British Columbia
World-class salmon, trout, and steelhead fishing in rivers, lakes, and coastal inlets throughout the province.
BC is a world-class fishing destination. From the legendary steelhead rivers of the Skeena system to the trophy trout lakes of the Kootenays, these are the spots that serious anglers dream about.
A valid BC freshwater or saltwater fishing licence is required. Visit the BC government website for current regulations and licence purchase.
Legendary among fly fishers worldwide, the Skeena system produces some of the largest wild steelhead on earth. The river and its tributaries — the Bulkley, Babine, and Kispiox — are bucket-list destinations.
Known as the 'Salmon Capital of the World,' Campbell River offers exceptional saltwater and freshwater fishing. The Discovery Passage is famous for trophy Chinook.
BC's fourth-largest lake offers excellent trout and kokanee fishing with a stunning backdrop of vineyards and desert hills. Boat rentals available in Kelowna and Penticton.
The Fraser is home to the world's largest population of white sturgeon — prehistoric giants that can exceed 3 metres. Catch-and-release sturgeon fishing is a unique BC experience.
One of BC's premier trophy trout lakes, Kootenay Lake produces bull trout over 10 kg. The surrounding mountains and the free Kootenay Lake Ferry add to the experience.
The 'Fishing Highway' corridor east of 100 Mile House strings together over 100 lakes renowned for trophy rainbow trout. Resorts and fishing camps dot the route, making it one of BC's most accessible and rewarding freshwater destinations.
Remote and extraordinary, the waters around Haida Gwaii offer world-class halibut and salmon fishing. Charter operators in Masset and Queen Charlotte offer guided trips.
Where to Stay
From remote fly-in wilderness camps to full-service ocean resorts — 15 of the best fishing lodges across British Columbia.
Full-Service LodgePerched on the banks of the legendary Skeena River, Skeena Angler Lodge is one of BC's most respected steelhead destinations. Expert guides lead guests to world-class runs on the Skeena and its tributaries — the Bulkley, Kispiox, and Babine. The lodge offers comfortable riverside cabins, hearty meals, and the kind of fishing stories that last a lifetime.
Wilderness LodgeNestled in the mountains above the Kootenay Lake system, Kootenay Trout Lodge offers an intimate wilderness experience for fly fishing enthusiasts. The lodge specializes in guided float trips on the Kootenay River and access to remote alpine lakes stocked with trophy-sized rainbow and bull trout. Small group sizes ensure a personalized, unhurried experience.
Remote Float LodgeOne of BC's most remote and spectacular fishing destinations, Haida Gwaii Wilderness Lodge is accessible only by floatplane. Guests fish the pristine waters surrounding the archipelago for trophy chinook salmon and halibut in near-total wilderness. The lodge accommodates just 12 guests at a time, ensuring exclusive access to some of the most productive ocean fishing on the BC coast.
Full-Service ResortCampbell River has been called the Salmon Capital of the World, and this full-service lodge puts you right in the heart of the action. Located on Discovery Passage — one of BC's most productive salmon corridors — the lodge offers guided ocean charters, comfortable waterfront rooms, and a fish-cleaning and freezing service so you can bring your catch home.
Remote Ranch LodgeDeep in the Chilcotin plateau, this remote ranch lodge offers guided fly fishing on the Dean and Chilcotin Rivers — two of BC's most storied steelhead and rainbow trout systems. The lodge is accessible by a combination of gravel road and jet boat, and the experience is as much about the wild BC landscape as it is about the fishing. Evenings are spent around the fire with fellow anglers.
Lakeside ResortSet on the shores of Okanagan Lake with a private dock and boat rentals, this family-friendly resort is the perfect base for exploring one of BC's most productive interior lakes. Kokanee salmon and rainbow trout are the main targets, and the resort's guides know every productive shoal and drop-off on the lake. After fishing, the Okanagan wine country and beaches are right at your doorstep.
Guided Day LodgeThe Fraser River is home to the largest white sturgeon in the world — prehistoric giants that can exceed 3 metres and 300 kilograms. This Mission-based lodge specializes in catch-and-release sturgeon fishing with certified guides who know the river's deep holes and channels intimately. It's a bucket-list experience for any angler, and the lodge is just 90 minutes from Vancouver.
Ocean Charter LodgeTofino is famous for surfing and whale watching, but it's also one of BC's premier ocean fishing destinations. This lodge runs guided charters into Clayoquot Sound and the open Pacific for trophy chinook salmon and halibut. The dramatic west coast scenery — old-growth rainforest, sea stacks, and open ocean — makes every trip memorable whether the fish are biting or not.
Fly-In Wilderness LodgeFor anglers seeking true wilderness, this fly-in lodge near Fort Nelson offers access to remote lakes and rivers in the BC northeast that see almost no fishing pressure. Arctic grayling rise freely to dry flies, northern pike lurk in the shallows, and lake trout cruise the depths. The lodge accommodates just 10 guests and the experience is completely off-grid — no roads, no crowds, no cell service.
Fly Fishing LodgeThe Bulkley River is one of the world's great steelhead rivers, and this Smithers-based lodge has been guiding anglers on its legendary runs for over 25 years. The lodge offers both wade fishing and drift boat trips, with access to the most productive pools on the upper and lower Bulkley. Accommodation is in comfortable riverside cabins with a communal lodge for meals and evening gatherings.
Riverside Camp LodgeThe Gold River on Vancouver Island is one of BC's most consistent winter steelhead rivers, and this riverside camp puts you right on the best water. The camp runs small groups of four to six anglers with dedicated guides for each party. The Gold River's clear, emerald-green water and old-growth forest setting make it one of the most beautiful steelhead rivers in the province.
Lake Resort LodgeThe Highway 24 corridor between Lone Butte and Little Fort is known as the Fishing Highway — a string of over 100 productive trout lakes in the BC interior. This lodge sits on one of the best lakes in the corridor and offers guided fishing, boat rentals, and comfortable lakeside cabins. It's a classic BC fishing resort experience — relaxed, affordable, and consistently productive.
Ocean Charter LodgePort Hardy sits at the northern tip of Vancouver Island, where the waters of Queen Charlotte Strait meet the open Pacific. This lodge runs guided ocean charters for trophy chinook salmon and halibut in some of the most productive and least-pressured waters on the BC coast. The remote location means bigger fish and fewer boats — a genuine wilderness ocean fishing experience.
Tented Wilderness CampThe Babine River is widely regarded as one of the finest steelhead rivers in the world, and this tented wilderness camp offers an authentic, back-to-basics experience on its most productive water. Guests stay in comfortable wall tents with wood stoves, share meals around a communal fire, and fish with some of the most experienced steelhead guides in BC. The Babine's gin-clear water and wild canyon setting are unforgettable.
River LodgeThe Columbia River system in the BC interior is one of the province's most diverse fisheries, and this Revelstoke-based lodge offers guided access to the best of it. Float trips on the Columbia target trophy rainbow and bull trout in the river's clear mountain water, while nearby Arrow Lakes offer excellent kokanee salmon fishing. The lodge is perfectly positioned for a multi-day fishing and adventure trip.
Gear Up First
The best fishing tackle and sporting goods stores near BC's top fishing destinations — local knowledge included.
100 Mile HouseCariboo
Local flies & lake reports for the Cariboo lake country
TerraceSkeena
Spey rods, sink tips & Skeena system steelhead gear
Campbell RiverVancouver Island
Ocean salmon & halibut gear in the Salmon Capital of the World
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