FISHING IN CHILLIWACK

14 November 2019General

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

Discover Boating

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.

Sturgeon Fishing Guidelines

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!

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