Queen Charlotte Island Observer

Fishing

Fishing Calendar

Cutthroat: Jan. to Dec.

Dolly Varden: Jan. to Dec.

Chinook Salmon: May to Sept.

Coho Salmon: July to Oct.

Pink Salmon: Aug to Sept

Ready to go sports fishing?

There’s a few things you need to know off the top. It is your responsibility to know the regulations BEFORE you go fishing. First of all you need to buy a licence (or two) and to bring it with you when you are fishing.

Depending on what you are fishing for and where you are fishing, you will need either a fresh water licence to fish in lakes or streams, or a saltwater (tidal) licence for sea-dwelling fish like salmon and halibut, and also for crabs. Due to red tide restrictions, clamming is not allowed.

Check with the DFO office on-island (Masset 626-3316 and Queen Charlotte 559-4413). As well, all current licencing information can be found on the internet.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada: www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/recfish/default_e.htm
Province of British Columbia Ministry of Environment Fish and Wildlife Branch:
www.fishing.gov.bc.ca

or visit the website at www.pac.dfo-mpo for more information on salt or tidal regs. The freshwater website is http://wlapwww.gov.bc.cas The islands are in Region 6 (Skeena). Special restrictions may apply within Gwaii Haanas so contact Parks Canada for further info.

Fresh or salt?

There is a fresh water licence for the fish who live in lakes and streams. And there is a saltwater (tidal) licence for not only sea-dwelling fish like salmon and halibut but also for crabs. Unfortunately due to red tide restrictions clamming is not allowed.

For freshwater licences contact the government agent in Queen Charlotte for the name and location of the closest vendor. Just call 250-559-4452. Licences are also available at the Service BC’s agent’s office on Third Ave just past the town centre.

Saltwater licences are available at the main DFO office in Queen Charlotte as well as at the following locations:

Queen Charlotte:

  • Meegan’s Store

Sandspit:

  • Bridgeview Marine
  • Queen Charlotte Safaris Inc.
  • Sandspit Airport Inn Ltd.
  • Sandspit Harbour Inn/Dba Sandspit Adventures,
  • Tom Klassen

Port Clements:

  • Golden Spruce Motel

Masset:

  • Delmas Co-op
  • Gerry’s Fishing Charters
  • Hidden Island Resort
  • Naden Lodge Inc.
  • North Coast Supply Co. Ltd.
  • QC Charters
  • Village Masset Info Centre

It’s a good idea to phone ahead to check availability. Sometimes licenses can be in short supply on the islands, so if you know when you will be fishing you can purchase your licence on line or at a vendor in the Province of BC before you arrive. Also, don’t forget to check the tides before you head out on the water.

Bait and fishing equipment are available on island as well. It’s even possible that the above locations will be able to offer some info on current fishing trends in the area. Unsure of the regulations? Find a charter operator in this book or head down to the docks and take a tour with one of the local guides. They’ll know the pertinent regulations and you can rest easy and enjoy a day or more of fine fishing.