It’s time for another “Top 5” list from Angelo and Pete. This one takes us to Canada’s West Coast in search of the best fishing in BC.
Angelo and Pete have been to this beautiful province on more than a few occasions, and they always come back raving about the incredible fishing. For this list, they’ve tried to vary both the species and the locations to showcase the province’s remarkable diversity. Keep in mind, they will be limiting themselves to places where The Fish’n Canada Show has shot episodes, so they can speak confidently with personal experience.
In no particular order, here are their top five picks for fishing in BC.
THE FRASER RIVER
Simply put, the Fraser is a phenomenal river. Its fishing claim to fame is its massive runs of Salmon and the gigantic Sturgeon that reside there.
Although our guys have had a small taste of the Salmon in the Fraser, it’s the White Sturgeon that have created great fishing stories for them. “The two areas we’ve fished most are just outside of the town of Mission and in the ripping currents of the Fraser Canyon,” says Angelo.
The guys have been successful at both locations, with fish over nine feet long coming to the side of the boat.
FNC on the Fraser
“It’s two totally different fisheries,” says Pete. “At Mission, you have a slow but steady meandering flow that almost lulls you into thinking that pulling in a big gal would be easy. Wrong!”
“And then up the canyon, you’re got this roaring current that normal humans wouldn’t even consider fishing,” Pete continues. “But nobody ever said we were normal!”
Jet boats are the usual craft on the Fraser, and professional guide and great friend of Fish’n Canada, Vic Carrao, has had his share of jet boats. He runs fishing charters and boat tours up this crazy stretch of water.
For the fishing portion, Vic either finds the fish with his sonar or simply picks one of his hotspots, anchors the big rig and starts fishing. That’s when it gets interesting. Using heavy-duty rods with reels filled with super-strong braid, Vic fires out big chunks of bait on a giant hook, all weighed down with the heaviest sinkers you’ve ever used.
Once that Sturgeon picks up the bait, it’s game on! You better be ready for the fight of your life.
(Note: The Fraser Salmon fishery is currently facing some turmoil. See Vic Carrow’s blog for more details.)
OSOYOOS LAKE
This large Western Canada lake sits in the Okanagan Valley, home to a Canadian desert. Wait, what? Canada has a desert?
You bet it does—and it’s in British Columbia. It’s called The Okanagan Desert and its located in the South Okanagan Valley region of BC, primarily around the town of Osoyoos.
Can fish live in the waters of a desert?
Yes again. Just because the climate is warm doesn’t mean that everything is dried up there. Osoyoos Lake has a significant population of Sockeye and Kokanee Salmon, Rainbow Trout and, believe it or not, Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass. As a matter of fact, some of the nation’s biggest bass come from Osoyoos (among other BC lakes) because of the extended growing season due to warmer climates.
“I fished Osoyoos many years ago for both Largemouth and Smallmouth,” states Ang. “And let me tell you, I caught giants of each species. Back then, this fishery was in its infancy. Fast forward to today, and there have to be some true giants lurking around there—possibly Canadian records in both species!”
The guys didn’t get to test out the Salmon and Trout fishing there but understand that it’s outstanding as well.
For guided fishing trips in the desert, go here. For more go here.
NORTHERN ROCKIES LODGE
Northern Rockies Lodge has quickly become one of Fish’n Canada’s favourite fishing destinations. The lodge itself was selected for this Top 5 article instead of a particular body of water because Northern Rockies Lodge has pretty exclusive access to many incredible fishing waters.
“Angelo made the first Fish’n Canada trip to the lodge with his grandson Nik,” explains Pete. “And when he returned to the office, he couldn’t stop raving about it. They fished Lake Trout, Grayling and Walleye. Yes, Walleye in British Columbia!”
Northern Rockies Lodge flies float planes into numerous lakes and rivers that dot the North Country of BC. Being in a Turbo Otter that lands into a tiny pothole of a lake in the mountains is a remarkable experience. Catching fish after fish for a full day is just icing on the cake for the Fish’n Canada co-hosts.
So Good, You Have To Go Back… Twice!
Fish’n Canada has taken two more trips back to Northern Rockies Lodge: one with Ang and Pete and another with Pete and Steve Niedzwiecki. Each trip was more outstanding than the last!
The first return trip was back to the Walleye and Lake Trout lakes that Ang and Nik were on (Long Mountain Lake and Maxhamish Lake). Absolutely amazing fishing.
The next trip was a multi-species whirlwind with Walleye, Lake Trout, Northern Pike, Arctic Grayling, Rainbow Trout, and Dolly Varden—all on the same trip! How often do you get to visit a natural hot spring and catch Dolly Varden in a remote glacier lake on the same day?
If you’re an angler who also loves to hunt big game, this lodge presents double-duty for you. They also fly hunters into the northern mountains for extended hunts.
Northern Rockies Lodge is the epitome of outdoor adventures.
CONTINUE TO PAGE 2 FOR THE LAST TWO PICKS FOR THE BEST FISHING IN BC!
For trout fishing in the BC interior….my go to is Dugan Lake near Williams Lake. Not because the fish are huge but because I can be there ice fishing or on a boat fishing inside 30 minutes from my front door. Fish are around 2 pounds and they fight like they were twice that size. Outhouses for the people I bring…just a great family lake with tons of action. Rainbow and brookies.
But for big big rainbow…I have to say Sheridan Lake is my top pick. They are hard to catch. Many people get skunked. My tips for there are to fish just as it is getting light for a couple hours. That’s the top action time. Fish at edge of steep underwater drop-offs and around 20 feet deep or more is good. When the morning bite is over, you can head to Bridge Lake or numerous other lakes a short drive away to target Kokanee or Lakers. And some great cabins to rent at Sheridan Lake Resort where the owners will give you tips to improve your odds of landing a big rainbow.