Go Fish BC

10/09/2026

❗Catchable-size rainbow trout stocking update for Vancouver Island and Lower Mainland. If you're 16 years or older, remember to pick up your fishing licence before heading to the lake. Buy online here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/recreation/fishing-hunting/wild-system/wild-login

Always check the regulations to understand whether the use of bait is permitted, how many fish you can keep per day, and other regulations. Unsure where to find this information? Check out this video explaining how to use the fishing regulations synopsis: https://youtu.be/_Lu9tLmyjms?si=eeOc7e89FGnGKYUY

10/09/2026

Did you know that we send a monthly e-newsletter with the latest updates on stocking, events, educational articles, and more? Add your email to the subscriber list: http://ow.ly/ntN450D3K6o

Hurry! The next edition with a round-up of lakes that have been stocked over the past few weeks will be hitting inboxes tonight.

Note: We use a confirmed opt-in subscription process to guarantee that you do want to subscribe. Please watch your email and respond to the confirmation notice that you will receive shortly after submitting your email.

Image: Jeremy Koreski for Fishing BC

10/07/2026

The fall stocking of lakes with catchable-size rainbow trout kicked off last week, with Shawnigan Lake on Vancouver Island receiving 1500 fish, and Shannon Lake near Kelowna receiving 1500 rainbows, averaging 227 grams. More lakes are being stocked this week: https://www.gofishbc.com/stocked-fish/

Please note records will take a day or two after stocking to show up on our online stocking reports.

Image: Shawnigan Lake, Shannon Mathieson.

10/06/2026

We want to extend a warm thank you to BC Parks for their long-term sponsorship of the Learn to Fish program since 2011! BC Parks manages a vast network of protected areas across the province, and for the last two years, their support has been powered by the BC Parks Licence Plate Program, which reinvests specialty plate revenues into park conservation and community engagement. Thank you for 15 years of helping us introduce families to the joy of fishing right in our beautiful provincial parks!

10/05/2026

Have you entered yet? Submit your photos to the Go Fish BC Photo Contest for a chance to WIN cash prizes. Complete the form, upload your images, and click submit. It’s that easy! https://www.gofishbc.com/.../2026-go-fish-bc-photo-contest/

Prizes
First- and second-place prizes will be awarded for each category.
First Prize: $300
Second Prize: $150

Categories
1. B.C. Fishing Landscapes
2. Fishing Buddies
3. Fishing Firsts

The contest closes on October 29, 2026. Full terms and conditions, and entry form, are available on our website. The contest hosted is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Meta.

09/29/2026

Five salmon species – chinook, coho, pink, chum, and sockeye – return to spawn in the rivers of the Lower Mainland. After they have spent anywhere from one to seven years in the ocean (either in coastal waters, or feeding grounds further north), they are drawn back to fresh water to spawn. Many of the federal and community-run salmon hatcheries in the region invite visitors to view migrating fish at this time of year. If you're looking for a fun family daytrip this autumn, check out one of the locations on our list: https://www.gofishbc.com/news/education/12-places-to-view-spawning-salmon-in-the-lower-mainland/

Remember: While it’s fine to take pictures of spawning salmon, stay out of the water, and do not disturb the fish. Disrupting their spawning can diminish the numbers of fish that return to continue the cycle.

Image: Chinook salmon returning to the Chilliwack River Hatchery. Jillian Stewart-Szpak.

09/25/2026

Join Go Fish BC and the Nechako White Sturgeon Recovery Initative at Riverside Park in Vanderhoof from 11am to 4:00pm for a BC River's Day celebration this Sunday, September 27th.

It is River's Day this Sunday, September 27. Join FFSBC and NWSRI at Riverside Park in Vanderhoof from 11am to 4:00pm. We'll have lots of information about sturgeon and the hatchery, a prize draw, and the research boat will be on display if you want to have a look. Come celebrate rivers this Sunday - hosted by the District of Vanderhoof.
(photo is from a celebration we attended in the summer)