Five species of salmon, rainbow and Dolly Varden trout, steelhead, and sturgeon abound in the local waters around Vancouver. To fish, anglers over the age of 16 need a nonresident saltwater or freshwater license. Licenses are available province-wide from more than 500 vendors, including tackle shops, sporting goods stores, resorts, service stations, marinas, charter boat operators, and department stores. Saltwater (tidal waters) fishing licenses cost C$7.50 (US$6/£34) for 1 day, C$20 (US$17/£9) for 3 days, and C$33 (US$28/£15) for 5 days. Fly-fishing in national and provincial parks requires special permits, which you can get at any park site for a nominal fee. Permits are valid at all Canadian parks.
The B.C. Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Guide and B.C. Sport Fishing Regulations Synopsis for Non-Tidal Waters, and the B.C. Fishing Directory and Atlas, available at many tackle shops, are good sources of information. The Vancouver Sun prints a daily fishing report in the B section that details which fish are in season and where they can be found. Another good source of general information is the Fisheries and Ocean Canada website (www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca).
Hanson's Fishing Outfitters, 102-580 Hornby St. (tel. 604/684-8988; www.hansons-outfitters.com), and Granville Island Boat Rentals, 1696 Duranleau St. (tel. 604/682-6287), are outstanding outfitters. Bonnie Lee Fishing Charters Ltd., 1676 Duranleau St., Granville Island tel. 604/290-7447; www.bonnielee.com), is another reputable outfitter and also sells fishing licenses.
