Saltwater Fishing and Ocean Fishing in British Columbia

The several species of Pacific Salmon in habiting British Columbia’s ocean waters are highly prized by fishermen. The Chinook salmon in particular is the trophy fish of choice. The largest Chinooks – those weighing more than 12kg – are sometimes called tyee salmon. Canuck, Coho and pink salmon are mainstays of British Columbia’s tidal sport fishery. Other species sought by saltwater fishermen include halibut, rockfish, cod, perch, snapper, sea-run cutthroat trout and flatfish.

The Queen Charlotte Islands and the Vancouver Island communities of Campbell River, Duncan, Courtenay and Port Alberni are among the most popular saltwater fishing destinations in British Columbia.

A resident tidal-water sport fishing license, good for one year, costs about $50.00 for adults and seniors, and under 16s are free. Nonresident licenses are about $30.00 for five days. When fish-tagging programs are on, you may be required to make note of the date, location and method of capture, or to record on the back of your license statistical information on the fish you caught.