Ocean Fishing
The waters around Haida Gwaii (the Queen Charlotte Islands) are known for world class fishing. The best area for ocean fishing is on the west coast of the islands. Huge spring (chinook) salmon, coho salmon, and ground fish such as halibut are targeted by sports fishers from around the world.
The west coast of Haida Gwaii can only be accessed by going around the top or bottom ends of the archipelago, or by passing between Graham and Moresby Islands through Skidegate Channel. This last option is the quickest, most sheltered and most accessible to smaller boats. Sandspit, located at the eastern end of Skidegate Channel, is a perfect base for day-tripping to the west coast. As a result, Sandspit is home to some excellent guiding businesses, as well as a modern marina, fuel services, and a tackle shop.
River Fishing
Sandspit is also a great base for river fishing in the many creeks on north Moresby Island. Fly and tackle fishermen target the coho, chum and pink salmon that return to the streams every fall. In the winter months, steelhead can be caught as well (although they are catch and release only). Most of the great river fishing spots on Moresby Island are accessible by road from Sandspit, and accommodations are readily available in the fall, when most tourism slows down.
Important Information
If you are interested in a guided fishing trip in saltwater or freshwater we suggest using a local guide as they are a wealth of experience.
There are licensed processing plants in Queen Charlotte and Masset that can clean, pack or smoke your fish for taking home.
Freshwater fishing: all anglers 16 years of age or older require a license. Licenses are available on the B.C. Government website.
Tidal water fishing (salt water and the mouths of rivers up to boundary markers): All anglers require a license to fish any species of finfish or shellfish. Licenses are available at local businesses or on the Fisheries and Oceans website.
Shellfish (such as clams, mussels, and scallops) are almost always closed to recreational harvesting on the islands due to the lack of testing for Paralytic and Amnesiac Shellfish Poisoning (red tide). There are occasional openings for razor clams at North Beach near Masset.
Crabs and prawns can be caught in traps in the waters around Sandspit, and can be harvested with a tidal waters fishing license.
