Vancouver, Coast, and Mountains
Whether you prefer a day out in the salty ocean or in the fresh waters of a river, the fishing opportunities in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains are legion.
Freshwater enthusiasts can spend a day on the mighty Fraser River. Home to a host of sturgeon as well as all five salmon species, the river is internationally renowned as a fishing paradise. You can also fly fish the Skagit River with mayfly, caddis and stonefly hatches. A trip to the Chilliwack-Vedder River means winter steelhead, chinook and coho salmon, rainbow trout, Dolly Varden and Rocky Mountain whitefish.
Saltwater fishing is made all the more accessible by the multitude of fjords in the region. Chinook and coho salmon, combined with rugged Coast Mountain scenery, make saltwater fishing here a dream.
Fraser River
Known the world over for its salmon fishing, the Fraser River is home to all five salmon species. The river can be fished from a motorboat or from gravel bars that line the shore. Countless salmon migrate here from early May until late November. While the estimated salmon population numbers between 10 and 20 million, sturgeon counts are also impressive thanks to strict catch-and-release regulations. One of the world's largest freshwater fish, the sturgeon can live more than 150 years! Commercial fishing guides are recommended for those unfamiliar with the river.
Chilliwack-Vedder River
Just south of Chilliwack - about a two-hour drive east from Vancouver - most of the Chilliwack-Vedder River is accessible by road. Famous for its year-round recreation options, this is one of the region's most popular fishing rivers. Sports anglers from across the continent make their way here for steelhead. Each of the four seasons boasts great fishing opportunities: winter steelhead, chinook and coho salmon, rainbow trout, Dolly Varden and Rocky Mountain whitefish can all be found at various times throughout the year.
Skagit River
The Skagit River flows through both Manning and Skagit Valley Provincial Parks, about a three-hour drive from Vancouver. Walkable for most of its length, this mountain stream is an ideal spot for fly-fishing with mayfly, caddis and stonefly hatches. While casting for rainbow trout and Dolly Varden are one of the main draws to the area, don't forget to stop once in a while to gaze at the magnificent mountain peaks and old-growth Douglas-fir trees that surround you.
Sunshine Coast
This entire coast has been given many gifts when it comes to being a saltwater angler's dream. Dotted with fjords, the area is a major salmon migration route. Boat rentals and guides are available all along the coast to take you to waters rich in chinook and coho salmon. This picturesque region is blessed with a host of wildlife, so prepare yourself for an encounter with a porpoise, seal or sea lion. You might even spot a bear feeding along the shore.
