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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.
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Fishing Hot Spots
These local hot spots can change overnight, but they’re usually reliable.
Mooching Hot Spots
- Quarry Bay (off Nelson Island)
- Green Bay (off Nelson Island)
- Anderson Bay (off Nelson Island)
Trolling Hot Spots
- Texada Island, off the south end
- Lasqueti Island, off the south end
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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.
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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
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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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Offsite Boating & Fishing Links
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