Fishing in British Columbia by RV

Rules change. Seasons, closures and limits change often and can change mid-season. We link to the official pages rather than repeat them, so check them before every trip.

Licences and rules

• Salt water (tidal): fishing in tidal waters is managed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. See the DFO Pacific recreational fishing pages for licences, area rules and fishery notices.
• Fresh water: lakes and rivers are managed by the Province of BC. Licences are sold through the WILD system. See BC freshwater fishing and the regulations and in-season changes, including the regional sections.
• Towing a boat: BC requires watercraft to be transported with the drain plug removed and water drained on dry land, and anglers are asked to clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.

Vancouver Island

Eight fishing areas, from Victoria and Sooke up to Port Hardy, each with the campgrounds we list nearby. Read the full Vancouver Island fishing guide.

BC Mainland Coast

Seven coastal fishing areas from Howe Sound to Haida Gwaii, each with the campgrounds we list nearby. Read the full BC Mainland Coast fishing guide.

Thompson Okanagan

Seven areas from the Okanagan to the Shuswap, each with the campgrounds we list nearby. Read the full Thompson Okanagan fishing guide.

Kootenay Rockies

Seven areas from the Boundary to the Rockies, each with the campgrounds we list nearby. Read the full Kootenay Rockies fishing guide.

Cariboo Chilcotin

Four areas across the plateau, each with the campgrounds we list nearby. Read the full Cariboo Chilcotin fishing guide.

Northern BC Lakes and Rivers

Ten areas from the Skeena to the Peace and up the Stewart-Cassiar highway, each with the campgrounds we list nearby. Read the full Northern BC Lakes and Rivers fishing guide.

Fraser Valley, Fraser Canyon and Sea to Sky

Six areas from the Fraser estuary to Whistler, each with the campgrounds we list nearby. The Fraser Canyon towns and Harrison and Hope are listed but their fish are only partly sourced. Read the full Fraser Valley, Fraser Canyon and Sea to Sky fishing guide.

Still to come in British Columbia

These are not covered yet: the Okanagan and Kootenay rivers in more detail, the Mountain national parks (Yoho, Kootenay, Glacier), and the Fraser River by town. Until then, the British Columbia campground directory lists every park we know about.

Keep planning

• Fishing in Canada
• Fishing regulations and licences in Canada
• Best RV trips in British Columbia