Fishing the Cariboo and Chilcotin 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

• Fresh water: lakes and rivers are managed by the Province of BC. Licences are sold through the WILD system. The Cariboo (Region 5) synopsis lists the rules for these waters, and the provincial regulations page lists in-season changes.
• Salmon and steelhead: rivers with salmon or steelhead often have their own closures and licence conditions, so check the synopsis before you plan around one.
• 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.

Choose your fishing area

• 100 Mile House, Lac La Hache and Canim Lake
• Williams Lake and Horsefly
• Quesnel and Likely
• Anahim Lake, Nimpo Lake and the Chilcotin

Fish named for this region: Trout, Salmon. Read the species guide.

100 Mile House, Lac La Hache and Canim Lake

• South Cariboo
• Rainbow trout and kokanee (Lac La Hache, Bridge, Sheridan, Canim and others)

Destination BC names Lac La Hache, Bridge, Sheridan, Canim, Mahood, Loon, Big Bar and Beaverdam lakes among the Cariboo waters, with access through towns including 70 Mile House and 100 Mile House.

We list 23 campgrounds and camp sites in this area. Compare RV campgrounds near 100 Mile House; Compare RV campgrounds near Lone Butte; Compare RV campgrounds near Lac La Hache; Compare RV campgrounds near Canim Lake.

Fishing facts at parks in this area

Taken from the page linked in each row, usually the park's own page. Not stated means the page does not say; it does not mean the park has none. None listed means the page marks the facility not available. Counts are the numbers on the park's facilities list, for example "Boat Launch(es) (2)". A park's own description can group or count ramps differently, so ask the park before you tow.

Williams Lake and Horsefly

• Central Cariboo
• Rainbow trout and kokanee (Williams Lake, Dragon Lake and Horsefly area)

Destination BC names Williams Lake and Dragon Lake among the Cariboo waters.

We list 4 campgrounds and camp sites in this area. Browse the regional campground directory.

Quesnel and Likely

• North Cariboo
• Rainbow trout, lake trout, bull trout and kokanee (Quesnel Lake); salmon on the Quesnel River

Destination BC names Quesnel Lake and the Quesnel River among the Cariboo waters. Quesnel and Likely have hub pages.

We list 13 campgrounds and camp sites in this area. Compare RV campgrounds near Quesnel; Compare RV campgrounds near Likely.

Anahim Lake, Nimpo Lake and the Chilcotin

• Chilcotin
• Rainbow trout, steelhead and salmon (Chilcotin, Dean and Atnarko rivers)

Destination BC names Charlotte, Nimpo, Chilko, Puntzi and Turner lakes and the Chilcotin, Dean and Atnarko rivers, with access through Tatla Lake, Alexis Creek and Anahim Lake.

We list 10 campgrounds and camp sites in this area. Compare RV campgrounds near Anahim Lake.

Gear for this water

• Shore fishing essentials. A compact rod and reel suited to your target fish. Search on Amazon
• River & fly-fishing kit. A rod/reel combination suited to the planned method. Search on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. More fishing and boating gear.

Where the fish names come from

• Destination BC: Fishing Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

Keep planning

• Fishing in British Columbia
• Fishing regulations and licences in Canada
• Cariboo Chilcotin Coast campgrounds
• Best RV trips in British Columbia