Fishing in Haida Gwaii & the North Coast
Remote wilderness salmon and halibut fishing in one of BC's last frontiers. Langara Island, Masset, Prince Rupert.
1. Langara Island (Chinook Salmon)
Haida GwaiiLangara Island, off the northern tip of Haida Gwaii, is world-famous for its huge Chinook salmon averaging 25-40 pounds. The island's lodges offer all-inclusive salmon fishing packages.
2. Masset & Graham Island (Eel, Steelhead)
Haida GwaiiThe waters around Masset offer excellent Chinook, coho, and halibut fishing. The Yakoun River and other streams offer salmon and steelhead.
3. Prince Rupert Area (Halibut, Salmon)
Prince RupertPrince Rupert offers excellent saltwater fishing for salmon and halibut. The Skeena River mouth and Chatham Sound are productive.
4. Skeena River Mouth (Coho Salmon)
Near Prince RupertThe Skeena River mouth offers world-class Chinook and coho salmon fishing. The river's massive flow creates nutrient-rich waters.
5. Kitimat Area (Halibut, Salmon)
KitimatThe Kitimat area offers excellent salmon and halibut fishing in Douglas Channel and the Kitimat River.
6. Stewart (Portland Canal)
StewartThe Stewart area offers excellent salmon and halibut fishing in the Portland Canal fjord. The Bear Glacier provides a stunning backdrop.
7. Queen Charlotte City (Arctic Char)
Haida GwaiiQueen Charlotte City offers salmon and halibut fishing in Skidegate Inlet. The surrounding waters are productive.
8. Sandspit (Moresby Island)
Haida GwaiiSandspit offers excellent fishing in the southern Haida Gwaii waters. Coho salmon and halibut are abundant.
9. Hecate Strait (Halibut, Salmon)
Between Haida Gwaii and mainlandHecate Strait offers world-class halibut and salmon fishing. These open waters are known for large fish but require careful weather planning.
10. Dixon Entrance (Halibut, Salmon)
North of Haida GwaiiThe Dixon Entrance offers excellent salmon and halibut fishing where the Pacific meets the Hecate Strait.
11. Yakoun River (Eel, Steelhead)
Graham IslandThe Yakoun River is the largest river on Haida Gwaii and offers excellent Chinook, coho, and steelhead fishing in a pristine rainforest setting.
12. Mamin River (Eel, Steelhead)
Graham IslandThe Mamin River offers salmon and steelhead fishing on northern Graham Island.
13. Gold Creek (Cutthroat Trout)
Haida GwaiiGold Creek offers cutthroat trout and salmon fishing in a remote Haida Gwaii setting.
14. Juskatla Lake (Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout)
Graham IslandJuskatla Lake offers rainbow trout and cutthroat trout fishing in central Graham Island.
15. Skidegate Lake (Arctic Char, Rainbow Trout)
Moresby IslandSkidegate Lake offers rainbow trout fishing near Queen Charlotte City.
16. Mayer Lake (Cutthroat Trout, Rainbow Trout)
Graham IslandMayer Lake offers cutthroat trout and rainbow trout fishing in northern Haida Gwaii.
17. Kumdis Slough (Cutthroat Trout)
Graham IslandKumdis Slough offers cutthroat trout and salmon fishing in the Masset area.
18. Port Clements (Salmon, Trout)
Haida GwaiiThe Port Clements area offers fishing in the Tlell River and other streams for salmon and trout.
19. Tlell River (Cutthroat Trout, Eel, Steelhead)
Haida GwaiiThe Tlell River offers excellent salmon, steelhead, and cutthroat trout fishing in eastern Graham Island.
20. Cumshewa Inlet (Halibut, Salmon)
Moresby IslandCumshewa Inlet offers saltwater fishing for salmon and halibut in southern Haida Gwaii.
21. Skedans Bay (Salmon)
Moresby IslandSkedans Bay offers salmon fishing in the remote southern Haida Gwaii.
22. Kano Inlet (Halibut, Salmon)
Moresby IslandKano Inlet offers halibut and salmon fishing in the Gwaii Haanas National Park region.
23. Rose Harbour (Saltwater)
Haida GwaiiRose Harbour offers saltwater fishing for salmon and halibut in southern Haida Gwaii near Gwaii Haanas.
24. Rennell Sound (Saltwater)
Haida GwaiiRennell Sound offers saltwater fishing for salmon and halibut on the west coast of Graham Island.
25. Englefield Bay (Saltwater)
Haida GwaiiEnglefield Bay offers remote saltwater fishing for salmon in northern Haida Gwaii.
Fishing Tips for the Haida Gwaii & North Coast Region
- Get a licence -- Buy online at fishing.gov.bc.ca. A salmon conservation stamp is required.
- Book months in advance -- Langara Island lodges book years in advance for the summer season.
- Watch the weather -- Haida Gwaii and the north coast are exposed to Pacific storms. Check marine forecasts carefully.
- Bring rain gear -- The north coast is one of the wettest regions in Canada. Quality rain gear is essential.
- Respect the communities -- Haida Gwaii is the ancestral home of the Haida Nation. Respect local protocols and cultural sites.
- Get a licence — All anglers 18+ need an Ontario fishing licence. Buy online at ontario.ca/fishing.
- Watch Great Lakes weather — Lake Erie is notorious for sudden, dangerous storms. Check marine forecasts before heading out.
- Hire a charter — For Lake Ontario salmon and Lake Erie walleye, chartered trips are the most productive option.
- Fish the Bay of Quinte in fall — September through November offers the best trophy walleye fishing in the bay.
- Try the Niagara River — The Niagara River offers year-round fishing opportunities unmatched in Ontario.
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