rim National Park Reserve • Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve • Gulf Islands National Park Reserve

No Fishing Areas

• Zeballos Lake
 • Macktush Creek
 • Craigflower Creek
• Tsolum River
• Hemmingsen Creek
 • Consort Creek
 • Thelwood Creek • Healy Lake
• Colquitz River
 • Tlools Lake
 • Hawarth Lake
 • Claud Elliott Creek
 • Nola Lake • Haslam Creek
 • Catherine Creek
• Myra Lake
 • Goldstream River
• Carnation Creek
 • Miller Creek
 • Cruickshank River
• Browns River

Ecological Reserve

• Checleset Bay Ecological Reserve
• Checleset Bay Ecological Reserve
• Robson Bight Ecological Reserve
• Bowser Ecological Reserve
 • Cleland Island Ecological Reserve
 • Clanninick Creek Ecological Reserve
 • Claud Elliott Creek Ecological Reserve
 • Hənʎəmdᶻi Məkola/Yorke Island Conservancy
 • Baikie Island Nature Preserve
 • Comox Lake Bluffs Ecological Reserve
 • Baeria Rocks Ecological Reserve
 • Honeymoon Bay Ecological Reserve
• Yellow Point Bog Ecological Reserve
 • Canoe Islets Ecological Reserve
 • Ballingall Islets Ecological Reserve
 • Mount Tzouhalem Ecological Reserve
 • Trial Islands Ecological Reserve
• Race Rocks Ecological Reserve

Angling Safety in Bear Country

Bears are found throughout Vancouver Island., especially near streams. Black bears and grizzlies have a keen sense of smell, which may attract them to bait, freshly-caught fish, fish guts and spawning grounds. Here are some simple precautions to help you keep away from bear encounters and conflicts, Of course, if you are not interested to attract and hunting them.
• Dispose of fish guts at the exact location to catch the fish. Puncture the bladder and drop the guts into the deep or speeding water, well away from heavily used shoreline areas. Avoid disposal in shallow water or where the guts are probably to wash up on a beach or boat launch. Burial or burning the guts is not recommended; also, please do not place guts in garbage receptacles.
• Do not wipe your hands on your clothing after handling fish or bait such as fish eggs or after cleaning fish.
• Bears can be drawn to many types of food –fish and bait and groceries or garbage. Take precautions while fishing and always keep fish eggs in well-sealed and protected containers.
• Make your presence known by talking loudly or making noise, particularly along streams and in areas with signs of bear activity like tracks, droppings, or claw or bite marks on trees).
• If a bear nears within 50 metres (or 100 metres for a female with cubs) while you’re fishing, reel in or cut your line and leave the area quickly.

Fishing on Vancouver Island Common Questions

What kind of fish are on Vancouver Island?

Where is the best place for fishing on Vancouver Island?

When is it fishing season on Vancouver Island?

What is average price of fishing trip on Vancouver Island?

Our fishing trip rates start from $165 per hour, so if you do not have much time, you can still experience an amazing fishing trip on Vancouver Island.

What is the best fishing methods on Vancouver Island?

Is it better to fish at high or low tide?

What type of tide is best for fishing?

What are the most common fish on Vancouver Island?

Share your angling experience or fishing journey on Vancouver Island with us!