advertise

Halibut Fishing in Tofino

Experience some of the best halibut fishing offshore in Tofino from Vancouver Island with the beautiful view of Clayoquot Sound mountains.
Halibut fishing is so famous in Tofino, with whole herring and salmon bellies being the bait of choice for you. They generally prefer salmon bellies for feeding, which is found a lot in Tofino waters, but a large herring is always a good option.
Tofino's coastal waters are the home of the year-round fresh Dungeness Crabs too. There is something for everyone amongst the numerous fishing options, the breathtaking splendour of the west coast, and the wealth of wildlife view opportunities to see!
If you think for the spots that closer to shore Sydney Inlet and Russell Channel, Long Beach, 3 Humps, Portland and Raphael Point are excellent inshore fishing options to try if you don't want to go out to sea.
Remember that go-to bait for halibut in the spring is herring on a spreader bar because it's always ideal for matching the hatch.

Halibut Fishing Season in Tofino

The best Halibut fishing typically starts from May - to June. It can be good before and after that period, too, But May could be considered one of the most productive months for halibut fishing in Tofino.
Halibut, these migratory fish are mostly caught after large tides caused by the full moon.
They migrate from their deeper breeding grounds off the continental shelf to their shallow feeding grounds, the location where they will spend the summer, thanks to the large tides. The greatest strategy for intercepting them is to locate the structure, humps, and dropoffs along their journey.

Getting to Tofino;
The Town of Trophy Halibut

Tofino is one of the only places on the West Coast of Vancouver Island that offers accessibility by road to pristine areas of coastline, whales & wildlife, and long stretches of beaches.
There are two airports that you can easily reach Tofino from them.
You can fly non-stop to Tofino from Vancouver Airport on a scheduled or charter flight in as little as 45 minutes.

The first airport is Tofino-Long Beach Airport (YAZ); you can Fly non-stop from Vancouver on scheduled flights with Pacific Coastal Airlines or Cascadia Air, or try the second one and fly right into Tofino Harbour with Harbour Air!
There are other options if you like to visit the beautiful road of the west coast. You can drive or take a bus from Victoria and Nanaimo to the wonderful Tofino.
There are daily flights from Calgary and Vancouver to Nanaimo, Comox Valley airports and Victoria International Airport (YYJ); Nanaimo (YCD) is served by Air Canada and WestJet, and Comox (YQQ) is served by Air Canada, Pacific Coastal Airlines, and WestJet.

Halibut Fishing Rates in Tofino

Vanisle Fishers offers some of the best fishing trip packages from A short trip of a few hours to a Long journey of several days; so you could choose the best that fits you.
Our fishing trip rates start from $165per hour so if you do have not much time you can still experience an amazing fishing trip in Campbell River.


Fishing Regulations

Effective fishing regulations can be a key factor component of healthful fisheries. It contains information about open seasons, recreational fishing licences, fishing methods and, catch limits, as well as up-to-date fishing regulations for diverse fishing areas.
All anglers interested in Halibut should check the International Pacific Halibut Commission in B.C for bait selection, gear selection, required licences and any other regulations for halibut fishing. Before planning your fishing trip, you must check the updated information and know the limited fishing areas.
• Using a fishing line to which more than one artificial fly is attached (i.e., to use “dropper flies”) is forbbiden.

• Using light in any way to attract fish except the light is submerged and attached to the fishing line within 1 m of the hook is unlawful.

• It is forbidden to fish with nets, including minnow nets, dip nets, cast nets, or gill nets.

• Using barbed hooks or any hook with more than one point in all rivers, streams, creeks, or sloughs in B.C is prohibited. (Although the use of barbed hooks in lakes is allowed except the one noted in the Regional Water-Specific Tables).

Fishing Tips

• Keep boat launch areas clear to give all boaters equal access. Prepare your boat for launching away from the ramp to avoid creating unnecessary delays.
• Don't try boating and alcohol. You will need your complete reflexes to keep you, your boat, and other stream users safe. It's unlawful to operate a boat while impaired.
• Limit your speed (particularly when getting into corners) to keep away from collisions with other boaters, anglers, swimmers, and hidden obstacles. Respect the Universal Shoreline Speed Restriction of 10 k.ph within 30 metres of the shore.
• Be careful when boating at dawn and dusk and in other conditions of limited light or visibility.
• Refrain from running your boat through water being fished by way of others. Go slowly or drift by anglers along the shoreline. Be considerate of others.
• Avoid sensitive habitats such as spawning areas, shallow water, and wildlife nesting or foraging areas.
• Give animals crossing the river the space and time to do so. It's unlawful to harass wildlife with a boat.
• Pack out your garbage. Old fishing lines, litter, fuel, and oil damage fish habitats, endanger aquatic life and reduce water quality.

Dive into Vancouver Island's Premier Angling Haven!

Experience a memorable fishing adventure on Vancouver Island! Discover unrivaled opportunities in one of the world's top fishing destinations. Connect with us now and seize the moment!

Halibut Fishing in Tofino Common Questions

Salmon bellies and herrings are two of the most popular lures for halibut fishing that you are allowed to use in Tofino.
Depending on the last update of the International Pacific Halibut Commission, each person is allowed to catch between 1-3 halibut but always check the regulations before your trip.
Generally, the last months of spring until the end of summer consider a great time for Halibut fishing in Tofino.
Halibut typically live on or close to the bottom of banks made of mud, sand, or gravel. They can be found in depth between 90 and 900 feet deep and more.
All angler who is 16 years of age or older is required to buy a Basic Licence, which allows fishing in the non-tidal waters of Tofino, BC.
Typically, halibut lives at the bottom, so you have more chance of offshore fishing, but you can try to fish halibut from shore in Tonquin Beach in some productive months like May.