Top saltwater destinations
We will cover areas from the North to South of BC.
Haida Gwaii
Haida Gwaii, an archipelago off northern British Columbia, is renowned for its abundant Chinook salmon, especially during July and August. Anglers can expect to encounter Chinook averaging 20-30 pounds, with trophy catches exceeding 50 pounds.
Coho salmon fishing peaks from late August through September, offering vigorous fights and acrobatic displays. Coho normally range from 7-15 lbs though its not too uncommon to get Coho over 15lbs.
Halibut are plentiful from May to September, with average catches between 20-40 pounds, though halibut over 40lbs are not uncommon.
To get here you have to fly-in and make sure the lodge or the fishing charter has rain gear. Annual rainfall is more than other coastal areas.
Fishing grounds are often within 30 minutes of the dock.
Port Hardy
Situated at the northern tip of Vancouver Island, Port Hardy provides access to rich fishing grounds. Chinook salmon fishing is prime from June to August, with average sizes around 10-20 pounds and occasional catches surpassing 30 pounds.
Coho salmon are abundant from July through September, adding to the already great action. Halibut fishing is productive from May to September, with typical catches ranging from 20-40 pounds, and larger halibut are possible.
The richest fishing grounds are normally just over an hour from the harbour.
Winter Harbour
This remote locale on Vancouver Island’s northwest coast is a hidden gem for anglers who love a rugged journey. Chinook salmon fishing is normally good from June to mid August, with average sizes between 12-20 pounds and the potential for larger catches. Coho salmon are prevalent from July to September, providing lots of action for an added experience.
Winter Harbour is known for its bottom fishing, especially lingcod. There is a large commercial fishery here for ling cod and while this can make the guides search a bit more, there is still lots of opportunity. Halibut are abundant from May through September, with average weights of 20-40 pounds, and larger halibut are possible.
Nootka Sound
Located on Vancouver Island’s west coast just north of half way, Nootka Sound is celebrated for its consistent salmon runs. Chinook salmon fishing peaks from July to August, with average catches around 12-20 pounds and the possibility of Chinook over 30lbs.
Coho salmon are abundant from August through September, offering lively action to an already abundant fishery.
Halibut fishing is best from May to September, with typical catches ranging from 15-40 pounds.
Ucluelet
Ucluelet, on Vancouver Island’s west coast, is renowned for its consistent salmon fishing. Ucluelet has access to more feeding grounds for all types of fish than any place on the coast because of its ideal location and access to fishing grounds north towards Tofino and south towards Bamfield, and most areas up to an hour offshore.
Barkley Sound is also a draw for calm water fishing and there are some charters that mostly fish inside for salmon.
Chinook salmon are abundant from May to September, with average sizes between 10-20 pounds and occasional catches exceeding 30 pounds.
Coho salmon fishing is good from July through September, providing great action. Coho are normally from 5-10lbs here during July to mid August and a few pounds larger during late August and early September.
Halibut are plentiful from May to September, with average weights of 12-35 pounds, and larger halibut in spots closer to shore though in smaller numbers.
Lingcod are common here from.
Fishing Limits and Regulations
Chinook Salmon:
Daily limit of 2; annual limit of 10 from all tidal waters open to Chinook retention.
Coho Salmon:
Daily limit of 2, with specific regulations on hatchery-marked and wild (unmarked) Coho depending on the area.
Halibut:
As of June 2024, the possession limit is either one halibut measuring 85 cm to 126 cm in length, or two halibut each under 85 cm. No retention of halibut over 126 cm. In September 2024, regulations were updated to maintain conservation efforts; anglers should consult the latest guidelines before fishing.
