Boat/Fishing

© 2001-2008

PENDER HARBOUR
PAPER MILL

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Pender Harbour, a popular boating destination since the turn of the centurPender Harbour has been known as a saltwater fishing hot spot since the beginning of the 1900's when salmon were pulled from our waters in record sizes and numbers, all year long.

The community grew up on the water, isolated from the rest of the mainland —the road wasn't completed until the 1950's— residents depended on the sea for food, transportation, industry, health care and social activities.

You can still shop, dine, do business, enjoy a beverage, take in live entertainment and travel amongst Pender Harbour's neighbourhoods, all without touching a road. Sports fishing regulations are tighter everywhere these days, but there are still lots of monster salmon here to give you bragging rights to compete with the pros. For a change of pace, a tasty meal and great fun for the kids, try bottom-fishing for cod, flounder and snapper, or an afternoon with a fly rod on the shore of a local lake.

The myriad bays, coves, and passages of Pender Harbour are convoluted but well protected. Our harbour is busy in summer months; please slow down and watch your wake. Really, watch your wake!

Lifestyle Pages

 

The 5th edition (1951) of the British Columbia Pilot describes the area as

“... the only completely sheltered anchorage in the neighbourhood.

“... its entrance is so obstructed by islets and shoals that it is somewhat difficult of access, unless in possession of local knowledge.”

Fishing Tips

  • Fish, salmon in particular, have their own schedules, so successful techniques, lures, hot spots, species and biting times vary.
  • Mooching is the fishing method preferred by locals; Chinook and Coho can be mooched with light tackle and 12-pound line. Live herring is the bait of choice.
  • Mooching and trolling aren’t compatible in close quarters. If you see a boat mooching, please be courteous by leaving some space between it and your trolling path.
  • Use caution, and reliable navigation equipment, if setting out for open waters.
  • Use a chart to navigate and fish successfully.
  • Ensure that you have current fishing regulations— closures and limits change often.
  • Consult stores, marinas and locals hanging out at the dock for current fishing information; they can tell you what's hot (and what's not) at the moment.

Fishing Hot Spots

    These local hot spots can change overnight, but they’re usually reliable.

Mooching Hot Spots

  • The A-Frame
  • Fearney Point
  • Daniel Point
  • Quarry Bay (off Nelson Island)
  • Bargain Harbour
  • Green Bay (off Nelson Island)
  • Texada Island pilings
  • Anderson Bay (off Nelson Island)

Trolling Hot Spots

  • Texada Island, off the south end
  • Lasqueti Island, off the south end
  • Bjerre or Quarry Shoals
  • Point Upwood

Freshwater Fishing

Our many lakes —some stocked— offer great rewards for those who enjoy the challenge of fishing with fly or lure in the peaceful atmosphere of quiet waters (motor boats are restricted in several lakes, including Lily’s Lake and Garden Bay Lake). Most of our local lakes produce trout and are stocked regularly.

Try your skill (and luck) with bait or fly at these hot spots:

  • Garden Bay Lake
  • Hotel Lake
  • Mixal Lake
  • Waugh Lake
  • Lily's Lake (age restriction).

Freshwater (non-tidal) fishing licenses are available at John Henry’s Marina, Garden Bay, and the Government Agent’s office in Sechelt.

Recreational Fishing Licenses

Recreational, saltwater fishing licenses can be obtained online or at these local outlets: John Henry’s Marina, Garden Bay; Madeira Marina, Madeira Park; and Pender Harbour Resort (formerly Duncan Cove Resort), Garden Bay

Shellfish Harvesting

Prawns, crabs, oysters, clams etc. can be harvested year-round.

Closures

(24/7 recorded message) 1-866-431-3474

Current Red Tide Closures (bivalve harvesting)

Always check for Red Tide and other possible closures, and note that cooking does not destroy the paralytic shellfish (Red Tide) toxin. Contamination notices are usually posted at access points where a closure is in effect. Call the Pender Harbour Fisheries Office, 604-883-2313 (8 a.m. to noon), for current closure and other information.

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