Surrounded by mountains, rivers and the Pacific coastline, Kitimat offers some of northern British Columbia’s most rewarding and diverse fishing experiences. From saltwater and freshwater fishing to casting from the banks of a glacier-fed river or heading onto the Douglas Channel, the region offers outstanding opportunities to catch everything from steelhead and salmon to halibut throughout much of the year.
March and April mark the return of spring-run steelhead. Fresh from the ocean and gleaming chrome, these powerful fish are prized for their strength and spectacular fight. Most weigh between 8 and 12 pounds, with fish over 15 pounds landed regularly. The Kitimat River’s gentle gradient makes it an ideal place to swing flies, while the same season also offers excellent opportunities to target sea-run cutthroat with a single-handed fly rod.
By mid-August, Coho salmon begin entering the river, bringing another exciting chapter to the fishing season. Action builds steadily through late August and into September, when anglers gather for the annual Kitimat Fish Derby over the Labour Day long weekend, hosted by the Kitimat Chamber of Commerce.
Head to the FishingBC website for the full feature and to plan your next Kitimat adventure.
WRITTEN BY:
Brandon Wirsz
