Fishing Overview

The Chilcotin Coastal region in British Columbia, Canada is one of North America’s premier freshwater sport fishing destinations.  The area is home to more than 8,000 fresh water lakes and over 17,000 kilometres of clean, cool streams.  Locally there are more than 20 different waters to fish.

This region is well known for its dazzling rainbow trout fly-fishing waters.  Nimpo Lake is one of the most prominent and scenic lakes in the area and has an abundance of rainbow trout that average 16 to 18 inches with the occasional fish  weighing approximately 5 lbs.  Quality rainbow trout can be readily caught by your favourite means of  angling, be it fly fishing, trolling, spin casting or bait fishing.

The area is filled with many other freshwater fishing opportunities.  

Freshwater species include

• Rainbow Trout
• Cutthroat Trout
• Dolly Varden.

Depending on the time of year, saltwater fish species can be found in many of the Chilcotin’s riverbeds. 

These saltwater species could include

• Chinook Salmon
• Chum Salmon
• Coho Salmon
• Pink Salmon.

Pine Point Resort employees are dedicated to assisting guests plan many different activities including fishing trips, remote lake fly-outs, outdoor excursions, and wilderness activities. 

For more information about fishing adventures on the Chilcotin Coast or arrangements for other activities, contact Pine Point Resort toll free at 1-877-998-7688 or locally at 1-250-742-3300.  You can also email us at management@pinepointresortbc.com.

Fly-Fishing

Fly-fishing, a distinct and ancient angling method, is ever popular in the fishing regions of the Chilcotin Coast.  The area is known worldwide and is considered a fly-fishers’ paradise.  The beautiful snow-capped Coastal Mountains fill the skyline, while pine forests and grassy meadows cover the diverse terrain.  The area’s vast number of lakes, streams, creeks and rivers provide fishers with countess exploration opportunities. 

Nimpo Lake is also renowned for its excellent rainbow trout fishing and was chosen to host the 1993 Commonwealth Fly-Fishing Championships.  In addition to this, floatplane fly-ins to remote bodies of water offer the adventurous opportunities for a diversity of wilderness experiences while fly-fishing in the Chilcotin Coast region.  These can be arranged by Pine Point Resort. 

Whether you are driving in or flying into the area, fly-fishing provides visitors with some of North America’s finest freshwater fishing.

Freshwater Fishing

The fresh, cool and pristine lakes, rivers and creeks that dot the Chilcotin landscape, offer fishers with unique possibilities, all located in one region.  The diversity of the waters and freshwater fish species offers an enjoyable and exhilarating experience on the West Coast of British Columbia. 

Pine Point Resort employees are dedicated to helping guests plan many different activities including remote lake fly-ins, fishing trips, outdoor excursions, and wilderness activities. 

Saltwater Fishing

The scenic coastal waters are accessible from Bella Coola just 130 kilometres to the west at the mouth of the Bella Coola River valley.  The largest remaining intact temperate rainforest in the world remains here among the many sounds, bays, channels and inlets of the Chilcotin coast.  Saltwater fishing can be found within a two-hour drive West from Nimpo Lake.

Pine Point Resort employees can help guests obtain more information about their saltwater fishing adventures.

Ice Fishing

Fishing in the Chilcotin region and on Nimpo Lake is not just designated for the warmer summer months.  The lakes in the Chilcotin freeze over with the winter temperatures, allowing unique ice fishing opportunities.  Ice fishing in the winter months is a great way to enjoy a different side of the natural beauty of the area as well as the sport of fishing for Nimpo Lake rainbow trout all year round.   

Fishing Licenses

Separate licences are required for freshwater and saltwater fishing.  Your license must be with you at all times while fishing and, if asked, you must produce it for inspection by a Conservation Officer, a Fishery Officer, an RCMP officer, a Park Ranger, or an Officer under the Wildlife Act. 

If a licence is lost, accidentally destroyed, or misplaced you must obtain a replacement licence before resuming fishing.

More information about fresh and saltwater fishing licenses can be obtained on the BC Fisheries Recreational Fishing Homepage.  Licenses are also available locally.

Resources For Fishing

Fishing in the Chilcotin is broken down into distinct seasons.  Spring arrives later in the year, as the area remains cold during the extended winter months, while fall begins earlier than in many areas of BC.  Lake fishing starts as soon as the ice is off the lake the first week in May and remains good into October when things begin to freeze over again, although anglers must remember to dress for the colder weather.  River fishing is recommended from the middle of June through October.