Salmon Fishing in Nanaimo

Nanaimo is full of natural wonders; the city is so famous because of its location in the center of Vancouver Island, and it's known as " The Harbour City."
Nanaimo is one of the key access points to great fishing destinations for salmon fishing, such as Victoria, Ucluelet, Sooke, Campbell River, Lake Cowichan and Port Renfrew.
But it's not all about Salmon; Crab fishing and prawning are great years round, especially during winter.
Put down a prawn crab trap at Maffeo Sutton Park's fishing pier for prawns or Dungeness crab fresh from the Pacific Ocean, or head out on a Chinook Salmon fishing charter. Freshwater anglers can explore Nanaimo's many lakes (several of which are stocked regularly with trout) and the Nanaimo River.
You also have great opportunities of catching Halibut, the main prize of bottom fishing, especially in the season of spring and summer. Don't let Lingcod's monstrous looks discourage you from targeting it, as its white meat is a true delicacy.

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Salmon Fishing Season in Nanaimo

Fishing salmon in Nanaimo is available year-round, especially for chinook salmon, which is known for it too. But if you want to visit this amazing city in the peak fishing season for chinook, come between July and September. Salmon follow migration patterns, which makes their timing and route very predictable.
Besides chinook, you can enjoy fishing coho salmon almost most time of the year, from September to January. You can also try crabbing, which is best in the winter months in Nanaimo area.
The early runs of salmon species start in late June, another prime fishing period in Nanaimo.
You may have a chance till to the end of October, which is when you might catch all types of Salmon, including Coho, Sockeye, Chum, and Pink. Being right on the Strait of Georgia pass, Nanaimo gives you the chance to catch all this without travelling far.

Getting to Nanaimo,
The World Class Chinnok Salmon Fishing

As we said before, Nanaimo is one of the main gateways to the island for passengers. If you prefer air travel, Nanaimo Airport is 18.8 km (11.7 miles) and is located south of downtown Nanaimo. There is also a ferry terminal to reach Nanaimo from Tsawwassen to Duke Point Ferry Terminal or Take a ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Deep Bay. Seaplane is available for those who love both air travel and water travel from Vancouver Harbour to Nanaimo Harbour.

Salmon Fishing Rates in Nanaimo

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 $165 per hour so if you do have not much time you can still experience an amazing fishing trip in Nanaimo.

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 salmon should check the Management of Salmon Fisheries in B.C for bait selection, gear selection, required licences and any other regulations for salmon fishing.

Consider that all over British Columbia need valid fishing licences for those older age 16, which you can get online from the Canadian National Recreational Licensing System. Besides that, if you want to keep the salmon you catch, you require to Salmon Conservation Stamp.

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.

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Salmon Fishing in Nanaimo Common Questions

What is the best months for salmon fishing in Nanaimo?

Although you can fish salmon all months of the year the peak season here starts from September to January.

Where can I fish in Nanaimo BC?

In Nanaimo's well-known fishing spots, there are thousands of fish species stocked. The most popular lakes for fishing are, Westwood

Lake, Diver, Green, and Long Lakes.

Also you will find all salmon species in Thrasher Rock, Colliery Dams, Gabriola Island, Entrance Island, Five Finger Island, Snake Island and even Departure Bay and Neck Point.

What fish species can I catch in Nanaimo?

Nanaimo'waters are rich and offer so many fish species such as chinook salmon, coho salmon, pink salmon, sockeye salmon, cutthrout trout, rainbow trout, steal head trout and halibut.

Where can I fish in What licence do I need for salmon fishing in Nanaimo?

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 Nanaimo, BC.

How many salmon can I catch in Nanaimo?

It depends on the salmon species you like to catch, but the minimum number starts from 2 for chinook and coho in Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, BC.

Can I keep salmon in Nanaimo?

All over British Columbia need valid fishing licences for older age 16. besides that, if you want to keep the salmon you catch, you require to Salmon Conservation Stamp.