CHINOOK SALMON (a.k.a. King Salmon, Spring Salmon when 30+pounds)
Most often found in BC's largest rivers, these are the largest of the Pacific Salmon. Identifiable by their black mouths and spots on their back. Have earlier migration than their counterparts (as early as March on the Fraser River) but delay spawning until Fall when they head for smaller tributaries. Fry take at least a year to leave the freshwater.
Best Fishing : June through September
CHUM SALMON (a.k.a. Dog Salmon)
Chum are easily mistaken for Sockeye, except for their vertical dark bars as they near river mouths and the fact they are generally larger than Sockeye. Known for their determination, their fry don't waste any time and head straight for the ocean where they spend the next 4-7 years.
COHO SALMON (a.k.a. Silver Salmon)
The bright silver Coho has a reputation for being a wild, feisty and erratic fish and is the most prized of all river run salmon. They usually spend 18 months in our coastal waters and then return to their home stream as 3 year olds.
PINK SALMON (a.k.a. Humpies)
Popular amongst fly-fishers, pinks are the smallest of the salmon but make up for their size by putting up a lively fight. Their fry already carry the silvery colour of smolts and immediately migrate to the ocean where they'll spend the next 18 months.
SOCKEYE SALMON
A culinary favourite known for their deep, pink flesh and silvery blue colour. Probably the easiest identifiable salmon due to their diamond like scales and prominent eyes. They will put up a good fight on light tackle, but are considered a fairly easy catch. Check local fishing regulations beforehand for the latest restrictions which can change at short notice depending on the size of the runs.
STEELHEAD
Top of the A-list of most prized sportfish in BC and they are notoriously challenging to catch. Known for the exciting battles they give anglers, they are an energetic sea-run Rainbow Trout. With both winter and summer runs their spawning migrations tend to overlap. They spend 1-3 years out in the ocean before returning to freshwater to spawn. Steelhead fishing requires a conservation surcharge stamp on your fishing licence and regulations on Steelhead fishing can be subject to change on short notice.
WHITE STURGEON (a.k.a. Pacific Sturgeon)
These relics from the Jurassic period are the largest freshwater fish in North America and attract anglers from all over the world. Growing up to 19feet long and weighing in at 1,360pounds they can live to over 100 years old. There is a strict conservation policy for this species which is catch and release only and a registered fishing guide is strongly recommended when fishing for White Sturgeon.
CUTTHROAT TROUT
A close relative of Rainbow Trout, they can be found in most lakes and rivers along the coastal mainland and anglers may often encounter them while fishing for Steelhead. They are a predatory fish feeding mainly on Kokanee, Sculpins and Sticklebacks and a variety of insects.
