Regions and Fishing Spots of British Columbia’s West Coast
British Columbia’s (BC’s) west coast is a haven for anglers, offering unparalleled opportunities to connect with nature and reel in some of the world’s most sought-after fish. From the expansive waters of Vancouver Island to the secluded inlets of Haida Gwaii and the Gulf Islands, every region has its unique charm and abundant fishing spots. Below is a detailed guide to some of the most iconic and productive locations to help you plan your next adventure.
Vancouver Island: Top Fishing Hotspots
Vancouver Island is a world-renowned fishing destination, offering a diverse range of saltwater and freshwater opportunities. Here are some must-visit hotspots:
1. Bamfield
Located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Bamfield is a hidden gem known for its productive saltwater fishing. The nearby Barkley Sound is a prime spot for Chinook and Coho salmon, particularly in the summer months. Halibut fishing is also excellent, with many anglers venturing to the offshore banks. Bamfield’s sheltered waters make it accessible for anglers of all experience levels.
I used to fish Bamfield a lot in the old days but it got too crowded for me and I moved to Nootka Sound where I bought a guiding business. Check out my article on Bamfield for more great information on fishing there and what you should know.
2. Campbell River
Dubbed the “Salmon Capital of the World,” Campbell River has earned its reputation as a premier fishing destination. Its waters teem with Chinook salmon during the summer, while the fall brings Coho and Chum salmon runs. Freshwater enthusiasts can explore nearby rivers and lakes for trout and steelhead. The Tyee Pool is a must-visit for those seeking the thrill of landing a massive Chinook on traditional methods.
I used to fish the rip tides between Quadra and the Ferry Terminal with great success. It’s a little tricky to time the rip just right but when you do the Bite Is On! Read my article on how to fish the areas around Campbell River for some more excellent fishing tips.
3. Kyuquot
Kyuquot Sound, located on the northwest coast of Vancouver Island, is a remote and pristine area offering exceptional fishing opportunities. Known for its abundance of salmon, halibut, and lingcod, Kyuquot’s waters attract anglers seeking trophy catches. The area’s remoteness ensures a peaceful experience, with breathtaking scenery as a backdrop.
I just love Kyuquot! It’s beauty alone will astound you and the fishing is awesome. Most of the time you are fishing offshore so weather patterns play a role along with tide changes in influencing your catch rate. My article on how to fish Kyuquot will provide valuable information that is required to fish in that area so check it out.
4. Nootka Sound
This stunning region on the island’s west coast is rich in history and marine life. Nootka Sound offers diverse fishing opportunities, from salmon and halibut in the saltwater to trout and steelhead in the rivers. The sheltered waters of the sound make it an excellent location for beginners and seasoned anglers alike. Nootka Sound is steeped in history with some very interesting and captivating stories of early explorers and First Nations who bartered with them.
Nootka Sound is home for me and I’ve been fishing there for over 25 years as of this date. I also ran a guiding business for 15 of those years until I decided it was time to meander other areas for my enjoyment. Read my articles on Nootka Sound for many fish tales and lots of quality fishing tips plus some secret fishing spots other guides don’t want you to know about.
5. Port Alberni
Nestled at the head of Alberni Inlet, Port Alberni is a prime location for salmon fishing. The Sockeye salmon run in the summer is one of the largest on the coast, drawing anglers from far and wide. The inlet’s calm waters provide excellent fishing conditions, making it ideal for families and newcomers.
Like Bamfield, Port Alberni is a very popular spot and is very crowded during the summer months every year but most hot fishing spots are on Vancouver Island. The beauty of fishing Port Alberni is the convenience of having all the fishing amenities close by in case you need to stock up.
Check out my article on where to fish in Port Alberni and what gear and lures work best for salmon, halibut and rockfish.
6. Quatsino
The remote waters of Quatsino Sound, on the northwest coast of Vancouver Island, are perfect for anglers seeking solitude and big catches. Salmon, halibut, and rockfish are plentiful, and the rugged coastline offers a pristine environment for exploration.
I fished Quatsino a few years back and it was an awesome experience to say the least. A long journey to get there but well worth the trip. Fishing is mainly done in offshore waters but once you learn the area you will catching fish in no time. My article on what to expect when fishing Quatsino Sound is a great read for new commers and those of you who have struggled to land fish there.
7. Salish Sea
The Salish Sea encompasses the waters between Vancouver Island and the mainland. This region offers year-round salmon fishing, with peak seasons for Chinook and Coho. The sheltered waters are ideal for small boats, and the nearby Gulf Islands provide scenic fishing opportunities.
The northern end of the sea is called Georgia Strait and also home to some great salmon fishing. I have fished these areas extensively over the years and my article provides expert advice and tips on where the most productive areas are and how to fish them.
8. Sooke
Just a short drive from Victoria, Sooke is a popular destination for anglers targeting Chinook salmon. The area’s proximity to the open ocean makes it a hotspot for large, ocean-bright fish. Halibut fishing is also productive here, particularly in the spring and early summer.
Sooke is a jewel in the rough as fishing there is unbelievable. When I first starting guiding in Nootka Sound a guide from Sooke who came there regularly invited me down to Sooke to fish and showed me a lot of exceptional areas to fish and how to fish them as you’ll find out in my article on fishing Sooke.
9. Telegraph Cove
Telegraph Cove, located on the northeastern coast of Vancouver Island, is a picturesque fishing village with access to some of the island’s best fishing waters. The nearby Broughton Archipelago is home to salmon, halibut, and a variety of bottom fish. The area is also known for its rich marine life, making it a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts.
Once a year me and my best friend (and top guide working for me) would leave the guiding operations in Nootka Sound to the other guides and head to Telegraph Cove. There we would hook up with some fishing buddies from the Lower Mainland and Comox Valley for a few days of fun and adventure. I have an article which details how we fished the waters around Telegraph Cove and the good times and stories we had while we were there.
10. Tofino
Tofino’s stunning location on the west coast of Vancouver Island makes it a prime destination for anglers. The offshore waters are teeming with Chinook and Coho salmon, while the sheltered inlets offer opportunities to target rockfish and lingcod. Tofino’s vibrant town provides a perfect base for fishing and relaxation.
Tofino and Ucluelet are two very popular fishing spots on the west coast of Vancouver Island. The area is steeped in history and has some of the most luxourious lodges and hotels in British Columbia. People from all over the world come to the area for the gorgeous sandy beaches and great water activities like fishing and surfing to name a few. Read my article on some of my favorite fishing adventures and what we did to land fish.
11. Victoria
As the capital city of British Columbia, Victoria offers easy access to excellent fishing grounds. Salmon fishing is the main attraction, with Chinook runs peaking in the summer. The nearby Juan de Fuca Strait is also a great spot for halibut and bottom fish.
Victoria is another prime spot for tourists to visit and while there take in some fishing and/or whale watching opportunities. The last few years have seen some restrictions on where to fish and catch limits have been reduced to protect certain species of salmon that migrate through the surrounding waters heading towards their natal streams. I used to go there a lot when I was younger but haven’t been lately but I have many friends who still live there and fish regularly and tell me everything I used back then still works. Read my article to find out more.
Map of Vancouver Island Fishing Spots, Marinas & Boat Launches
A detailed map highlighting these locations can provide visual guidance for anglers. Key features of the map should include:
- Hotspots for Salmon Fishing (e.g., Campbell River, Sooke, Nootka Sound).
- Halibut Grounds (e.g., Barkley Sound, Quatsino, and offshore waters).
- Freshwater Locations (e.g., rivers and lakes near Port Alberni and Campbell River).
Maps can also highlight marinas, boat launch sites, and nearby accommodations.
Because of the tremendous size of British Columbia, I’ve focused my maps on Vancouver Island for now and will add some for BC later. I’ve visited a lot of these boat ramps and marinas over the years and most of them are well maintained in my opinion.
Having said that, I would be remiss to say I’ve included or visited all of the marinas, boat launches and hot fishing spots on the island. If you don’t see a marina, boat launch or hot fishing spot on our maps, let us know and we’ll add it to the map in question.
Our interactive maps highlight marinas, boat launches, and prime fishing spots across Vancouver Island. Zoom in to explore key areas and plan your route.
Other BC Coastal Regions
The west coast of British Columbia (BC) extends beyond Vancouver Island, offering diverse and unique fishing experiences in other regions. There are a mix of secluded inlets, fiords and some treacherous waters along the BC coast. The further north you go the more secluded it becomes and harder it is to get there. I have fished a few areas along the coast and write about my adventures in the links below so check them out.
Below are some highlights:
1. Gulf Islands
The Gulf Islands are a serene and scenic archipelago located in the Salish Sea. These waters offer year-round opportunities for Chinook salmon, particularly during the winter months when the “feeder” salmon are active. The islands’ protected waters are ideal for small boats and kayaks, making them accessible to anglers of all skill levels.
I remember my brother in-law and I would pack up the boat and head to the Gulf Islands during the winter to catch some of the plentiful “Winter Springs” as we liked to call them. I write about some of our adventures and what we used in certain areas that produced quite well.
2. Haida Gwaii
Often referred to as the “Galapagos of the North,” Haida Gwaii is a remote and mystical destination for anglers. The nutrient-rich waters surrounding the islands attract massive Chinook salmon, often referred to as “Tyees,” weighing over 30 pounds. Halibut fishing is also exceptional, and the area’s untouched beauty provides a truly unforgettable experience.
Haida Gwaii or The Queen Charlotte Island as it used to be called is something out of a surreal dream. If you have never been you are missing out on a lot. I worked there with my father in my early 20’s and we fished together a lot. I also have an article on my time there with some tips on what we did to catch fish and we caught a lot together.
3. Prince Rupert
Prince Rupert, located on BC’s northern coast, is a bustling fishing hub. Known for its incredible salmon and halibut fisheries, the area also offers opportunities to target crab, prawns, and other shellfish. The Skeena River, one of the world’s great salmon rivers, is just a short drive away and provides outstanding freshwater fishing for salmon and steelhead.
Prince Rupert is one of the few areas in BC that I have yet to fish and it is on my bucket list. The world’s largest caught commercial and sport fished salmon were caught in the Prince Rupert area. Read my article to find out how big they were and where the hot spots to fish there are today.
4. Rivers Inlet
Rivers Inlet is a legendary destination for trophy Chinook salmon. These waters are famous for producing some of the largest salmon on the coast, with fish exceeding 50 pounds not uncommon. The remote location and stunning fjords make Rivers Inlet a bucket-list spot for serious anglers.
Back in my late thirties I was given the opportunity to work for a fishing lodge named Big Springs Resort. It was a dream come true as anyone who has fished Rivers Inlet will always have some wild fish tales about monsters that were netted or got away. In my article I talk about my time there and the popular areas we fished like the “Wall” and “Wadhams Cannery”.
5. Sunshine Coast
Stretching along the mainland from Gibsons to Powell River, the Sunshine Coast is a haven for recreational anglers. The protected waters of Howe Sound and Georgia Strait are teeming with salmon, and the region’s mild climate allows for year-round fishing. Prawning and crabbing are also popular in this area.
I have fished this area a lot also and although the boat rides were long from where I lived in the Comox Valley at the time it was worth the expense and time. If you are travelling from the Lower Mainland you will enjoy a multiple ferry ride through some very scenic waters with small towns along the way with lots of fishing opportunities. I have written an article about this area describing my exploits and areas fished.
Conclusion
British Columbia’s west coast is a treasure trove of fishing opportunities, with each region offering its own unique experiences and challenges. Whether you’re chasing the thrill of a trophy Chinook in Haida Gwaii, enjoying the serene waters of the Gulf Islands, or exploring Vancouver Island’s diverse fisheries, there’s something for every angler.
Armed with this guide and a love for the sport, your next fishing adventure on the west coast is sure to be unforgettable. Happy fishing!
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