B.C. Fishing Regions
REGION 2
Lower Mainland & Fraser Valley
The Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley offer a variety of sport fisheries that can be done year-round. There are fisheries available for all age groups and skill levels. Some streams closer to Metro Vancouver are more utilized, while remote, uncrowded fisheries can easily be found without travelling much further.
Across Region Two, there are over twenty urban and semi-urban lakes that are stocked with catchable rainbow trout between March and October. Stocked with an average weight of 250g, these fish are suitable for those who are still learning how to fish. If stocked fish do not fancy you, then larger cutthroat trout, bull trout and kokanee are available in more remote and larger lakes.
Winter steelhead fishing attracts seasoned and determined anglers between December and April in several Fraser Valley streams. Five species of pacific salmon return to their natal streams between August and December, when both local and foreign anglers enjoy the best fishing this region offers.
Summer on the Fraser River is the ideal playground for the entire family, fish of all sizes from a miniature sculpin to a gigantic white sturgeon maybe connected. When both salmon and steelhead fishing are slow, one can experience hunting for coastal cutthroat trout and bull trout with light tackle.
Saltwater fishing is available throughout the year. In Burrard Inlet, Howe Sound, Gulf Islands, Chinook salmon can be caught by trolling from mid winter until late summer. Sockeye salmon fishing can be fantastic in August when millions of fish stage at the mouth of Fraser River. Coho salmon fishing can either be done from shore or a boat at the Capilano River mouth between July and September. Beach fishing for coho and pink salmon is available during certain time of the year near river mouths.
Fishing in Region 2
Sportfishing in B.C.
Sportfishing in British Columbia is a popular recreational activity that anyone can participate due to its availability and diversity. From world class steelhead fishery in the Skeena tributaries to put and take trout fishing in urban ponds, there is something for...
Basic Licence Carry and Production Requirements in B.C.
When fishing, you are legally required to produce your fishing licence and government issued photo ID upon request of an officer. Your basic angling licence must be legible and can be provided in the following formats: • An unmodified paper copy printed on 8.5 x 11...
New Drain Plug Regulations
Pull the plug! It’s the law! Effective May 17 2024 In B.C. it is now illegal to transport your watercraft with the drain plug still in place. Before transporting a boat or other watercraft, owners/operators must remove the drain plug and drain all water on dry land...
Planning the Perfect River Salmon Fishing Trip
River fishing in the fall for salmon can be excellent in Southwestern British Columbia. With chinook, coho, and chum salmon all returning at the same time in October and November, anglers are spoiled with plenty of fishing opportunities. The return of salmon also...
Marquart Lake, Merritt
Located just outside of Merritt, Marquart Lake is a small, clear lake which offers good rainbow trout fishing, camping and other outdoor activities nearby. Getting There From Merritt, travel east on Highway 97C (Okanagan Connector). After leaving Merritt for about ten...
Metro Vancouver & Fraser Valley BC Fishing Report
Overall, 2022 has been an excellent year for salmon fishing in the Fraser Valley. The Fraser River briefly opened for chinook and sockeye salmon fishing. Chilliwack River saw a good abundance of chinook and coho salmon returning. Lower Fraser River's chum salmon...