By Jan Lee
Salmon fishing is one of the prime reasons people travel to British Columbia. Its wealth of coastline, rivers and streams to fish makes it one of the top locations in the world for salmon fishing.
While Chinook salmon (known in the U.S. as King salmon) is considered BC's trophy catch, there are four other favored species of salmon in BC's rivers: Coho (or Silver salmon), spring, chum and sockeye (red). Just about every region of BC is famous for its salmon fishing, although Vancouver Island, Northern BC and Vancouver Coast and Mountains are considered the best regions to fish.
Rivers Inlet
Rivers Inlet, located in a remote fjord near the Queen Charlotte Strait on the coast of British Columbia, is where many people go to land their prize Chinook. Average weight is around 35-40 lbs. Situated approximately 300 miles from Vancouver, Rivers Inlet can only be reached by float plane or boat. A variety of resorts are situated in the area which is famous for its breathtaking beauty.
North Vancouver Island
Salmon migrate past the semi-remote communities of Port McNeil, Port Hardy and Alert Bay, as well as further south at Telegraph Cove, making this a year-round fishing destination. The waters on the northeastern edge of the island are considered a prime location for all five types of salmon, but particularly Chinook, which is prized for its size and weight. All of these towns have motel and camping accommodations, and there are numerous locations at which to cast your line.
Fraser River
The Fraser is BC's longest river, and almost every part of it features prime salmon fishing. The Fraser Canyon, approximately 200 miles northeast of Vancouver, has a long history as a fishing destination. First Nations have been fishing off its shores for thousands of years. There is a variety of fishing outfitters that can guide you in the best recreational fishing locations for Chinook and sockeye on the Fraser and tributaries. There is no lack of fishing lodges and motel accommodations along the Fraser, although remote fishing holes can still be found.
Queen Charlotte Islands and Adjacent Coastline
The Queen Charlottes, located toward the northwestern tip of BC, sits adjacent to the migratory path of the Chinook, Coho and chum salmon as they head south from the Artic. Chinook can range to 60 lbs in these waters. Graham Island's Naden Harbour is a favorite destination for anglers. The Queen Charlottes are famous for their remote beauty and ideal fishing opportunities.
Skeena River
The 360-mile-long Skeena River in North Central British Columbia receives about five million salmon each year on their return from the Pacific Ocean. With some of the largest Chinook salmon in the world, and its abundance of Coho, chum and sockeye, the Skeena is a prime fishing destination. World records have been broken on this river for Chinook and Coho salmon. Angling outfitters are abundant as well and can advise you on the best locations and time of year for fishing.
About the Author:
Jan Lee has been writing articles for approximately 20 years. Lee's articles and content have been published at Suite101, Examiner, BCAdventure, Columbus World Travel Guide and Go Northwest and appeared in publications in Canada, United States and Mexico. Lee received her Bachelors in Spanish from Simon Fraser University, Canada and is a 2004 Society of Professional Journalists' winner for Editorial Writing (Greater Oregon Chapter).
