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British Columbia has many attractions to offer tourists, but British Columbia fishing, whether of the saltwater or freshwater variety, is certainly one of the best reasons to visit. British Columbia fishing in saltwater often occurs in the waters around Vancouver Island. Many places on the island, particularly the Campbell River lay claim to the title 'salmon capital of the world,' as does Prince Rupert, deservedly well-known for its halibut, and some parts of the Queen Charlotte Islands.

British Columbia fishing can also be done on a good river and lake in every region. At Steveston, near Vancouver, where the ocean rushes up to meet the Fraser River, you won't want to miss casting your rod, and also along the Stanley Park seawall. The Birkenhead Lake Provincial Park and Golden Ears Provincial Park can offer you some rewarding lake fishing further inland. The East Kootenays will give you some outstanding fly-fishing, especially on the Columbia, Kicking Horse and Kootenay Rivers and their creek-size tributaries along and near Highway 95.

The best destination for British Columbia fishing is at the northern part of the province. Anglers will have a hard time figuring out their options, with hundreds of lakes- many reachable only by boat or plane - waiting for the adventurous. British Columbia fishing is good up north, at the Fraser, Nass, Skeena, Kettle, Peace and Liard Rivers.

Although you will find a diversity of fishes, salmons and steelheads are the popular species that abound in this western part of Canada. British Columbia fishing for salmon can be any of these types: coho, sockeye (or red), pink, chum and the most-prized and king, the chinook. The latest addition to this list is the steelhead which had long been categorized as a trout, but was officially categorized as part of the salmon species in 2000. Among the salmon species, it is the Chinook that offers the best in British Columbia fishing. Chinook salmon can reach a massive 100 pounds, and you can often be assured of 30-pound catches are common. You would not be disappointed if you opt to catch Chinook: the fish can give you a good fight.

Chinook run usually from May through July, so you may want to schedule your British Columbia fishing trip within these months. The best way to catch Chinook is by trolling and using herring as bait.

Salmon and other fish populations are declining rapidly; the decline is partly the result of over fishing, but climate changes are also to blame. For this reason, the province of British Columbia requires licenses for freshwater fishing which is separate from saltwater fishing. You would also be required to get a British Columbia fishing license even for a few separate species of fish. Government agency offices, sporting goods stores, and other retailers are the places where you can pick up British Columbia fishing licenses. There may also be specific licenses required by national parks which you can obtain from their headquarters.

About the Author

frank j vanderlugt owns and operates http://www.canadian-fishing-now.com Canadian Fishing