Resources

BC Sport Fishing Guide

Welcome to the 2008 edition of the BC Sport Fishing Guide, which is now published by the BC Fishing Resorts & Outfitters Association (BCFROA). This guide has been jointly produced by BCFROA and Suncruiser Publications.

Download the 2008 Fishing Guide (PDF 13MB)

 

Regulations

LICENSING

Separate licenses are required for saltwater and freshwater fishing. Licenses are available at sporting goods stores, other retailers and at Government Agency offices. Additional licenses are required to fish non-tidal salmon, steelhead and classified waters. All annual licences are valid for the current licence year, April 1 - March 31, commencing on date purchased.

2007-08 Freshwater License Fees

2007-08 Saltwater License Fees

2007-08 Important! In Season Regulation Changes

 

FRESHWATER

2007-2008 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis: For information regarding freshwater fishing regulations or pick up a copy at sporting good stores and Government Agency offices.

BC Freshwater Salmon Supplement:For information on fishing non-tidal salmon regulations which are published separately by Fisheries and Oceans in a supplement to the BC Freshwater Fishing Regs.

BC Fisheries Recreational Fishing Homepage: For complete information on freshwater fishing in BC.

 

SALTWATER

Central Coast Fishing takes place in Areas 7, 8, 107 and 108 and parts of Areas 6, 9, 106 and 109. Please check with the local Fisheries and Oceans Canada office for details.

2007-08 Salmon Limits: Note: Barbless hooks must be used when fishing salmon.

2007-08 BC Tidal Sport Fishing Guide: For all your saltwater information including: updates, license fees, regulations and info by species and region.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada Homepage: For area maps, fishing techniques, packaging tips and much more useful information.

 

Essential techniques

CARIBOO

When: The majority of small lakes in the Cariboo fish best early in the season, and again in the fall. Feeding slows in the heat of summer. Large lakes generally produce fish all season long. Rivers see decreased flows by mid-June, usually just in time for the first hatches of the season. Be sure to inquire to your guide or resort owner regarding best fishing times when planning your holiday.

Appropriate equipment: For the fly angler, 5-7 weight rods, 8-10 feet in length will cover most fishing opportunities in the Cariboo. Gear anglers should be equipped with 6-7 foot, medium-action rods.

Fly/Gear tactics: Stillwaters in the Cariboo see prolific hatches of chironomids and mayflies in May and June. Damsel and caddisflies hatch throughout the summer, leading way to boatmen and backswimmers in the fall. Throughout the entire season, staples such as scuds and leeches foster healthy trout. Rivers see prolific hatches of mayflies and stoneflies throughout summer. Gear fisherman using apex-type lures may be greeted by enthusiastic strikes. Also, flatfish, spinners, and spoons may entice a fish to hit.

CHILCOTIN

When: Weather plays a key role in determining successful fishing times in the Chilcotin - spring comes later, and fall arrives earlier compared to its more temperate neighbors. Small lakes fish best early and late in the season, but many produce throughout the summer. Chilcotin rivers fish best beginning in mid-June, and continue until October.

Appropriate equipment: Fly angers should be armed with 5-7 weight rods, 8-10 feet in length. Gear anglers should be equipped with 6-7 foot, medium-action rods.

Fly/Gear tactics: The freshwater shrimp plays a key role in the growth of Chilcotin trout, and are foraged throughout the season. Prolific hatches of chironomids, mayflies and damselflies start the season. Caddisflies may hatch in the heat of summer, bringing large trout within the reach of a dry fly. With the onset of fall, boatmen and backswimmers complete the aquatic menu. Rivers see prolific hatches of mayflies and stoneflies throughout summer. Gear fisherman using apex-type lures may be greeted by enthusiastic strikes. Also, flatfish, spinners, and spoons may entice a fish to hit.


COAST

When: The relatively mild weather associated with the coastal region of British Columbia means that anglers can fish year round, but should be equipped with wet weather gear. Each salmon species enters the river at its specific time or times of the year; timing the run may determine an angler’s success - be sure to inquire with your guide.

Appropriate equipment: River anglers casting hardware should be equipped with long, stout rods, and level wind reels to accommodate large powerful fish. Fly angers also require heavier gear, such as 7-10 weight rods, ranging from 8-10 feet. Open ocean fly fishers should be armed with 8-10 weight rods and a full vest of lines, ranging from full floats to heavy sink tips. Trollers are best equipped with mooching or level wind setups.

Fly/Gear tactics: Spoons, flatfish, and other hardware that imitates baitfish will entice a strike in both freshwater and marine settings. Fly anglers in rivers may find success while fishing with shrimp, streamer and egg patterns. For summer steelhead, dry flies walked across the surface may be greeted with enthusiasm. Open ocean fly anglers imitating baitfish with streamer and minnow patterns may be most successful.

- Brock Smith

Operators

Cariboo

Quesnel Visitor Centre
Quesnel, BC