Vancouver Island Fly Fishing Charters

Vancouver Island Fly Fishing Charters

Best Fly Fishing Charters in Vancouver Island

Fly Fishing in Vancouver Island

Whatever the time of year, a Vancouver Island fly fishing trip should be in the cards. There’s a range of species to target on this western island in British Columbia. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, you can even test your saltwater fly fishing skills. Not quite there yet? No problem. There are plenty more fish in the sea… well, lakes and rivers!

What to Expect

There are so many rivers and lakes to choose from that it’s advisable to fish with a guide – they’ll use all their experience and local knowledge to get you on top of the fish in no time. 

The main fish you’ll want to target are Salmon, Steelhead, and Trout. Chinook Salmon can be caught every month except December. Pink and Coho Salmon jump into the spotlight during the summer and continue into the fall, with Pink Salmon having a shorter run. Sockeye and Chum are both fall species. 

Cutthroat, Rainbow and Brown Trout and Dolly Varden all can be fished throughout the year, with peaks in late spring, early summer, and fall. Steelhead is one of the hardest fish to catch on the west coast and you’ll earn bragging rights when you reel one in during their winterrun, from December to April. They also have a summer run from March–May and are even known to bite a dry fly.

In the summer, the Cowichan River, known as the “fly fishing capital of Canada,” is great for Coho, Chinook, Chum, and Steelhead. Some rivers, such as the Campbell River, have specific fly fishing restrictions, so make sure you know about these before you travel. You also have the Englishman River, Elk River, Salmon River, Oyster River, and many more. 

As well as heading to a popular river, you can also fly in to remote locations to fish off the beaten path, and without any crowds. This is perfect for experienced anglers looking for a tranquil fishing vacation, with barely another angler in sight. Most of this fishing is catch and release only. 

How to Prepare

Everyone in your group over 16 will need to buy a fishing license for the day. Check the local regulations for the species you’re targeting, as well as their size and catch limit, and whether you need any additional stamps to hook them. Your guide will have the latest information.

For every season, river, and species, a different rod and reel set up in recommended. Talk to your guide and local anglers for the most up-to-date tips. Generally, a 5 wt is good for Trout, and an 8 wt suits Steelhead. Most Salmon can be caught on an 8 wt rod, but for smaller ones, you can go down to a 6 wt rod. 

Have a mix of flies ready – you’ll want to match the hatch where possible. When Salmon are moving upstream, they’ll bite only when provoked, so an eye-catching fly is necessary. 

Fly fishing in Vancouver Island is all about getting out of the city and into nature. You’re not just here to fill up the freezer, but to enjoy the fight against some beautiful fish, and create lasting memories!

Vancouver Island
Excellent
4.6 / 5
Based on 28,443 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

What anglers said about Fly Fishing in Vancouver Island

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
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
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
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
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
Add to bucket list what an awsome time it was... It's super nice to have someone with great experance and knowledge...
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Add to bucket list what an awsome time it was... It's super nice to have someone with great experance and knowledge...
Captn's Sportfishing
Captn's Sportfishing Ladysmith, British Columbia

Top Targeted Fly Fishing Species in Vancouver Island