Fishing in BC

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Freshwater Fishing Season in British Columbia; What You Might Expect to Catch and When

Season Chart and Information for Freshwater Fishing

Northern BC and its coastal tributaries offer many freshwater species to choose from. Below is a easy to read chart that will give you a chance to a have a look at what species and time period suite you the best.

Fishing Probabilities*
  Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Steelhead 4 5 5 2 1 4 5 5 4
King 0 0 3 4 5 4 0 0 0
Silver 0 0 0 0 0 3 5 5 3
Chum 0 0 0 3 5 5 3 0 0
Sockeye 0 0 0 0 4 5 2 0 0
Pink 3 3 2 3 5 4 0 0 0
Dolly Varden 3 3 2 1 1 3 5 4 3
* The probability of “0” (least likely) to “5” (most likely) are only estimates based on our history and experience and may vary.


Advice from the Fishing Guide

For avid fly anglers we do recommend that you bring at least two rods. Personally the Upper Kalum is a excellent Spey casting river as many pools are sidelined with overhanging trees, while the lower section and other streams are covered with single handed rods as trees are not as close to the shoreline.

Rod selection for Steelhead and Salmon are 7-9wt rods 9-14ft long. Our selection includes Sage, G-Loomis and Fenwick.

Suggestion for reels should be large arbor 3.8"-4.5" with spare spools for a variety of water conditions and flows.

When it comes to fishing lines a full floating system with a multi-tip is recommended. Sink tips I use are type 4-8. Air-Flo and Rio are excellent lines. Monofilament line used for tippet, I recommend Maxima Ultragreen in 25lb-8lb test, this helps to make tapered leaders in a variety of lengths. The use of loops is the finest way to connect fly lines to monofilament, nail and blood knots are also used, the choice is yours.

Fly selection we recommend hairwing patterns, leeches in a variety of color, as well large dry flies. Flies can be purchased from your guide if you are interested in the local patterns.

Spincasters and Baitcasters

For anglers who use spincasters we suggest a rod for Steelead and Salmon that is 8ft. long with a reel loaded with 15lb. test monofilament.

Anglers who are bait fishermen we suggest Ambassador 5000-6500 reels with a 8-9ft. rod spooled with 15lb. test. Tackle should include a variety of lures like Ironheads, Koho35-45's, Croc's, spinners, jigs and BC Steel. Float fishermen should bring numerous floats either in foam or cork, hooks in size 1-2/0. Weights used can be either split shot or coiled lead with rubber tubing. Swivels are a must and size is not that important. As for bait (salmon roe) it is available at a cost.

At Kitimat Lodge BC Guided Fishing tours, all tackle can be supplied as we have a well stocked supply including numerous rods/reels for our clients.

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