Fishing in British Columbia: Top Species and Best Spots

British Columbia is a fishing paradise. The province spans everything from the Pacific Ocean to the Rocky Mountains, offering world-class saltwater and freshwater fishing. Whether you are after a 50-pound king salmon, a massive white sturgeon, or a pristine alpine trout, BC has it all. Here is a guide to the top species and where to find them.

1. Chinook Salmon (King Salmon)

Best time: May through September (peak July-August)

Chinook are the largest Pacific salmon, regularly exceeding 30 pounds, with trophies over 50 pounds taken every year. They are the most prized salmon species for their size, power, and excellent table fare. Chinook are caught both in saltwater and freshwater during their spawning runs. The best ocean fishing is off Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii, and the mainland coast. Inside the Fraser River system, spring and summer runs produce excellent fishing near Chilliwack and Hope. Trolling with spoons, hoochies, or cut-plug herring is the standard technique. Downriggers are essential for reaching Chinook at their preferred depths of 40-120 feet.

2. Coho Salmon (Silver Salmon)

Best time: July through October

Coho are known for their acrobatic fights and willingness to strike surface lures. They average 6-12 pounds but can reach 20 pounds. Coho are more widely distributed than Chinook and are a staple of BC's saltwater charter fleet. Hotspots include the waters around Campbell River, Port Alberni, and the Sunshine Coast. In freshwater, the Thompson River and Cowichan River systems offer excellent coho fishing. Unlike Chinook, coho frequently feed near the surface, making them accessible to moochers and light-tackle anglers.

3. Sockeye Salmon

Best time: June through August

Sockeye are the most valuable commercial salmon species and are highly prized by recreational anglers for their firm, red flesh and exceptional flavour. They average 5-8 pounds and are notoriously challenging to catch because they stop feeding once they enter freshwater. The best sockeye fishing happens in saltwater or at the mouths of rivers, using flashers and small spoons or flies. The Fraser River supports the largest sockeye runs in the world, with returns exceeding 10 million fish in peak years. Barkley Sound and the Skeena River system are also top destinations.

4. Pink Salmon (Humpy)

Best time: July through September (odd-numbered years in peak)

Pink salmon are the smallest Pacific salmon, averaging 3-5 pounds, but they are incredibly abundant in odd-numbered years. They provide excellent light-tackle fishing and are a great species for new anglers. Pinks are widely distributed along the entire BC coast and in most coastal rivers. The Fraser River, Squamish River, and rivers along the Sunshine Coast all host large pink runs. They are aggressive strikers and will hit small spoons, spinners, and flies.

5. Chum Salmon (Dog Salmon)

Best time: September through November

Chum salmon are often overlooked but provide excellent sport in fall when other salmon runs are winding down. They average 8-15 pounds and are powerful fighters, especially in rivers. Chum have a reputation for being difficult to catch because they stop feeding aggressively as they approach spawning. The best chum fishing is in coastal rivers like the Squamish, Cowichan, and Nanaimo systems. Bright-coloured jigs, spoons, and salmon roe are effective presentations.

6. Pacific Halibut

Best time: May through September

BC's halibut fishery is world-renowned. These flatfish can exceed 200 pounds, though most fish caught range from 15-60 pounds. Halibut are found on sandy and gravel bottoms along the entire coast, from the Strait of Juan de Fuca north to Haida Gwaii. Top halibut grounds include the areas off Port Hardy, Prince Rupert, and Langara Island. Heavy rod and reel setups with circle hooks baited with salmon bellies, octopus, or herring are standard. Electric reels are increasingly common for deep water (300-600 feet).

7. Steelhead Trout

Best time: Winter steelhead December-March, summer steelhead June-September

Steelhead are ocean-going rainbow trout that return to freshwater to spawn. They are widely considered the premier game fish in BC for their incredible fighting ability, acrobatics, and beauty. BC has both winter-run and summer-run steelhead. The Skeena River system, including the Bulkley, Kispiox, and Kitimat rivers, offers world-class steelhead fishing. The Thompson River, Dean River, and Vancouver Island's Cowichan and Stamp rivers are also legendary. Spey casting with swung flies is the classic technique, though drift fishing with roe or jigs is also effective.

8. White Sturgeon

Best time: April through October

The Fraser River is home to the largest white sturgeon population in the world. These ancient giants can exceed 20 feet and 1,000 pounds, though most fish caught are in the 4-10 foot range. Sturgeon fishing is strictly catch-and-release and is managed under a guided-only fishery in most areas. The Fraser River near Chilliwack, Mission, and Prince George, as well as the Nechako River, offer the best sturgeon fishing. Heavy rod and reel with 80-130lb braid, large hooks, and bait like salmon roe, eulachon, or squid are standard.

9. Rainbow Trout (Freshwater)

Best time: April through October

BC's lakes and rivers hold exceptional rainbow trout. The interior region, particularly around the Kamloops area, is famous for its large, fast-growing rainbows. Top lakes include Sheridan Lake, Tunkwa Lake, Roche Lake, and Paul Lake, all known for producing rainbows in the 3-8 pound range. Fly fishing with chironomids, leeches, and dragonfly nymphs is the dominant technique. The Kootenay region also offers excellent rainbow fishing in the Kootenay and Elk rivers.

10. Cutthroat Trout & Bull Trout

Best time: April through October

Coastal cutthroat trout are found in most coastal rivers and estuaries, providing excellent light-tackle fishing. They average 1-4 pounds and are eager strikers. Bull trout, a char species, are found in cold, pristine waters across the province and can reach 15+ pounds in systems like the Elk River, Bull River, and Flathead River. Bull trout are catch-and-release only in most areas. Both species respond well to streamer flies, small spinners, and spoons.

Fishing Tips for British Columbia

• Know the tides — Coastal fishing is heavily influenced by tides. Incoming tides generally produce better saltwater fishing. Check tide tables before heading out.
• Get a licence — All anglers 18+ need a BC freshwater or saltwater fishing licence. Buy online at fishing.gov.bc.ca. Special licences are required for salmon and halibut.
• Watch for marine traffic — BC's coast has heavy commercial and recreational boat traffic. Always keep a sharp lookout, especially in fog or low visibility.
• Respect the runs — Many salmon and steelhead populations are threatened. Check the DFO fishing regulations for your area, practise responsible catch-and-release, and avoid fishing during spawning closures.
• Dress for the weather — BC coastal weather changes rapidly. Always carry rain gear, extra layers, and sun protection, even in summer.

Published July 2026 by the CatchTales team.