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Fishing the BC Mainland Coast by RV

From Howe Sound and the Sunshine Coast to Prince Rupert and Haida Gwaii, with the RV parks near each area.

Regulation links last checked October 2026.

In short. The mainland coast is mostly reached by ferry or long highway drives, so plan the route before the fishing. Salt water needs a federal tidal licence. Rivers such as the Fraser and Skeena are covered later with the other rivers.

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.
  • 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

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

Metro Vancouver, Howe Sound and Squamish

  • South mainland coast
  • Tidal waters of Georgia Strait and Howe Sound

Tidal waters around Vancouver and in Howe Sound are fished mostly by boat. Squamish, at the head of Howe Sound, is the main RV base on the north side. The Fraser and Squamish rivers are handled in the rivers section later.

We list 17 campgrounds and camp sites in this area. Compare RV campgrounds near Squamish.

Sunshine Coast: Gibsons to Pender Harbour

  • South mainland coast
  • Salmon and bottomfish in Georgia Strait and the inlets

The Sunshine Coast is reached by BC Ferries, so plan sailing times and your rig's length around the ferry. Boat fishing and charters operate from harbours along the coast such as Pender Harbour.

We list 14 campgrounds and camp sites in this area. Compare RV campgrounds near Gibsons; Compare RV campgrounds near Madeira Park; BC Ferries with an RV.

Powell River, Lund and Desolation Sound

  • Upper Sunshine Coast
  • Salmon and bottomfish around Powell River and Desolation Sound

A ferry-connected area on the upper Sunshine Coast. Highway 101 ends at Lund, and Texada Island and Desolation Sound are within reach by boat.

We list 20 campgrounds and camp sites in this area. Compare RV campgrounds near Powell River.

Salt Spring Island and the Gulf Islands

  • Strait of Georgia
  • Tidal fishing around the islands

Small islands reached by BC Ferries, with tidal fishing in the Strait of Georgia and limited campground space, so book ahead. Many campsites here are small and some are for boaters.

We list 13 campgrounds and camp sites in this area. Compare RV campgrounds near Salt Spring Island.

Bella Coola and the Central Coast

  • Central coast
  • Salmon in the inlet and nearby rivers

Bella Coola sits at the head of a long inlet on the Central Coast. Highway 20 from the Chilcotin includes steep sections, so confirm your rig's limits and the road conditions before committing.

We list 5 campgrounds and camp sites in this area. Browse the regional campground directory.

Prince Rupert, Kitimat and the North Coast

  • North coast
  • Salmon and halibut in tidal waters

Prince Rupert is the main port of the North Coast, where Highway 16 and the Inside Passage ferry meet. Skeena-area rivers belong in the rivers section later.

We list 7 campgrounds and camp sites in this area. Browse the regional campground directory.

Haida Gwaii

  • Offshore islands
  • Salmon and halibut in tidal waters

Reached by ferry from Prince Rupert or by air. Plan to bring what you need and book the ferry early.

We list 9 campgrounds and camp sites in this area. Browse the regional campground directory.

Gear for this water

  • Boat launch & marine supplies. Dock lines and fenders sized for your boat. Search on Amazon
  • Compact storage for the RV. A rod sleeve or protective travel case. Search on Amazon

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