Hope BC has some of the best fishing in the Lower Mainland. So many different species of fish are found in Hope’s rivers, lakes and creeks. Catch kokanee in Kawkawa Lake, Steelhead in the Fraser River or rainbow trout in the Skagit River. The Fraser River also boasts a large population of sturgeon.

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Sturgeon Sport Fishing

Photo: BC Sport Fishing Group

Anglers travel from far and wide to Hope, BC for an opportunity to battle the largest freshwater fish in the world, the white sturgeon. These prehistoric fish can be caught in the Fraser River through out the year, but the best months are April to October. Sturgeon in the Fraser River usually measure between 2 and 6 feet long, but they can be as long as 10 feet and sometimes even longer! Due to their size and remarkable strength, good quality, heavy duty fishing gear is a must.

Most of the fishing in the lower/non-tidal part of the river is done from boat since the shores have poor access. Anglers who do not have a boat usually hire a guide who can offer the best service and fishing experience from the comfort of a jet boat. Guided sturgeon fishing tours are widely available, but book up quickly. White sturgeon fishing is one of the most powerful experiences you will have in nature. It is great for families, tourists and even corporate groups.

Fishing Our Lakes

Species: Largescale Sucker, Rainbow Trout, Steelhead, Kokanee, Dolly Varden, Cutthroat and more…

Kawkawa Lake

Photo: @rempelstilskin

Kawkawa Lake is home to one of the most unique fisheries in the Upper Fraser Valley. Some of the fish include: Largescale Sucker, Northern Squawfish, Peamouth Chub, Prickly Sculpin, Redside Shiner, Threespine Stickleback, Lake Chub, Goldfish, Aleutian Sculpin, Crayfish, Painted Turtles. The lake is often busy with campers and swimmers during the summer, but is easily accessible. There is paved access to a boat launch, picnic sites and toilets located in the bay area on the south shoreline. There is a seasonal closure on Kawkawa Lake from Dec 1–Feb 28.

Lightning Lakes

Manning Provincial Park’s chain of four alpine lakes is a family fishing favourite. Lightning Lakes chain offers rainbow trout fishing just off the shoreline. Fly-fishing for rainbow trout is usually good through the trout do not usually exceed 2lbs due to the cold, nutrient poor waters. No motorized boats allowed (including electric motors). Paved road access.  W120°49.52

Silver Lake

While Silver Lake is not included in the park boundaries, it provides excellent trout fishing opportunities (catch and release only, single barbless hook). The lake is situated 12km/7.5m south of Hope, via Flood Hope Road and the Silver Skagit Road. Road access is gravel, lots of parking and the lake has a small boat launch (10Hp motor limit). You’ll also find Chum Salmon, Coho Salmon, Dolly Varden, Kokanee, Pink Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Steelhead in Silver Lake. Coordinates: N49°18.47′ W121°24.51′

Schkam Lake aka Lake of the Woods

Located at the side of Trans-Canada Highway 1, just 4km/2.5m north of Hope, this lake is stocked annually with rainbow trout. Guests have access to a canoe launch; non-guests may find access limited. You will find Largescale Sucker, Rainbow Trout and Steelhead in this lake. There is a parking lot, picnic area and toilets just off of Hwy 1. Fish along the shoreline or in a floating tube.

Jones Lake aka Wahleach Lake

Jones Lake is located just off Hwy 1 west of Hope. BC Hydro stocks the reservoir with Dolly Varden, rainbow, kokanee and cutthroat. Keep in mind that the road leading to the lake is a logging road and is steep gravel for the last 9km. Boats are allowed. The area has camping spots and toilets. Coordinates: N49°14.54′ W121°36.22′

Ross Lake

Ross Lake is stocked with rainbow and eastern brook trout. Set at the edge of the Cascade Mountains, this is a hot spot for summer fishing and winter ice fishing. Take it easy driving; the gravel, graded 80km/50m road is hard on tires. Coordinates: N48°43.54′ W121°04.02′

Fishing Our Rivers & Creeks

The Fraser River salmon runs draw fisherman and fish gazers from all of the lower mainland. If you drive along the Fraser River during the summer months, you will see hundreds of fisherman scattered along the banks. Spring salmon and chinook run May to December, sockeye arrive late August and steelhead run November through March. Before you fish, double check that the area is permissible. Some shores are exclusively First Nations. There are quite a few sweet spots to fish along the shoreline. If you drive along Hwy 1, you’ll spot many vehicles parked on the side of the highway. That’s an obvious sign of good fishing. You can find other fishing locations by asking locals. Some public access points are in Hope. There is a trail on the west side of hwy 1 at the north end of the Fraser Bridge. It’s very steep downhill and a little tricky if you’re carrying lots of equipment, but it’s a short walk. There is another access point on Wardle St.

Pipeline Bar on the Fraser

A highly recommended fishing spot is on Pipeline Bar. You can access the bar by boat. Fish for Steelhead, Chinook Salmon and Sockeye Salmon. Coordinates: N49°22.18′ W121°30.39′

The Coquihalla River

The fast moving Coquihalla River and its clear waters are great for chinook salmon, steelhead and Dolly Varden. You can easily access the river from the Coquihalla River Mounth Bar which can be located at Rotary Trails Park where Wardle Street dead ends. There is a boat launch for public use. Coordinates: N49°23.41′ W121°26.23′

The Skagit River

The Skagit River’s clear waters are perfect for fly-fishing rainbow trout. The best spot is at the upper part of the river where it enters Ross Lake. There are access points all along the Silver-Skagit Road.

American Creek

This small creek fills with rainbow trout in June and July, and Chinook salmon June through September. It crosses Trans-Canada Highway 1 approximately 8km/5m north of Hope.

Emory Creek

Look for Dolly Varden in late spring and fall. Emery Creek is located off the Trans-Canada Highway 1 about 18km/11m north of Hope.

This information is garnered from local and online sources.  If you have updated info to correct or improve this information, please contact us at vc@hopebc.ca. Thank you.

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