Fishing BC's Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

Here, fishing shapes days, stories, and traditions. BC’s Cariboo Chilcotin Coast is home to over 8,000 lakes and 17,000 km (10,563 mi) of pristine rivers and streams, teeming with rod-bending rainbow trout, wily cutthroat, and powerful steelhead. Along the rugged Pacific coast, nutrient-rich waters offer up succulent salmon, massive halibut, prawns, Dungeness crab, and an array of shrimp. Whether staying at a remote resort, a boutique retreat, or a luxury floating camp, anglers are never far from amazing fishing adventures.

BC’s Fishing Highway (Highway 24)

BC Fishing Highway Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

Fawn Lake, BC | Blake Jorgenson

The Cariboo Chilcotin Coast’s vast network of rivers and lakes includes a legendary stretch of road known as The Fishing Highway—a name well-earned among anglers. Running from Little Fort (at the eastern border of the Cariboo on Yellowhead Highway 5) to 93 Mile House (where Highway 24 ends), this route gives you plenty of fishing opportunities.

Spring-fed Sheridan Lake, stocked annually, is renowned for its trophy-sized rainbow trout, reaching up to 9 kg (20 lb). Nearby Bridge Lake, with its bays and islands, boasts crystal-clear waters teeming with rainbow and lake trout (char), kokanee, and burbot. With more than 100 lakes typically within an hour’s drive of each other, the Interlakes region is a true fishing paradise. Be sure to check annual stocking reports for the latest updates.

Kokanee Bay Fishing Resort | Kari Medig

Remarkable Fishing Locations in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast

BC’s fly fishing enthusiasts flock to the Horsefly River, a vital nursery for three-quarters of the rainbow trout found in nearby Quesnel Lake. Each fall, its waters come alive with millions of sockeye and chinook salmon returning to their spawning grounds. Near Quesnel, the cattail-lined shores of Dragon Lake hide trophy-sized trout in its jewel-toned depths.

In the Chilcotin, Charlotte Lake, located at the foot of the spectacular Coast Mountains, is renowned for its trophy rainbow trout. Nearby Nimpo Lake is a fly-fishing haven, with charter air services offering fly-in access to remote lodges and pristine fishing camps.

The legendary Blackwater River, with its gentle, canoe-friendly flow, provides abundant insect hatches that sustain prolific populations of trout, whitefish, and squawfish. Meanwhile, the cerulean blue waters of the Chilko River teem with rainbow trout and Dolly Varden, especially near creek mouths where fish gather for their evening meal—sometimes becoming one themselves.

For a more accessible, family-friendly option, Puntzi Lake provides fantastic fishing opportunities in a stunning and convenient setting.

Coastal Fishing Adventures in BC

Rivers Inlet, BC

In the coastal region of BC, the Great Bear Rainforest is dotted with lakes and streams, but it’s the saltwater fishing that draws anglers and nature lovers to this ecologically rich paradise. Here, salmon reign supreme. From budget-friendly lodges to ultra-luxurious retreats, a variety of accommodations cater to fly-in guests chasing the dream of the big one. Many of these expeditions begin in Bella Coola, launching anglers into the countless inlets and islands of the central coast. Thanks to BC Ferries and Pacific Coastal Airlines, this remote fishing haven is more accessible than ever.

Though it may seem like an unassuming stretch of shoreline on a map, the Great Bear Rainforest is home to legendary fishing destinations known worldwide—Rivers Inlet and Hakai Pass—where millions of salmon make their first landfall after battling Pacific currents in search of their spawning streams. Along their journey, they pass some of the coast’s most revered fishing holes, including Odlum Point, the Gap, and Barney Point, where gentle back eddies offer resting and feeding spots for salmon—and prime opportunities for both anglers and orcas.

For those in pursuit of steelhead—fishing barely describes the fight these sea-run trout put up—the Dean River is the ultimate destination, earning its reputation as steelhead central. Here, outfitters provide base camps for thrilling expeditions, where the fish are plentiful, the waters are pristine, and the bugs are mercifully scarce.

Fishing Information and Conservation in BC

Clinton | Guy Lundstrom

Travellers should always check annual stocking reports for the latest updates. With accommodations ranging from remote resorts to luxury ocean floating camps, exceptional angling waters are always within easy reach.

Fishing in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast is deeply connected to wildlife conservation. Local guides and outfitters prioritize sustainable practices, ensuring these rich aquatic ecosystems remain thriving for future generations.

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a first-timer seeking an unforgettable adventure, the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast delivers an incredible fishing experience that celebrates both skill and passion.