Chilliwack’s super, natural rivers and lakes never disappoint and are the perfect place to take a moment to enjoy the scenic mountain views, while casting a line! The lakes and rivers are abundant with life from the massive white sturgeon to salmon and trout. Want to learn more? We’ve laid out the basic ins and outs of fishing in Chilliwack.
Beginners
The first step to getting out to fish is obtaining the proper license. There are different types, depending on the region, who will be fishing, residency, and other factors. Find information on purchasing for your fishing license here.
Preparedness is key, both in terms of gear and water safety planning. Know before you go! For safety and gear information, the following are great resources:
Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC
What, When & Where
Knowing which species are in season, when, and where to find them are some of the beginning steps to fishing. We’ve put together a general guide for you.
Be sure to check the Department of Fisheries and Oceans for the latest closures and restrictions (such as limits and non-retention) in your area, as they’re subject to change at any time.
| SPECIES | WHEN | WHERE |
| Black Crappie | Winter | Chilliwack Lake |
| Brook Trout | Winter + Spring | Lindeman Lake |
| Bull Trout | Winter + Spring | Fraser River |
| Chinook Salmon | Late Summer + Early Fall | Vedder/Chilliwack River; Cultus Lake; Fraser River |
| Chum Salmon | Fall | Vedder/Chilliwack River; Cultus Lake; Fraser River |
| Coastal Cutthroat Trout | Spring | Chilliwack Lake; Chilliwack/Vedder River; Cultus Lake; Flora Lake; Fraser River; Lindeman Lake |
| Coho Salmon | Late Summer + Fall | Chilliwack Lake; Vedder/Chilliwack River; Cultus Lake |
| Dolly Varden | Late Summer + Fall | Chilliwack Lake; Vedder/Chilliwack River; Cultus Lake |
| Kokanee | Spring + Summer + Fall | Chilliwack Lake; Vedder/Chilliwack River |
| Lake Trout | Spring + Summer + Fall | Fraser River |
| Mountain Whitefish | Winter + Spring | Chilliwack Lake |
| Northern Pikeminnow | Spring | Chilliwack Lake; Cultus Lake |
| Pink Salmon | Late Summer | Vedder/Chilliwack River; Fraser River |
| Rainbow Trout | Fall + Winter | Chilliwack Lake; Vedder/Chilliwack River; Cultus Lake; Flora Lake; Fraser River; Lindeman Lake; Pierce Lake |
| Sockeye Salmon | Late Summer | Vedder/Chilliwack River; Cultus Lake; Fraser River |
| Steelhead | Winter + Spring + Summer | Vedder/Chilliwack River; Cultus Lake; Fraser River |
| White Sturgeon | Spring + Summer + Fall | Fraser River |
Sturgeon Fishing on the Fraser River
Have you ever wanted to hold a prehistoric fish in your hands? Sturgeon fishing gives you the chance of a lifetime to do so. Sturgeon can live to be over 100 years old, and over three metres in length! Use a guide to ensure proper technique is used and have a greater chance at a catch! These beautiful creatures still need to be handled with care and are to be kept in the water as much as possible.
Guided Fishing and Tackle Shops
There are many benefits to taking a guided fishing tour. The pros are much more likely to get you a fish, and you can relax knowing everything is taken care of. You don’t usually need to bring anything (depending on the type of fishing), and you can better enjoy the experience. Here is a list of a few of the guiding companies in the area, along with a couple of tackle shops:
Great River Fishing Adventures
604-792-3544
Bent Rods Guiding & Fishing Co.
604-794-5976
Cascade Fishing Adventures
604-793-2244
Chilliwack Dart & Tackle Shop
604-793-9922
Fred’s Custom Tackle
604-858-7344
Len’s Sportfishing Adventures
1-866-991-0287
Sturgeon Hunter
604-612-7850
Fun for families and individuals alike, fishing is a fantastic year-round activity! Find more information on fishing in Chilliwack here.
And as always, don’t forget to #ShareChilliwack on social media to share you adventures with us!
