Port Alberni has great fishing of all kinds in and around the valley; we are truly blessed to have an angler’s paradise in our backyard. In 2010, Port Alberni was deemed “Canada’s Ultimate Fishing Town” by World Fishing Network, and has also developed the nickname “Salmon Capital of the World”. There are many locations to catch a fresh dinner, this blog will provide some insight on local favorites.
The Stamp River is well known for large quantities of steelhead, rainbow and large cutthroat trout. Also in these waters you will find most species of pacific salmon, which gives anglers a large variety of fish to seek after. The Stamp River drains from Great Central Lake and is likely the most recognized fishing river on Vancouver Island. Anyone fishing the river not only gets a heightened chance of catching something, but also the beautiful backdrop of wooded forests and powerful waterfalls.
Sproat Lake has a reputation for exceptionally great rainbow trout fishing, particularly in June through September. Other popular species caught in this lake are steelhead and coastal cutthroat trout. Often in the wee hours of a summer morning, Sproat Lake is buzzing with various boats dropping a line in hopes for an early bite. Perhaps it’s like the saying, the early bird gets the worm.. the early angler gets the fish?
If you are looking for a fishing location that could be a bit less crowded, Great Central Lake is another local favorite. Great Central Lake is stocked by the Robinson Creek Fish Hatchery with steelhead trout and cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, Dolly Varden char and sockeye salmon can also be caught here. Anglers can enjoy boat, kayak and bank fishing at Great Central year round.
Other notable places to try your line include many of the smaller lakes you can find hidden in our forests and mountains. Loon Lake is a popular one among anglers for kayak fishing in the quiet calmness of an undeveloped lake. If you are wanting to get out a little further, try your luck down Alberni Inlet and Barkley Sound. Here you will find Coho, sockeye, halibut, lingcod and rockfish. Anyone inexperienced in fishing can check out one of the many guide options Port Alberni has to offer.
Fishermen and fisherwomen near and far look forward to a special event that happens annually – The Port Alberni Salmon Derby! This Labour Day weekend (September 3-5), the Alberni Valley Tyee Club is excited to announce a new (but actually old!) location for the famous local event – the Harbour Quay and Argyle Docks! The Tyee Club calls this year “The Journey Home” as more than 50 years ago, and before the Harbour Quay ever existed, behind the Donut Shop was the original home to the Salmon Derby. This year there is over $35,000 in prizes to be won, including a whopping $10,000 for the biggest salmon of the weekend! It’s noted that proceeds will be used for salmon enhancements and infrastructure needs. To see more information about this year’s derby, visit www.salmonfestival.ca
Fishing is a great family inclusive hobby and we are so lucky our valley hosts so many great areas to discover with a rod and a pack of worms! Remember that any fishing in British Columbia requires a license and they can be purchased here in town at Gone Fishin’!