In British Columbia, we are lucky to be spoiled by world class fishing destinations. From fly fishing and spin fishing to deep sea sport fishing, there is something for every type of angler. Whether you are looking for a calm, meditative experience along a mountain stream or an action packed adventure on the open water, Pacific Coastal Airlines will connect you to the best fishing destinations in the province.
Campbell River
Campbell River is one of Canada’s top fishing destinations, also known as the Salmon Capital of the World. This destination is the best place to catch all five species of Pacific salmon, including Chinook, Coho, Pink, Chum, and Sockeye during the season. The area is also known for excellent halibut, lingcod, steelhead, and trout fishing. The waters around Campbell River are incredibly calm and productive, with Discovery Passage running between Vancouver Island and the mainland, acting as a natural funnel for massive salmon migration. This draws anglers from all over the world to personally experience and witness the world class fishing.
Port Hardy
Located on the Northern tip of Vancouver Island, Port Hardy offers pristine marine and rugged freshwater angling. This destination is the perfect place for open-ocean fishing for massive migratory fish before they enter the inside passages of our province. Because of the wild water conditions and strong open ocean currents, catching fish there is a very raw but rewarding activity. Though the fish in Port Hardy is incredibly hard-fighting and energetic, the fishing experience is action-packed with high catch rates, especially for massive halibut and giant lingcod!
Masset (Haida Gwaii)
If you are looking for an ultra-remote fishing experience, Masset is truly unbeatable. Because of its location, fishing enthusiasts usually hire a local charter and fly in by floatplane or helicopter directly. Unlike the majority of other destinations, Masset offers legendary fishing grounds right on your doorsteps. There, the waters drop off deep and quickly, so you don’t need to boat far to reach the hotspot.
Acting as the “first stop” on the fish migration journey, Masset sits right where millions of giant Chinook and Coho salmon first hit the coast from the open North Pacific Ocean. So, if you enjoy “all-inclusive” packages paired with an ultra-wild fishing experience, Masset is the place!
Bella Coola
Bella Coola, the heart of the Great Bear Rainforest, is home to glacier-fed rivers and grizzly bears. If you prefer calmer water movement and peaceful river drifting, you are highly likely to see bears fishing along! Because Bella Coola is home to all five Pacific salmon species, that’s where bears gather during the fall season to bulk up for the winter.
Once born, baby salmon head out into the open ocean. When they reach maturity, they migrate back to their freshwater home rivers, like the Bella Coola, to lay their eggs and eventually complete their lifecycle. The hungry bears, therefore, support the vital relationship between the forest, the rivers, and the wildlife. If fishing alongside grizzly bears in the wild sounds like your dream trip, Bella Coola is perfect for you!
Powell River
Powell River is where both worlds come together: ocean and lake fishing. Protected by Vancouver Island, this destination gives calmer and sheltered water conditions for year-round salmon. Chinook salmon, in particular, lives in the area all year long thanks to the abundant food supply. Because of the diverse water environment, people come for ocean trolling, beach casting, or freshwater lake and river fishing. To top off your adventure, drop your shellfish traps down 300 feet to haul up giant crabs and sweet prawns. Paired with your salmon catch, it’s the ultimate ocean feast!