Chilliwack, British Columbia is one of the best fresh water fishing destinations in Canada! Fishing in Chilliwack offers world-class salmon fishing, sturgeon fishing, steelhead fishing, and trout fishing in the heart of the Fraser Valley. Surrounded by mountains, glacier-fed rivers, and scenic lakes, fishing in Chilliwack attracts anglers from across the world looking for unforgettable freshwater fishing experiences in BC.
The legendary Fraser River in Chilliwack is famous for its massive Pacific salmon runs, with Chinook, Sockeye, Coho, Pink, and Chum salmon migrating through the system each year. It’s also home to the prehistoric white sturgeon, the largest freshwater fish in North America, which can grow over 1,000 pounds. Fraser River sturgeon fishing is a bucket-list experience for anglers seeking the thrill of battling these powerful giants.
Beyond the Fraser, the Vedder River (Chilliwack River) is renowned for steelhead fishing and salmon fishing, and is one of the top spots for fly fishing in British Columbia. Nearby lakes like Cultus Lake and Chilliwack Lake also offer excellent trout fishing and year-round freshwater fishing.
Check out our Spring Fishing opportunities and find some of the best angling in the Pacific Northwest
Partner Listings
Bent Rods Guiding & Fishing Co.
Bent Rods Guiding & Fishing Co. provides year round guided sport fishing for salmon, sturgeon, steelhead & trout in the Fraser River Valley of British Columbia. We fish the Fraser River, Harrison River, Chilliwack/Vedder River, and many other Southern BC rivers and lakes. Fish with us on our state of the art jet boats and fishing crafts, we are fully insured and first aid trained. We can manage any number of fishermen: from the single angler, to large corporate groups. Bent Rods will ensure your comfort and pleasure of the finest guided fishing trip.
Cascade Fishing Adventures
Cascade Fishing Adventures is the longest operating and originally owned fishing guide service on the Fraser River. Cascade’s original owner and guide Marc Laynes offers over 25 years of valuable knowledge and experience on the Fraser River and its fishy inhabitants. Marc shares this knowledge with his highly motivated crew of handpicked guides, who are also eager to work their magic and savvy fishing skills for you.
Chilliwack Dart & Tackle Shop
We are proud to offer you the very best products and service in the Fraser Valley for all of your hunting, fishing, archery and tactical needs. We strive to provide our customers with top quality hunting supplies, fishing supplies, archery supplies and more, and above all, the knowledge and helpful advice that will bring you the best customer experience.
Chilliwack Rivery Hatchery
Chilliwack River Hatchery was established in 1981 to help restore salmon populations in the Chilliwack River watershed. Decades of environmental impacts had significantly reduced productivity, and the hatchery now plays a key role in supporting commercial, sport, and First Nations fisheries. Visitors are welcome to explore the site through a self-guided tour, with a loop trail that takes approximately 30 minutes to complete — offering a scenic and educational experience for all ages.
Cold Water Guiding
At Cold Water Guiding, we strive to give you the best experience on the water possible. With over a decade of local knowledge and passion, you are guaranteed a trip of a lifetime. We’ll make sure you walk away with a smile. Offering guided trips for salmon, sturgeon, and wildlife. Customizable trips available!
Fred’s Custom Tackle
Fred’s Custom Tackle, a local landmark established in 1978, is located in the heart of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford and Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada world renowned for salmon, steelhead and sturgeon fishing. Whether you are a beginner or pro we cater to your every need including providing you with the most current information on tackle, fishing reports, regulations and more.
Great River Fishing Adventures
Founded in 1988, we are one of the largest fully guided sportfishing operators on the Fraser River and it’s tributaries. Every year, thousands of tourists from all over the world visit us to experience the world renowned fishing and natural wonder of the Fraser River in beautiful British Columbia. This calm water fishery features over ten species of sports fish and year round opportunities for the novice and expert angler alike. We fish the #1 Sturgeon, Salmon and Trout rivers in the World. We specialize in multiple styles of fishing to meet the needs of any angler. Have you ever caught or touched a real living Dinosaur? We specialize in targeting White Sturgeon, a species that can grow over 20 feet in length and over a 1000lbs. These magnificent creatures make spectacular jumping displays and runs that will excite every angler. We also fish for all 5 species of Wild Pacific Salmon and boast the largest and most experienced team of fly fishing guides on the entire river. We exclusively travel to the Upper Pitt River and Lillooet River to chase sea run Dolly Varden, Bull Trout, Rainbow and migrating Salmon. When fishing with us the opportunities are endless and each adventure is personally customized so you can focus on the reason you are here……to fish!
Hooked Up Fishing Adventures
Hooked Up Fishing Adventures offers thrilling guided sturgeon fishing trips on the Fraser River, based out of Chilliwack, B.C. With expert local guide Neil, guests experience the excitement of catching prehistoric giants in one of the world’s top sturgeon fishing destinations. Perfect for adventure seekers of all skill levels, these trips create unforgettable moments on the water.
Len’s Sportfishing Adventures
Len’s Sportfishing Adventures is proud to offer our guests the best in quality; from fully equipped jet boats, top notch fishing equipment, and licenses & experienced guides, we can arrange any fishing trip you would like.From interior lake fly-fishing for trophy rainbow trout, to multi day salmon/sturgeon trips… we will gladly arrange your accommodations and help you to plan even the most intricate of details.
Mainlanders Sport Fishing
Based in beautiful British Columbia on the banks of the world famous Fraser River, Mainlanders Sport Fishing has unparalleled access to hunt down the world’s largest freshwater fish – the white sturgeon. These incredible fish can reach lengths of 15 feet and weigh more than 1000lbs! They also fight, jump and provide some of the most exhilarating fishing on the planet. We offer a range of custom sturgeon fishing charters from our base in Chilliwack, BC. We are also blessed every year with millions of salmon migrating up the Fraser and Chilliwack rivers including Chinook, Chum, Sockeye, Pinks and Coho.
Pacific River Outfitters
Your newest local fishing and outdoor retailer, located right on the Vedder river. For information about community events and fishing derby’s please visit their website link below
Visitor Centre Fishing Rod Loan
The rod loan program ran by the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC gives travellers access to the tools needed to enjoy the local fishing. Stop by the Chilliwack Visitor Centre to borrow fishing rods and a tackle box. A maximum borrow time of two weeks is allowed. For anyone over 16 a valid fishing license is required which can be bought at the B.C government website. Other fishing resources and important notices are found there as well.
Yves Bisson Sturgeon Co.
The best guided sturgeon fishing in British Columbia, Canada can be found right outside of Vancouver. Fish the Fraser River with Sturgeon Co. for 100% success rate on all trips. Yves Bisson Sturgeon Co strives to create the best possible experiences on the Fraser River. We only use the best equipment & treat our waters with kindness- to give you the best opportunity to land your fish of a lifetime.
Borrow a Rod and Tackle to Try Fishing!
Curious about fishing but don’t have the equipment? This free program lets families and first-timers borrow spinning rods, reels, and basic tackle – no cost, no commitment!
Stop by the Tourism Ch’illiwack Visitor Centre to pick up your gear and get started. It’s the perfect way to experience the water, even if it’s your first time casting a line.
Generously provided by gofishbc.
Tourism Ch’illiwack Rod Rental Program
OPEN
Monday-Friday
10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Experience Chilliwack This SPRING
Get Your Fishing Guide
- White Sturgeon
- Salmon
- Dolly Varden
- Kokanee
- Steelhead
Where to Fish:
Fraser River
License Required:
BC Non-Tidal (freshwater) Angling License AND White Sturgeon Conservation License
Facts/Tips:
- Sturgeon grow up to 13ft (nearly 4m) and can weight up to 1500lbs (680kg)
- Sturgeon fishing in BC is strictly catch and release only
- Check out Sturgeon Fishing Guidelines for in depth information for Angling White Sturgeon in BC
Sturgeon Fishing Guided Experiences:
Species:
Chinook, Coho, Pink, Sockeye.
Where to Fish:
Vedder/Chilliwack River, Cultus Lake, Fraser River.
License Required:
BC Non-Tidal (freshwater) Angling License
Facts/Tips:
- Anglers must use barbless hooks only
- Retention limits vary by species and season — check regulations
- All wild Steelhead (identified by the presence of an adipose fin)must be released.
- Hatchery steelhead (identified by their missing adipose fin) may be kept (2 per day limit)
- Local tackle shops provide real-time updates on conditions and limits
Salmon Fishing Guided Experiences:
Where to Fish:
Chilliwack Lake, Vedder/Chilliwack River, Cultus Lake
License Required:
BC Non-Tidal (freshwater) Angling License
Facts/Tips:
- Catch-and-release encouraged to protect native populations
- Best fished with light tackle or fly gear
- Range from 12 to 20 inches
Trout Fishing Guided Experiences:
Where to Fish:
Chilliwack Lake, Vedder/Chilliwack River.
License Required:
BC Non-Tidal (freshwater) Angling License
Facts/Tips:
- Typically range from 10 to 16 inches
- Kokanee are landlocked Sockeye Salmon – they spend their whole life in freshwater
- Bite best in early morning or late evening
Kokanee Fishing Guided Experiences:
Where to Fish:
Vedder/Chilliwack River.
License Required:
BC Non-Tidal (freshwater) Angling License AND Steelhead Conservation Surcharge Stamp.
Facts/Tips:
-
Steelhead are sea-run rainbow trout
-
Winter steelhead fishing on the Chilliwack/Vedder typically runs from December to April
-
All wild steelhead (identified by the presence of an adipose fin) must be released
-
Hatchery steelhead (identified by a missing adipose fin) may be retained, subject to current regulations
-
Each retained hatchery steelhead must be recorded on your licence
Steelhead Fishing Guided Experiences:
Fishing Regulations
Before you cast, make sure you’re following the rules:
Get a license: A valid B.C. freshwater fishing license is required for all anglers aged 16 and up — even for catch and release.
Use barbless hooks: Barbless hooks are mandatory in most rivers and streams to reduce harm to fish.
Check the regs: Seasons, species limits, and gear restrictions vary by location. Always review current regional regulations before heading out.
Respect closures: Some areas are closed during spawning or conservation periods — fishing there can do serious harm.
No litter, no trace: It’s illegal to leave fishing line, bait containers, or trash near waterways.
Why Get a Fishing License?
Purchasing a B.C. freshwater fishing license isn’t just a legal requirement — it’s a meaningful way to support the ecosystems and communities that make fishing here so exceptional. The fees collected from fishing licenses go directly toward fish and habitat conservation, hatchery programs, fisheries research, enforcement, and education initiatives across the province. These funds help ensure that rivers and lakes remain healthy, species are protected, and future generations can continue to enjoy this treasured outdoor tradition. Whether you’re casting in the Fraser or hiking into an alpine lake, your license helps preserve the experience — and the environment — for everyone.
