Start Guide to Freshwater Fishing

With thousands of lakes and fishable streams, B.C. offers endless opportunities for you and your friends and family to have an amazing outdoor adventure. Scroll down and start planning your #gofishbc experience.

Where to Fish

This page provides tools for you to explore fishing opportunities in British Columbia. You can find information about stocked fishing lakes, recommended waters for beginners and families, fish species, facilities, and maps.

Use the interactive map below to find lakes stocked with fish near you. Apply filters to find lakes with fishing docks, camping, boat launch, and other facilities.

LAKE MAP

We’ve curated some of our top recommendations for places to go fishing. Find inspiration for your next fishing spot in the blog posts below.

Get Ready to Go Fishing

Now that you’ve found your next fishing spot, follow these three steps before heading to the lake.

Step 1: Buy your fishing licence

If you are 16 years or older, you are required to have a freshwater fishing licence. Anglers can purchase an annual, eight-day, or one-day licence online or in-person at select locations.

BUY YOUR LICENCE

Step 2: Check the freshwater fishing regulations

Be sure to check the Freshwater Fishing Regulations for daily catch limits and other requirements. Unsure where to start? Watch this video on how to use the regulations.

Step 3: Gather your fishing gear and head to the lake!

Check out the posts below for more information on essential fishing gear, how to set it up, and top tips to help you catch more fish.

Identify Your Fish

Learn how to identify popular species targeted by recreational anglers. The Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC stocks trout, char and kokanee into B.C. lakes. 

Learn More

Looking for seasonal tips from the experts to improve your day on the water? Visit the Fishing Tips page.

Need help finding a place to fish? Use the interactive map to discover new locations to cast your line.