Best Times & Seasons to Fish in British Columbia (Full Guide)

British Columbia offers some of the best fishing in Canada. Understanding the best seasons and times to fish in British Columbia can greatly impact your success.

The best times to fish in British Columbia are early morning and late evening. Summer and fall are the best months for most species in British Columbia.

Month	British Columbia Fishing Location
January	Harrison Lake for cutthroat trout and bull trout.
February	Skaha Lake for rainbow trout and kokanee salmon.
March	Vedder River for steelhead and cutthroat trout.
April	Thompson River for steelhead and rainbow trout.
May	Shuswap Lake for rainbow trout and lake trout.
June	Fraser River for sturgeon and Chinook salmon.
July	Okanagan Lake for rainbow trout and lake trout.
August	Skeena River for steelhead and Chinook salmon.
September	Kitimat River for steelhead and Coho salmon.
October	Campbell River for Coho salmon and Chinook salmon.
November	Chehalis River for steelhead and Coho salmon.
December	Kootenay Lake for rainbow trout and kokanee salmon.

In this article, we will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in British Columbia. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the province is on a month-by-month basis. Check out this big fishing guide to the best times to fish in Canada for freshwater and saltwater fish.

Best of Creeks/Rivers to Fly Fish in British Columbia

Adams River – best in late August to early October for Chinook and Sockeye salmon.

Bella Coola River – best in late August to early September for Coho salmon and steelhead.

Bulkley River – best in August to October for steelhead and Chinook salmon.

Chilko River – best in August to September for Chinook and Sockeye salmon.

Cowichan River – best in October to March for steelhead.

Dean River – best in late June to early July for Chinook salmon and late July to early August for steelhead.

Elk River – best in July to September for Cutthroat and Bull trout.

Fraser River – best in August to October for Chinook salmon and late August to September for Sockeye salmon.

Kicking Horse River – best in August to October for Rainbow trout and Bull trout.

Kispiox River – best in August to October for steelhead.

Kitimat River – best in September to October for Coho salmon and steelhead.

Pitt River – best in April to May for Bull trout and Dolly Varden.

Skeena River – best in August to October for Chinook and Coho salmon, and steelhead.

Squamish River – best in August to September for Pink salmon and Cutthroat trout.

St. Mary River – best in August to October for Rainbow trout and Bull trout.

Thompson River – best in May to June for Rainbow trout and Dolly Varden.

Tofino River – best in October to November for Coho salmon and steelhead.

Vedder River – best in October to December for Coho salmon and steelhead.

Yakoun River – best in August to September for Coho salmon and steelhead.

Zymoetz (Copper) River – best in August to October for steelhead.

Best Lakes/Rivers to Fish in British Columbia

Campbell River – best for fishing Chinook Salmon and Coho Salmon in June and July.

Haida Gwaii – best for fishing Halibut, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, and Lingcod from May to September.

Queen Charlotte Sound – best for fishing Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, and Halibut in June and July.

Prince Rupert – best for fishing Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Halibut, and Red Snapper from June to September.

Tofino – best for fishing Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, and Halibut from May to September.

Ucluelet – best for fishing Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, and Halibut from May to September.

Barkley Sound – best for fishing Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, and Halibut from May to September.

Port Renfrew – best for fishing Chinook Salmon and Coho Salmon from June to September.

Sooke – best for fishing Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, and Halibut from May to September.

Langara Island – best for fishing Chinook Salmon and Coho Salmon from June to September.

Port Hardy – best for fishing Chinook Salmon and Coho Salmon from June to August.

Nootka Sound – best for fishing Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, and Halibut from May to September.

Kyuquot Sound – best for fishing Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, and Halibut from May to September.

Vancouver Harbour – best for fishing Salmon and Crab from April to October.

Victoria – best for fishing Salmon and Halibut from May to September.

Click here to learn the best times to fish in Vancouver. You may also be interested in this full guide for Manitoba fishing.

Recommended Fishing Guides in British Columbia

These B.C.-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional 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	Location
FishOn Adventures	Port Moody, BC
Sooke Salmon Charters	Sooke, BC
Cliff’s Chinook Charters	Comox, BC
Slacktide Sportfishing	Ucluelet, BC
Goin Coastal Fishing Charters	Sooke, BC
Last Chance Fishing Adventures	Sooke, BC
Highroller Charters	Ucluelet, BC
Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours	Nanaimo, BC
Roy’s Fishing Charters	Vancouver, BC

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, also known as King salmon, can be caught year-round in British Columbia, but the best times to fish for them are during the summer and fall months from June to September. Early mornings and late afternoons are typically the best time of day to catch Chinook salmon.

Good fishing spots for Chinook salmon in BC include the Fraser River, Campbell River, and the Queen Charlotte Islands. In freshwater, the Harrison River and the Chilliwack River are also popular spots for Chinook salmon fishing.

Coho Salmon

The best time to fish for coho salmon in British Columbia is during the months of August to October. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to catch them. Some of the best locations for freshwater fishing are the Vedder River and the Stamp River, while the saltwater areas around Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands are popular spots for catching coho salmon.

Pink Salmon

Pink salmon, also known as humpback salmon, run in odd-numbered years in British Columbia. The best time to fish for pink salmon is from mid-July to early September, with peak runs in August. These fish are commonly found in coastal saltwater areas near rivers and streams where they spawn, such as the Bella Coola and Skeena Rivers, as well as in estuaries and bays. The best time of day to fish for pink salmon is typically early morning or late afternoon, when they are more active and feeding.

Sockeye Salmon

Sockeye salmon are a popular fish to catch in British Columbia. They usually run from late June to mid-August, with peak runs typically occurring in early July. When fishing for sockeye salmon in freshwater, the best time to fish is in the early morning or late evening. For saltwater fishing, the best time to fish is during the incoming tide.

The most popular freshwater locations to fish for sockeye salmon in BC are the Fraser River, the Harrison River, and the Adams River. For saltwater fishing, the best locations are the Strait of Georgia and the waters near Campbell River and Port Hardy on Vancouver Island.

Chum Salmon

Chum salmon is a popular fish in British Columbia, and the best time to catch them varies depending on whether you’re fishing in freshwater or saltwater. For freshwater fishing, the best time is usually from late August to early November, while for saltwater fishing, it’s from late August to early September.

In freshwater, chum salmon are typically caught using spinning gear or fly fishing gear, and some of the best locations for fishing them include the Harrison River, the Vedder River, and the Kitimat River. In saltwater, you’ll want to fish near the mouths of rivers or in the ocean, and some of the best locations include the Campbell River, the Strait of Georgia, and the Queen Charlotte Islands.

The best time of day to fish for chum salmon is usually early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the water is cooler.

Kokanee

Kokanee are landlocked salmon that can be found in many lakes throughout British Columbia. The best time to fish for Kokanee is usually in the summer months, from June to September, when they are more active.

Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish for Kokanee, as they tend to feed near the surface during these times. Some of the best locations to fish for Kokanee in British Columbia include Kootenay Lake, Okanagan Lake, and Moyie Lake.

Halibut

Halibut fishing in British Columbia is best during the summer months of June to September, with peak season being in July and August. The best time of day to catch halibut is during the early morning or late afternoon. Some of the best locations to fish for halibut in BC include Haida Gwaii, Prince Rupert, and the Central Coast region.

Lingcod

Lingcod can be fished all year round in British Columbia, but the best months for fishing are usually May to September. The best time of day to fish for lingcod is during the low tide or slack tide. Some of the best locations for fishing lingcod in BC include the waters around Haida Gwaii, Prince Rupert, and the west coast of Vancouver Island.

Rockfish

Rockfish can be caught year-round in British Columbia, but the best time to fish for them is typically from late spring to early fall. The best time of day to fish for rockfish is during the slack tide, which is when there is little to no current. Some of the best locations in BC for rockfish fishing include the Gulf Islands, the West Coast of Vancouver Island, and the Haida Gwaii region.

Pacific Cod

Pacific cod can be caught year-round in British Columbia, but the best time to fish for them is during the summer months from July to September when they are most abundant. Fishing is best during the early morning and late afternoon when the fish are more active. Some of the best locations to fish for Pacific cod include Haida Gwaii, Prince Rupert, and the west coast of Vancouver Island.

Yelloweye Rockfish

Yelloweye rockfish are a popular fish to catch in British Columbia. The best months to fish for them are from May to September, when they are more active and can be found in shallower waters. The best time to fish for yelloweye rockfish is during the daytime, when they are feeding.

Some of the best locations to fish for yelloweye rockfish in BC include the Haida Gwaii Islands, the Queen Charlotte Islands, and the Strait of Georgia. It’s important to note that yelloweye rockfish are a protected species in BC, and there are strict regulations on how many you can catch and keep.

Albacore Tuna

Albacore tuna is not commonly found in the waters of British Columbia, as they tend to migrate further south. However, they may occasionally be found in late summer or early fall in offshore waters, particularly around Swiftsure Bank and La Perouse Bank.

Dungeness Crab

The best time to fish for Dungeness crab in British Columbia is usually from late spring to early fall. The best months to fish for them are generally May to September. Fishing for Dungeness crab is usually most productive during the hours of darkness, with the best time being during the incoming tide.

Some of the best locations to fish for Dungeness crab in British Columbia include the coastlines of Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and the Sunshine Coast. Other popular areas for Dungeness crab fishing are Haida Gwaii and the Queen Charlotte Islands.

Spot Prawn

Spot prawns are typically found in the waters around British Columbia and can be caught from mid-April to June. The best time to catch them is during slack tide (when the tide is not moving), which usually occurs in the early morning or late afternoon. Some of the best locations for catching spot prawns in BC include the Strait of Georgia, Prince Rupert, and Haida Gwaii.

Steelhead

Steelhead fishing is most productive in British Columbia during the fall and winter months, from October to March. The best time of day to fish for steelhead is typically early in the morning or late in the evening. Some of the best locations for steelhead fishing in BC include the Skeena River, the Bulkley River, the Kispiox River, and the Babine River.

Cutthroat Trout

Cutthroat trout fishing in British Columbia is best during the months of May to October. The early morning and late evening are the most productive times of day to fish. The best locations for cutthroat trout fishing in BC are the Elk River, the St. Mary River, the Kootenay River, and the Skagit River.

Dolly Varden

Dolly Varden can be caught in BC all year long, but the best time to fish for them is in the late summer and early fall, from August to October. The best time of day to fish for them is early in the morning or late in the evening when the water is cooler. Popular locations for catching Dolly Varden in BC include rivers and streams on Vancouver Island, such as the Stamp River and the Cowichan River, as well as the Skeena River in northern BC.

Arctic Char

The best time to fish for Arctic char in British Columbia is usually from late spring to early fall, especially in the months of May, June, July, August, and September. The best time of day to fish is usually early morning or late afternoon when the water is cooler.

Some of the best locations for fishing Arctic char in British Columbia include the Stikine River, the Liard River, and Teslin Lake. It’s important to note that Arctic char are typically found in remote, colder waters, so it may be necessary to hike or boat to reach these locations.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout can be caught in British Columbia year-round, but the best time to fish for them is typically in the spring and fall. The months of April, May, September, and October are ideal, with the best fishing times being early morning and late afternoon. Some of the top locations to catch rainbow trout in BC include the Fraser River, the Thompson River, and Kootenay Lake.

Bull Trout

Bull trout can be fished all year round in British Columbia, but the best time is during the summer months from June to August. Early morning or late evening is the best time of day to fish for bull trout. Some of the best locations to catch bull trout in British Columbia include Kootenay Lake, Elk River, St. Mary River, and Whitefish Lake.

Lake Trout

The best times to fish for lake trout in British Columbia are during the spring and fall, with June and September being the prime months. Early morning and late evening are the best times of day to target them. Some of the best locations to fish for lake trout in BC are Chilko Lake, Quesnel Lake, Kootenay Lake, and Arrow Lake, with deep water areas being the most productive.

Arctic Grayling

Arctic grayling can be caught in British Columbia from June to September, with the best time being early summer when they are actively feeding. The best time of day to fish for grayling is during the early morning or late evening. Some of the best locations to catch grayling in British Columbia include rivers and streams such as the Liard River, the Peace River, and the Kootenay River.

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass can be caught from late spring to early fall in British Columbia, with the best months being May through September. They are most active during early morning and late afternoon, preferring to hide in cover during the heat of the day. Some of the best locations to fish for smallmouth bass in BC include Okanagan Lake, Kalamalka Lake, and Shuswap Lake.

Yellow Perch

Yellow perch can be caught throughout the year in British Columbia, but the best time to fish for them is during spring and fall. They are most active during low light conditions such as early morning and late afternoon. The best locations to fish for yellow perch in BC include lakes and rivers in the Kootenay region, Okanagan Valley, and Thompson-Nicola area.

Walleye

Walleye fishing in British Columbia is best during the warmer months of May to September, with peak activity occurring in June and July. The best time of day to target walleye is during low-light periods such as early morning or late evening. The top locations to fish for walleye in BC include Kootenay Lake, Arrow Lakes, Columbia River, and the Peace River.

Northern Pike

The best time to fish for pike in British Columbia is from May to October, with the peak season being June and July. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best time to fish for pike as they are more active during these times. Some of the best locations to fish for pike in BC include Lake Revelstoke, Kootenay Lake, and Okanagan Lake, where pike can grow to impressive sizes.

White Sturgeon

Sturgeon fishing in British Columbia is usually best from late spring to early fall. The best time to fish for sturgeon is during the warmer months, from May to October. The best time of day to fish for sturgeon is in the morning or evening when they are most active. The Fraser River, Nechako River, and Columbia River are some of the best locations for fishing for white sturgeon in British Columbia.

Best Fishing in British Columbia on Seasonal Basis

Winter

Barkley Sound – Winter is the best time to catch the delicious Pacific cod in Barkley Sound. It’s a beautiful spot that also offers a chance to catch halibut and lingcod.
Cowichan River – If you’re looking for freshwater fishing in the winter, Cowichan River is the spot for you. It’s home to some of the best steelhead fishing in the world, as well as coho and chinook salmon.
Kitimat River – Winter is the perfect time to fish for steelhead on the Kitimat River. You can also find salmon, trout, and char here.
Fraser River – The Fraser River is the biggest river in British Columbia, and in the winter it’s the place to catch white sturgeon.

Spring

Fraser River: In the spring, the Fraser River is the place to be for fishing for white sturgeon. This mighty river is the largest in BC and offers plenty of opportunities to catch these massive fish.
Kootenay Lake: The crystal-clear waters of Kootenay Lake offer an excellent chance to catch large rainbow trout in the spring. Fishing from a boat is the best way to access the deep waters where these fish are located.
Skeena River: The Skeena River is a great place to catch steelhead in the spring. These fish are known for their strength and agility and are a popular target for experienced anglers.
Okanagan Lake: In the spring, Okanagan Lake is a great spot to catch kokanee salmon. These delicious fish are known for their bright red color and make for a great meal. Fishing from a boat is the best way to access the deeper waters where these fish are located.

Summer

Campbell River: This area is known for its great salmon fishing, especially Chinook salmon, which can be caught from June through August. You can also find lingcod, rockfish, and halibut in this area.
Fraser River: This river is famous for its sockeye salmon run in the summer months, usually from mid-July to early September. You can also find other species of salmon such as chinook, coho, and pink salmon.
Haida Gwaii: This archipelago off the coast of British Columbia is a prime location for halibut fishing in the summer months. You can also find Chinook salmon, lingcod, and other species of rockfish.
Okanagan Lake: This lake is a popular destination for kokanee fishing in the summer months. You can also find rainbow trout and other species of freshwater fish. It’s best to fish early in the morning or late in the evening when the water is cooler.

Fall

Fraser River – This is a great place to catch chinook salmon, also known as “king” salmon. They run from August to October, and you can catch them with a variety of fishing techniques.
Campbell River – This river is located on Vancouver Island and is a prime spot for catching coho salmon in the fall. They run from August to November, and you can also catch other species like chum salmon and steelhead.
Tofino – This town is located on the west coast of Vancouver Island and is known for its great halibut fishing in the fall. Halibut can be caught in both shallow and deep waters, and you can also catch salmon and other species while you’re there.
Kootenay Lake – This lake is located in the southeastern part of the province and is a great place to catch kokanee salmon in the fall. They run from September to November, and you can also catch other species like rainbow trout and bull trout.