SALT WATER

Experience the thrill of hooking and landing a chinook, sockeye, coho, pink or chum salmon. Local guides with well-equipped boats will take care of everything, and they take pride in knowing all the secret hot spots in the region.

If you would rather challenge the fish on your own, you can rent boats and tackle, or launch your own from a number of the marinas in the region. Fishing licenses are available at most local sporting goods shops or the tackle shops located at the main harbours, and chances are you can find out what bait is working, and where they're biting, by talking to locals at the dock. Why make Oceanside your salmon fishing destination? Georgia Strait provides calm waters most of the time…. No big swells like many other areas on the Island.

There's good salmon fishing as soon as you leave the harbour…you don't lose valuable fishing time running to your fishing spot. A good variety of salmon species, bottom fish and crabs can be had most of the year. Chinook (King) salmon are around all year, Coho (silver) salmon from June to Oct., and Pink salmon from June to Oct. (during odd numbered years). Access to Sockeye salmon is close by. Oceanside has good access to fish processing facilities for your freezing, smoking, or canning needs. Very competitive charter rates are lower than most areas. While fishing enjoy great scenery and good viewing for eagles, seals and sea lions. Orca whales pass through the waters from time to time.

FRESH WATER

Fly-fishing is excellent in the rivers and lakes of the area. The Little Qualicum River has some of the best pools around, with rainbow, cutthroat, and brown trout lurking just below the surface. Horne and Cameron Lakes are home to Brook, Rainbow, Cutthroat, Kokanee trout and steelhead. On Spider Lake, go after bass, char, or Dolly Varden. It's important to check fishing regulations before heading out, as seasonal and gear restrictions are in effect and a licence is required.

CLAMS & SHELLFISH

For many, delicious clams and oysters are the ultimate prize that comes out of the ocean, and best 

of all, they don't require a boat or fishing tackle. Depending on the time of year and water conditions, certain areas may be closed to shellfish harvest. All you need is a pail, a shovel and a permit. For daily limits, best to check with the Visitor InfoCentres before you plan your clambake!

BEACHCOMBING

It doesn't matter how old you are, or where you come from. With very little practice, anyone can become an expert beachcomber. With over 19 kilometres of sandy beach, four major river estuaries, and hundreds of coves to explore, the shoreline of Oceanside from Nanoose to Deep Bay beckons with tidal pools full of starfish and sand dollars, and over 250 species of birds.

Take your shoes off, along with your worries, and just relax and enjoy the moment as your toes sink into the warm sands and get gently caressed by the ocean. You straddle two worlds now, land and sea. Leave the shore behind and head for adventure on the water.

Please remember that the sand dollars and starfish are living creatures and should not be removed from their natural habitat.

Links

Salmon and Halibut Fishing