There’s nothing like an old-fashioned fishing trip, where you can take a whole weekend for just you, your rod, and your boat. British Columbia is one of the most popular places for fishing, with its scenic views, ample fishing grounds, and calm waters. Make sure you have a trip to remember with these tips for finding the best fishing lodges in British Columbia.
Know what’s important to you.
BC fishing lodges are designed to support any avid fishers, no matter their fishing style of choice or their chosen catch. To find the best one to suit you, you’ve got to have your top priorities clear in your mind. If you love fly fishing, make sure you pick a lodge with enough room to store your gear. If you’re out on the water for salmon fishing, find a lodge in the right area for salmon. It’s hard to go into the intricacies of picking a lodge if you’re unsure of exactly what you’re looking for, so that’s a clear first step.
Keep a budget in mind.
Some lodges will offer you inclusive packages, so if you’re in the mood for an all-inclusive trip where you don’t need to worry about buying meals and drinks, then it’s definitely worth considering while looking for a British Columbia fishing lodge. If you need to keep a close eye on your spending, then look for an option that offers the simplicity of cabins without all the bells and whistles. After all, you’ll hopefully be catching your own dinner if all goes well!
Think about your experience level.
How many years have you been fishing? Perhaps this is your first fishing trip away from home. You might benefit from professional guides to recommend the best waters or even go with you to make sure all goes well. A fishing trip isn’t just about the accommodation; some of the inclusive packages we mentioned before also come with specialized advice and guides that can help you to work out what’s best for you.
Consider any added extras.
Is there anything else you’d love to see during your time in British Columbia? If you’ve always dreamt of seeing a bald eagle in flight, a good spot to visit is Vancouver Island. Although eagles can be found right across North America, this island is one of their nesting areas so it’s likely you’ll find them flying overhead here. Watch out, though—bald eagles are also avid fishers themselves! Don’t risk losing your catch to a thief from the sky.
Get to know the local fish.
There’s a reason that BC is so well known for fishing trips, and that’s the diversity of catches that you can find in these waters. Make sure you don’t miss out on catching something special by brushing up on your local fishing knowledge. Once you can tell your chinook salmon from your lingcod, you’ll be ready to set out from your cabins and go catch the perfect fish to complete your weekend.
Have your equipment sorted in advance.
You don’t want to waste time while on the ground in BC trying to find a replacement piece of kit, or trying to rent the equipment you need for fly fishing. Whether you have your own kit ready or will need to rent locally, you can sort both out in advance. The most important part of a fly fishing trip in BC is the fishing. The halibut won’t be waiting for you—so get out on the water, don’t stand around in fishing stores any longer than you have to.
Our final tip is definitely the most important—have fun! With these savvy tips under your bait belt, you’ll be sure to have the trip of a lifetime.
