British Columbia offers incredible freshwater fishing opportunities across the province. The world-class fishing ranges from fishing for white sturgeon on the Fraser River to salmon fishing in our tidal and non-tidal waters. These fisheries often require a boat, heavier gear, and a fishing guide, or at least some basic fishing experience. If you are new to fishing, or perhaps you’re a parent who simply wants to take your kids into the great outdoors and wet a line, these larger fisheries don’t have to be the way to start fishing.

Instead there is another incredible fishery option through our stocked rainbow trout program that spans British Columbia. The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC (FFSOBC) runs this fantastic effort that stocks over 800 lakes and rivers in BC. Currently, FFSOBC stocks 9 different species in these waters, most of which are rainbow trout. Depending upon the body of water, these stockings occur a few times each year, typically starting in March and ending in November. These lakes provide great shore access and a real opportunity for you to get into some BC Rainbow Trout!

Hatcheries in the province raise and release over 6 million trout, char, and kokanee – from juvenile fry to catchable size fish – every year. Angles can use the Fish Stocking Report tool to determine what fish FFSOBC released, and where and when they were released.

Jesse St. Mars
BC Fishing Journal
BC Fishing Journal records fishing trips, tackle, and strategies, as well as patterns of fish behavior, lures, run times and water conditions with a view to promoting sports fishing in a respectful and educational format for all ages.

Photo Credit
Photographs Courtesy Jesse St. Mars, BC Fishing Journal