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Recreational Fishing Licenses
Recreational, saltwater fishing licenses can be obtained online (see Offsite Fishing Links) or at these local outlets:
- John Henry’s Marina, Garden Bay
- Madeira Marina, Madeira Park
- Pender Harbour Resort (formerly Duncan Cove Resort), Garden Bay
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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
- 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
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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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Fishing Calendar
January - February
Good winter fishing, especially for Springs up to 18 lbs.
March - April
Bluebacks appear, along with Spring Salmon.
May
Spring fishing heats up with catches to over 30 lbs.
Annual Garden Bay Classic fishing derby.
June
Bluebacks reach 5-6 lbs. until mid-month.
Coho become available— they’ll stay in the area through to September.
July - August
Coho and Spring in catches to the limit.
Annual Legion Salmon Derby (August).
September - October
Good catches of Spring and Coho.
Northern Coho reach 10-12 lbs.
November - December
Good winter fishing, especially for Springs up to 16 lbs.
All Year Long
Great bottom fishing for large Red Snapper or Yellow Eye, Flounder, Rock Cod, Tommy Cod and Ling Cod (check for openings).
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Shellfish Harvesting
Prawns, crabs, oysters, clams etc. can be harvested year-round.
Closures
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 1-866-431-3474 (24/7 recorded message) or the Pender Harbour Fisheries Office, 604-883-2313 (8 a.m. to noon), for current closure information.
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Offsite Fishing Links
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