Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Vancouver, B.C. (Full Guide)
Vancouver is one of the best fishing destinations on the west coast known for tremendous salmon and trout fishing. Knowing when certain species of fish bite can make a huge difference in your success and enjoyment.
The best times to fish near Vancouver is June through September for chinook salmon, coho salmon, sockeye salmon, pink salmon, flounder, and lingcod. Chum salmon fishing is best near Vancouver October through December.
| Fish Species | Best Times of Year to Fish Near Vancouver, British Columbia |
| Chinook (King) Salmon | The peak of the king salmon run is June through August. |
| Coho (Silver) Salmon | July through October is the best time for silvers near Vancouver. |
| Sockeye Salmon | June through August is the best fishing window for local sockeye runs. |
| Chum (Dog) Salmon | The run starts in July but peaks with the best fishing October through December. |
| Pink Salmon | July to September is the prime time. |
| Lingcod | May through mid-June is the lingcod season. Very short season, but great action. |
| Flounder | Year-round availability; May through October is the best in Seattle-area waters. |
Vancouver is a fishing destination like no other. The city attracts passionate anglers as well as beginners, who are just taking the first steps in mastering the art of fishing. Anglers can try different types of fishing in Vancouver and its surrounding areas.
Fishing in Vancouver is versatile. Of course, anglers can always try ocean fishing on the coastline, on piers, or in the marinas. Plus, it’s possible to book a fishing charter with a local guide.
There are the rivers as well as the lakes where fishing is also excellent. Fishermen can also rent a boat to get to remote fishing spots. On top of that, Vancouver attracts a lot of anglers, who prefer fly fishing.
That means that the city has something to offer to every angler. Keep in mind that a fishing license is required. Also, anglers need to follow the regulations when fishing in Vancouver.
Check out this helpful guide to the best fishing windows to fish in Canada. You’ll learn the best seasons and times to fish in both salt and freshwater across Canada.
Best Time to Fish Vancouver
Anglers in Vancouver can enjoy fishing all year round. However, it would be better to fish in Vancouver when your target fish species are the most active.
Bear in mind that salmon is the number one target for fishermen in Vancouver. Salmon fishing season starts in April and lasts until September. Let’s assume that you are interested in targeting salmon.
It’s worth noting that salmon is seasonal fish that gets active during certain times of the year. So, plan your fishing adventures for these months.
The way you choose to fish in Vancouver also affects your choice. Are you a big fan of fly fishing? If so, it would be great to go fishing between March and April.
Fly fishing is also good between August and November. Bear in mind that fly fishing in the rivers should be avoided between May and June due to high water levels.
Or, maybe, you would like to catch a big trout? In this case, it would be better to visit the city in December. If you would like to test skills against sturgeon, then go fishing in July. Anglers find it much easier to get sturgeon to bite at this time of the year.
Check out this complete guide for fishing in British Columbia during the best times.
Recommended Fishing Charters in Vancouver
These Vancouver-based charters have earned great reviews from anglers and will offer you a tremendous service. The captains are knowledgeable, friendly, and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.
| Recommended Fishing Charters | Type of Fishing Offered |
| Mongoose Striker Fishing Charters (West Vancouver) | Salmon, Bottom |
| FishOnAdventures (Port Moody) | Salmon, Bottom |
| Highroller Charters (Nanaimo) | Salmon, Bottom |
| Rocknreel Fishing (North Vancouver) | Salmon, Bottom |
| Go-Fish-Charters (Gabriola) | Salmon, Bottom |
| Reel Time Fishing Charters Nanaimo (Nanaimo) | Salmon, Bottom |
| Pursuit Sport Fishing Charters (Richmond) | Salmon, Bottom |
| M&M & Pro Level Charters (North Vancouver) | Salmon, Bottom |
| Roy’s Fishing Charters (Vancouver) | Salmon, Bottom |
Vancouver Fishing: Best Times & Seasons
Vancouver is well-known for its very productive fishing spots. Anglers can catch both freshwater and saltwater species in the region. Now, we’ll talk you through the top catches in the waters of Vancouver. So, anglers will know what type of fish to target during fishing trips.
Salmon
Salmon is one of the most abundant fish in Vancouver. Salmon is known for its fighting abilities. So, you’ll find it interesting to catch it. All salmon fishing species can be found in the waters around Vancouver.
Here, anglers can target Chinook salmon (also known as king salmon), Coho salmon (also known as coho salmon), Sockeye salmon, Pink salmon, and Chum salmon.
Salmon fishing is the most productive between May and September. It’s a good idea to target salmon in the local rivers. It’s important to know that salmon bites well before sunrise. So, it would be great to target salmon in the early morning.
Halibut
Halibut is one of the most popular catches in Vancouver. If you are interested in catching halibut, then you need to take a full-day fishing trip.
Halibut fishing is the most productive during the spring and summer months. Esperanza Inlet is the perfect place to target halibut. It’s important to note that Halibut bites well between the morning and noon.
Lingcod
It’s possible to catch lingcod in Vancouver as well. It’s worth noting that lingcod fishing is gaining huge popularity among shore-based anglers in the region. The season to fish for lingcod starts in December and lasts until May.
The coastline from Victoria to Haida Gwaii is the perfect place to fish for lingcod in Vancouver. Lingcod bites well during the morning hours. So, go fishing in the early morning if you would like to catch lingcod.
Tuna
Tuna can be also found in the waters near Vancouver. The fish is best known for its aggressive bites and strong fighting abilities. It’s recommended to fish for tuna in the summer and in the fall. However, anglers can catch tuna at any time of the year.
There are many fishing spots to target tuna in the waters near Newton Cove Resort. The best time of the day to fish for tuna is between dusk and dawn.
Sturgeon
Sturgeon is another fish that many anglers choose to target in Vancouver and its surrounding areas. Sturgeon is the most active between May and July. The Fraser River is the perfect place to fish for sturgeon. It’s important to know that sturgeon actively feed at night.
Trout
Anglers can also fish for trout in the waters of Vancouver. Rainbow and cutthroat trout can be caught in the region. It’s possible to fish for trout at any time of the year. However, trout fishing is the most productive between March and June and between September and October.
December is also a good month to fish for trout. So, plan your tuna fishing trips during these months. Fishermen should target trout in the local lakes and rivers. Trout fishing is the most productive during the early morning hours.
Pacific Rockfish
Pacific Rockfish can be caught in the region as well. The fish actively feeds between April and December. It makes a lot of sense to target Pacific Rockfish in the waters around Threshers Rock. Anglers should aim to catch Pacific Rockfish in the early morning.
Flounder
Anglers, who are interested in targeting flounder, should also visit Vancouver. The flounder fishing season starts in the late summer and finishes in the early fall. It’s important to know that flounder goes to the deep waters during the cold months.
It’s a great idea to target flounder on beaches, harbors, and piers. Traditionally, anglers choose to target flounder in the morning.
Mackerel
Oftentimes, anglers catch mackerel during their Vancouver fishing adventures. Mackerel is the most active in the summer and in the fall.
Mackerel fishing is the most productive near harbors, rocks, and piers. Angles can also go to deeper waters to enjoy mackerel fishing. Anglers get a lot of mackerel bites at dusk and at dawn.
Dogfish
Fishermen can also fish for dogfish in the Vancouver area. Anglers should target springs to catch dogfish. It’s worth noting that dogfish is an incredible fighter and that’s why so many anglers like to catch it.
Fishermen, who are targeting dogfish, get the best results in the summer. The early afternoon is the best time of the day to fish for dogfish.
Best Time of Day to Fish Vancouver
You should select the time to go fishing with the target species of fish in mind. Anglers get a lot of bites in the morning and in the evening. Try to be on the water either at dawn or at dusk to catch the vast majority of fish species.
Vancouver Fishing & Tidal Impacts
Vancouver fishing times depend a lot on tide times. Anglers need to know when tides are low and when tides are high in the area. Keep in mind that the vast majority of fish species usually bite better on the rising tide.
Storms & Vancouver Fishing
Storms are a big challenge for anglers in the region. Storms make fishing dangerous. There is no doubt that fishing during storms is unsafe.
It’s also important to note that fish usually go too deep waters during storms and don’t bite. Nevertheless, it would be great to fish after storms. Often, fish bite well after storms.
Is Winter Fishing Bad or Good in Vancouver?
Anglers can enjoy fishing in Vancouver all year round. Winter fishing is very productive in the region as well.
Among the species of fish that anglers can catch in the waters of Vancouver during the winter months are Chinook salmon, bull trout, rainbow trout, steelhead, etc. December is one of the best months to enjoy fishing in the Vancouver area.
Night Fishing in Vancouver
Night fishing in Vancouver is very comfortable during the hot summer months. Night trips make it possible for anglers to avoid fishing in the sun. Water cools down at night and this has a positive impact on the activity of fish.
On the other hand, beginners may find it difficult to fish at night. So, night fishing is recommended for highly experienced anglers only.
It’s important to know that night creates great fishing opportunities for anglers in Vancouver. Bear in mind that saltwater night fishing for salmon is often incredible.
You need to know that salmon bites very well at night in the area. That’s why anglers get more effective results at night compared to daylight hours.
Shore/Surf Fishing: Best Times & Seasons
Shore/surf fishing has been always fantastic in Vancouver. There are many surf fishing spots around the city. Anglers can surf fish on the coastline, beaches, lakes, and rivers.
On top of that, anglers can fish from piers. When fishing from piers, anglers can catch such species as perch, flounder, trout, and salmon.
There are several piers for shore fishing around Vancouver. Among the most popular piers in the Vancouver area is the pier in front of 15053 Marine Drive in White Rock pier in front of Jericho Sailing Centre in Vancouver, and the Ambleside Pier in North Vancouver.
Top 5 Fishing Spots in Vancouver (Best Seasons)
Vancouver provides anglers with easy access to places where fly fishing is very productive. It will take you a few hours only to get to the top fishing places in the city.
Here, fishing opportunities are always amazing. So, anglers can get the most memorable fishing experience. Among the main species of fish that you can target in Vancouver are salmon, trout as well as steelhead.
The Fraser River Valley
This fishing spot has gained huge popularity among anglers, who give a preference to fly fishing. Among the species that can be caught in the river are coho, chum, and pink salmon.
Plus, anglers can catch sturgeon in this fishing spot. Here, fishing is the most productive between March and November.
Merritt Area
Merritt area attracts so many anglers, who specialize in rainbow trout fishing. The area is located in the eastern part of Vancouver. There are a lot of lakes where anglers can fly fish for rainbow trout and test their skills against excellent fighters. Here, trout fishing is possible all year round.
However, anglers find it easy to catch a tasty rainbow trout for dinner in this fishing spot at any time. Fishing in the area is excellent in the late spring, in the early summer, and in the early fall.
The Squamish River
The Squamish River is another popular fishing spot in the area of Vancouver. The destination is the place where fishermen can target different species of sea-run fish.
Here, anglers can fish for bull trout, cutthroat, resident rainbows, steelhead, and some other species of fish. The fishing season starts in May and finishes in November.
The Upper Pitt River
The Upper Pitt River provides anglers with an unforgettable trout fishing experience. Dolly Varden and Bull Trout often bite in the river.
Here, anglers can always enjoy the beauty of the forest and mountains. The ideal conditions for fishing in the Upper Pitt River are created between the late spring and the middle summer. However, anglers get the best results between May and July.
Victoria & Sooke
Victoria and Sooke is a good place for anglers, who want to try saltwater fishing in the Vancouver area. Anglers can book a charter to catch halibut, salmon, rockfish, and other species of fish in the waters of Vancouver. The fishing spot impresses anglers with its abundant wildlife.
When fishing in this place, anglers can watch sea birds, sea lions, seals, and whales. Here, fishing is the most productive between July and October.
Booking Charters in Vancouver
Booking a charter is one of the best ways to fish around Vancouver. Fishing this way, anglers can enjoy beautiful natural views and get the best possible fishing experience.
The captains will take you to some of the best fishing spots in the waters of Vancouver. Plus, the guides will provide anglers with tips to help them get the best results during fishing trips.
– Best season to go
Of course, anglers should visit Vancouver when fishing is the most productive in the area. The fishing season is high between June and November. However, a lot of anglers prefer to visit the city in the summer. That’s why summertime is usually a busy season for fishing charters in the city of Vancouver.
It makes sense to visit the city in September – October. The demand for fishing is lower during this period of time, but opportunities are still great. It’s still possible to catch salmon, trout, and many other species of fish.
– Morning vs. afternoon
Anglers in Vancouver can go fishing either in the morning or in the afternoon. It would be better to fish in Vancouver in the morning during the summer months. Afternoon fishing is more suitable for cold months.
– 1/2 day, full-day, multi-day charters
Anglers have to decide how long their fishing trip will last. A fishing trip can last half-day, full-day, or several days. Angler’s choice will depend on such factors as your target fish species, skill level, and budget.
Beginners should consider booking 1/2 day fishing trips. Such trips allow anglers to fish the area either in the morning or in the evening only. It’s difficult to land a trophy fish during 1/2 day trips. However, half-day trips are the cheapest fishing option.
Full-day trips give anglers more fishing time. Anglers can spend a full day on fishing. However, full-day trips are more expensive than half-day ones. Full-day trips are recommended to more experienced anglers.
Avid fishermen can consider booking multi-day charters. Such fishing trips last several days. During multi-day fishing trips around the city of Vancouver, anglers have a better chance to catch a trophy. Keep in mind that multi-day charters are the most expensive fishing option.
