Article by Stuart Drew
Vancouver Island is the largest island off the North American coast and the diversity of habitat, wildlife and culture is unrivaled. The island is split down the middle by the Beaufort mountain range with the eastern slope overlooking the protected waters of the gulf and to the west, the wild Pacific. There’s no better place for whale watching than Vancouver island and twice yearly, gray whales can be observed on their migration to Arctic waters to feed and their return to Baja to breed. Orcas are permanent residents of the area and terrestrial wildlife is plentiful. The island hosts good populations of black bears, cougars, wolves and deer. Of all the attractions and activities the island provides, fishing may be the biggest draw.
Vancouver Island is a preferred destination for anglers seeking both freshwater and ocean fishing. The islands’ lakes and rivers are home to a large population of steelhead and the several productive trout streams beckon fly fishermen from all over the world. Small mouth bass can be found in some lakes and can be a good respite when winter steelhead are being difficult and trout allusive.
Ocean fishing is world class and anglers can expect some live action when in search of salmon and big halibut. There are dozens of operators on the island and your fishing charter on Vancouver Island can be nothing but a memorable experience. February through April is excellent for Chinook salmon and the inshore migration of huge halibut has begun. May through August brings calm seas and a chance to land twenty pound plus Chinook, big Coho and a very good possibility of a, hundred pound plus, giant halibut.Fishing is good all year long, so pack your fly rod, an adventurous spirit and come see why Vancouver island is a fisherman’s’ paradise.
Stuart Drew is a content producer and SEO