British Columbia Halibut Fishing Charters

British Columbia Halibut Fishing Charters

Top British Columbia Halibut Fishing Destinations

Best Halibut Fishing Charters in British Columbia

British Columbia: 93 fishing charters available
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(10 reviews)
Sooke
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $332
Excellent
4.6 / 5
(71 reviews)
Sooke
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $443
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(19 reviews)
Sooke
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $258
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(11 reviews)
Nanaimo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $369

Halibut Fishing in British Columbia

Halibut
  • Size 20 to 150lbs
  • Food Value Excellent
  • Game Qualities Good
  • Habitats Nearshore, Offshore

(Hippoglossus stenolepis / hippoglossus)

If you’re hungry for great sportfishing, wait until you get a taste of the Halibut fishing BC has to offer. One of the tastiest fish in the Pacific Ocean, you might recognize Halibut in some of its crispier forms (fish and chips, anyone?).

It may be hard to believe judging by the size of that fried fillet, but this fish can also grow into one of the largest species in British Columbia. Halibut are known to exceed 400 lbs, swimming in water more than 3,000 feet deep. Though you can hardly expect to catch one of these “barn door” beasts for yourself, reeling in some of the 100-200 lb specimens close to shore should be enough to satisfy your appetite for action.

When to Fish for Halibut

The best time to fish for Halibut in British Columbia is usually from March through August. In some areas, however, the season may not open until April. Early in the season, you can find large Halibut just 2-4 miles from the coast. These behemoths are females who come to feed in shallow water after laying their eggs offshore. Some of these mama Halis reach over 200 lbs (putting them well above and beyond the local size limits).

Later in the season, you can target Halibut 6-10 miles offshore, ranging anywhere from 20-100 lbs in size. Fish in the 10-20 lb range (“chickens”) tend to be the most delicious.

Halibut fishing regulations in BC are subject to change every year. The season usually closes for a month or two in winter to allow for spawning. You can expect to keep one or two Halibut during open season, depending on the size. Fish longer than 133 cm (52.4 inches, or about 70 lbs) must be released.

Halibut Fishing Charters in BC

The most productive Halibut fishing grounds in BC can be found on the north coast and to the west of Vancouver Island. For accessible Halibut fishing near Vancouver, look for charters along the west and south coasts of Vancouver Island in Tofino, Ucluelet, Sooke, Port Renfrew, and Victoria.

Fishing out of Vancouver Island presents the perfect opportunity to try your hand at the Halibut fishing BC is famous for. Half day trips (5-6 hours) cost about 600 CAD and full day trips are usually around 800 CAD.

To make the most of your time while fishing in British Columbia, consider a combo trip that will let you target Halibut and Salmon at the same time. Trips of this sort typically last eight hours and range from 720-900 CAD.

How to Fish for Halibut

Halibut are bottom feeders, which calls for a whole lot of bottom fishing with some jigging thrown in. For best results, head to an area with plenty of bottom structure.

When fishing in deep water, you can expect to give your arms a good workout as you reel in a biggun! Though on a typical fishing charter, you are likely to fish for Halibut in 200 feet of water or less.

Halibut fishing involves strong rods with spools of 70-90 lb test line. Bait might be anything from plain jigs or herring to octopus (the ultimate fail-safe bait for this fish).

On occasion, you may hook into a Hali while trolling for Salmon. Some fishermen in BC deliberately troll for Halibut using Salmon fishing gear.
 

British Columbia Halibut Fishing Seasons

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Seasonality

Halibut fishing in British Columbia varies slightly throughout the year. High season is April to August. Low season is January to February and October to December. There is no closed season.
British Columbia
Excellent
4.6 / 5
Based on 28,446 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

What anglers said about Halibut Fishing in British Columbia

Be prepared for unpredictable weather changes and be ready to roll with what may be presented to you.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be prepared for unpredictable weather changes and be ready to roll with what may be presented to you.
Full Melt Charters
Full Melt Charters
We couldnโ€™t have gotten a more perfect day! Sun was shining, wasnโ€™t too windy, fish were biting! We definitely over prepared but never know what to expect with being on the water
Excellent
5.0 / 5
We couldnโ€™t have gotten a more perfect day! Sun was shining, wasnโ€™t too windy, fish were biting! We definitely over prepared but never know what to expect with being on the water
Rising Tide Coastal Adventures
Rising Tide Coastal Adventures
Opt for a seasoned local guide like Captain Scott in Ucluelet who knows the area well. His expertise can make a significant difference, ensuring you have a successful and enjoyable first fishing trip. Uclueletโ€™s weather can be unpredictable. Dressing in layers ensures you stay comfortable throughout the day. Pack the essentials, be patient and enjoy the experience!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Opt for a seasoned local guide like Captain Scott in Ucluelet who knows the area well. His expertise can make a significant difference, ensuring you have a successful and enjoyable first fishing trip. Uclueletโ€™s weather can be unpredictable. Dressing in layers ensures you stay comfortable throughout the day. Pack the essentials, be patient and enjoy the experience!
Oceans West Adventures
Oceans West Adventures
Its worth the effort to travel here...beautiful setting, plentiful fish and not overly commercialized
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Its worth the effort to travel here...beautiful setting, plentiful fish and not overly commercialized
Sooke Salmon Charters
Sooke Salmon Charters
The captain admitted that the fishing is better prior to October but we had plenty of action.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
The captain admitted that the fishing is better prior to October but we had plenty of action.
Northwest Saltwater Adventures
Northwest Saltwater Adventures
If you want a bigger catch you should check the dates of when you can keep the wild salmon.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
If you want a bigger catch you should check the dates of when you can keep the wild salmon.
Full Melt Charters
Full Melt Charters
Book a charter that is able to assist you in fishing for the fish species you are targeting and have fun.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Book a charter that is able to assist you in fishing for the fish species you are targeting and have fun.
Peninsula Charters
Peninsula Charters Vancouver, British Columbia
Price was good for 5 hours. Lots of experience and Willing to answer questions. Book halibut full day so boat can travel to better Halibut options.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Price was good for 5 hours. Lots of experience and Willing to answer questions. Book halibut full day so boat can travel to better Halibut options.
Rising Tide Coastal Adventures
Rising Tide Coastal Adventures Didsbury, AB
I did not see a lot of other boats catching a lot of fish. Few fish per boat. However, we limited with Full Melt Charters in less than 2 hours. Definitely go with this guy!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I did not see a lot of other boats catching a lot of fish. Few fish per boat. However, we limited with Full Melt Charters in less than 2 hours. Definitely go with this guy!
Full Melt Charters
Full Melt Charters Brush Prairie, WA
Bring a big cooler for all the fish you will be catching - they helped us pack up the fish and we got it all home without making a mess in my car but it would have been easier if I thought to bring my big cooler.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bring a big cooler for all the fish you will be catching - they helped us pack up the fish and we got it all home without making a mess in my car but it would have been easier if I thought to bring my big cooler.
Tips Up Sport Fishing Charters
Tips Up Sport Fishing Charters Victoria, BC
Not sure what the best time to fish in the Parksville area is but mid-August seemed to be pretty good.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Not sure what the best time to fish in the Parksville area is but mid-August seemed to be pretty good.
Rugged West Coast Sport Fishing
Rugged West Coast Sport Fishing Seattle, WA
Outstanding unbelievable fishing trip of a lifetime. Massive chinook salmon.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Outstanding unbelievable fishing trip of a lifetime. Massive chinook salmon.
Last Chance Fishing Adventures
Last Chance Fishing Adventures Overland Park, KS
The coastline is protected a bit by small rock islands which reduced the swells. We also go to see some sealions nearby.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
The coastline is protected a bit by small rock islands which reduced the swells. We also go to see some sealions nearby.
Peninsula Charters
Peninsula Charters Burlington, Ontario
Excellent was as busy as we couldโ€™ve hoped! So glad we made the trip from tofino
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Excellent was as busy as we couldโ€™ve hoped! So glad we made the trip from tofino
Kootenay Kingfisher โ€“ Salmon and Halibut
Kootenay Kingfisher โ€“ Salmon and Halibut Canada
Try to go in the morning as otherwise there may be fog which is still fine for fishing but not so good for sea sickness!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Try to go in the morning as otherwise there may be fog which is still fine for fishing but not so good for sea sickness!
Tofino Saltwater Sports
Tofino Saltwater Sports United Kingdom
Make sure you get a good guide it does make a difference, We used Mark's reel fishing adventure and he was awesome.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Make sure you get a good guide it does make a difference, We used Mark's reel fishing adventure and he was awesome.
Mark's Reel Fishing Adventures
Mark's Reel Fishing Adventures Condor, AB
If you're staying in Port Renfrew, bring lunch and snack supplies. Bring hiking and rain gear, and a sense of adventure. Plenty of cool outdoor activities in addition to fantastic fishing opportunities.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
If you're staying in Port Renfrew, bring lunch and snack supplies. Bring hiking and rain gear, and a sense of adventure. Plenty of cool outdoor activities in addition to fantastic fishing opportunities.
Marcus Kennett Fishing Charters โ€“Port Renfrew
Marcus Kennett Fishing Charters โ€“Port Renfrew Ucluelet, BC
Come during peak salmon season and book for 2 days to catch salmon the first day, then use salmon to catch sturgeon the next day
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Come during peak salmon season and book for 2 days to catch salmon the first day, then use salmon to catch sturgeon the next day
Johnny's Sport Fishing
Johnny's Sport Fishing
It was nice to wait until the Chinook were in season so we could take one home for dinner. The weather was great, but layers are a must. Go with a good captain, like Captain Turk.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
It was nice to wait until the Chinook were in season so we could take one home for dinner. The weather was great, but layers are a must. Go with a good captain, like Captain Turk.
Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours
Reel Time Fishing Charters & Marine Tours Dayton, OH
Use Captain Lyle if possible for overall experience and helpful attitude ! Distance to fishing grounds only about 20 minutes or a bit longer for halibut
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Use Captain Lyle if possible for overall experience and helpful attitude ! Distance to fishing grounds only about 20 minutes or a bit longer for halibut
Mark's Reel Fishing Adventures
Mark's Reel Fishing Adventures Canada