For anglers, British Columbia is pure magic, especially in the fall. From the west coast swells of Vancouver Island to the glacier-fed lakes of the Interior, BC offers some of the most exciting, scenic, and varied fishing on the continent. Whether you’re drawn to the brute power of Chinook salmon, the precision of trout fishing, or the thrill of hooking a prehistoric sturgeon, this is a destination where the fish are only part of the story.

Why Fish in BC?

Few places offer the diversity of fishing terrain found in British Columbia. With over 20,000 lakes, an endless maze of rivers and creeks, and nearly 26,000 km of Pacific coastline, BC is a place where angling meets exploration.

What sets it apart isn’t just the sheer scale, it’s the sense of true wilderness. One moment you’re fly casting in a tranquil alpine lake. A few hours later, you’re on a rugged shoreline dropping lines for halibut. And all around you: ancient cedars, snow-dusted peaks, and wildlife at every turn.

Fall on Vancouver Island: Prime Fishing Season

As the days shorten and the forests glow with autumn colour, Vancouver Island enters a golden season for fishing. The summer crowds drift away. The rivers come alive. And the fish arrive in force. BC fall fishing is the best!

The Salmon Run

From September through November, rivers like the Stamp, Campbell, and Cowichan fill with migrating salmon. Chinook, Coho, and Chum return from the ocean in staggering numbers – a pulse of life that’s been beating here for thousands of years.
Whether you’re casting from shore or running the river by boat, this is heart-pounding, high-reward fishing at its best.

Stillwater Serenity

While the rivers draw the spotlight, fall is also prime time for trout. Cooler waters wake up hungry rainbows and cutthroat. Lakes like Buttle and Cameron, as well as lesser-known alpine tarns, offer glassy calm, solitude, and plenty of bite.

Offshore Opportunities

Halibut might be a summer favourite, but the fall fishery off Tofino and Ucluelet still delivers. Lingcod, rockfish, and bottom feeders linger in the depths – and chances are you’ll share the sea with whales, sea lions, and the occasional sea otter along the way.

Beyond the Island: BC’s Mainland Fishing Spots

Vancouver Island may be our home base, but the rest of British Columbia is just as wild, just as fish-filled, and just as worth exploring.

Interior Lakes

The Cariboo, Thompson-Nicola, and Okanagan regions are a patchwork of lakes that hold world-class rainbow trout, lake char, and kokanee. Whether you’re paddling into a backcountry spot or fishing from shore, the sense of space and calm here is unmatched.

Big Rivers, Big Fish

BC’s rivers are legendary. The Fraser is a hotbed for sturgeon – enormous, ancient fish that can reach 10 feet or more. In the north, the Skeena and its tributaries (Bulkley, Kispiox, and more) offer what many consider the finest steelhead fly fishing on earth.

Guided by Experience

In a place as vast and varied as BC, the right guide makes all the difference. We partner exclusively with expert, ethical operators like Vancouver Island Fly Fishing. These folks live and breathe these waters, and know how to deliver unforgettable experiences with minimal impact.

From single-day outings to multi-day float trips and alpine lake adventures, we’ll match you with the right guide for your goals and group. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a total beginner, you’re in good hands.

Your Fishing Basecamp: FarOut’s Overland Vehicles

Our custom-built overland trucks are the perfect companion for your fall fishing trips. Many of the best fishing spots are deep in the backcountry, miles down remote forest service roads. While most rental cars don’t allow, or aren’t capable of off-road travel, our trucks are fully insured and ready to go for backcountry driving.

Ready to cook up your fresh catch? Our fully equipped camping kitchen, complete with a grill and a multi-burner stove, is the best way to enjoy your fish dinner. If you have leftovers, simply pop them into the truck’s built-in fridge, and enjoy a salmon eggs benedict for breakfast the next morning.

With our roof-top tent set up, you can also camp directly next to prime fishing spots. No need to drive hours back down the logging roads to make it to your hotel, you can roll out of bed and immediately be fishing while you sip your coffee the next morning.

Logistics? Sorted.

FarOut Wilderness provides complementary itinerary planning. If you’re here for a fishing trip, that includes sorting out many of the logistics around fishing prior to your arrival.

We’ll get you sorted on freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses, keep you informed of catch limits, book campsites for you, and more.

Whether you’re travelling solo, bringing a buddy, or planning a family-friendly trip with room to roam, we’ll take care of the details. You just show up and fish.

Without further ado, visit our reservations page to book your BC fall fishing adventure today!