30 reviews . During the later season of March to May you might be lucky enough to tie into one of the river's early running chinook salmon. We will be enforcing a limit of 5 customers in the store at one time. The Nanaimo River, just like the majority of Vancouver Island Rivers, is a bait ban river. No fishing: Nahwitti River : Coho: Apr 01 to Mar 31: 1 per day. The lake page contains a fishing map with catch photos, fishing spots and other nearby features as well as fishing reports and general information about the lake. 2 people are looking at this charter. FFSBC is solely responsible for stocking B.C.’s freshwater lakes on behalf of the provincial government. During this time jigs in pink, purple and orange, and colorado's in silver dead drifted under a float can be deadly for all species of salmon. Fly fishing however is quite difficult as most salmon stack up in deep pools, making it very hard to get down to them. It is known to have chinook salmon for all months of the year, and coho salmon at times from September right up until January. The area above the lakes is accessible by Nanaimo Lakes forestry service road and much of this road runs right beside the river. Access is fairly easy as many roads parallel the river and much of the river is easily wade-able in the fall. To find more detailed information click on the lakes name. Be sure to check the Freshwater Fishing Regulations for daily catch limits and other requirements. No fishing from the Cedar Road bridge upstream approx 400 m to the white square boundary signs near the Hwy 19 bridge, Sept 15-Oct 30. During this time jigs in pink, purple and orange, and colorado's in silver dead drifted under a float can be deadly for all species of salmon. All freshwater sport fishing regulations in effect in British Columbia (except for salmon fishing and fishing in National Parks) are published every two years as the Regulations Synopsis. You can filter your results based on location, access and amenities. The steelhead of the Nanaimo use to be world renowned for their size and power, but declines in steelhead numbers all along Vancouver Island's East Coast has caused closures of the whole upper river during the winter, including many of the legendary canyon holes such as the bore hole. 6 reviews . Although the best years for the Nanaimo are well behind it, the runs are starting to make a slow comeback. The upper river is much like the Chehalis River in Region Two, being mostly canyon waters that were once renowned for their large steelhead and chinook salmon with beautiful scenery. View Larger Map Save This Boat. Fishing can be done all months of the year in the Nanaimo River. 1-250-723-1172 It is known to have chinook salmon for all months of the year, and coho salmon at times from September right up until January. Koho and Kitimat spoons work well in dirty water or deep pools since their silver plating reflect more light, try these in the 35-45 size in illusion or orange scaling. Within reach is some of the best freshwater fishing in North America. It’s a good bet that you haven’t considered — or even heard of — the Nanaimo area as a fishing destination. June fishing trip. To fish from shore, follow the trail from the parking lot until you reach the fishing pier. During these low water times fish are extremely picky. Fishing can be done all months of the year in the Nanaimo River. The hatchery also produces some pink and coho salmon as well, although numbers produced are not very noteworthy. French Creek Fishing Report. Freshwater fishing, Vancouver Island, adventures are yours for the taking, and the pristine Nootka Sound region features some of the very best freshwater fishing in the world. Total 0; Share Tweet; Email; Vancouver Island contains many lakes of various sizes. Choose to fish the way you want: inside protected waterways, or on the edges of exposed, ocean-facing outer islands. Runs are so low in fact that the river has been closed above the highway bridge in the winter to protect low runs of fish. To get there, exit at Jingle Pot Road from Island Highway and turn onto Labieux Road. Parking is available by the boat launch. Access is from the Island Highway, Nanaimo Lakes Road and Cedar Road, just south of Nanaimo. Since this river is so large, the main meth… This map provides information on the 800+ lakes stocked for recreational fishing. Leopard 53 Powercat. Check your lines, frequently! Fish and Wildlife Regional Office (250) 751-7220 2080A Labieux Rd., Nanaimo, B.C. Family Fishing Day is in partnership with Freshwater Fisheries, Habitat Conservation Foundation, Nanaimo Search & Rescue, Two Men and Their Fishing Rods, Island Waters Fisheries, Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo Fish and Game Protective Association, Wholesale Sports Outdoor Outfitters and Nanaimo Recycling Exchange. Be sure to treat any of these fish with the utmost respect as the runs are endangered and slowly rebuilding. The way you want: inside protected waterways, or in-person at select locations work here in,! Early parts of January and will run until late April and into May hottest deals, latest news coolest! Just south of Nanaimo to the bottom of these deep pools as many roads parallel the river has,... You must also purchase the appropriate supplementary licences and stamps closed areas during the fall and winter.! 2080A Labieux Rd., Nanaimo lakes Road and much of this Road runs right beside the river trout very! 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