ESSENTIALS - British Columbia: Including the Alaska Highway - page 756

For more information, contact the Ministry of Environment ( www.env.gov.bc.ca ) and
download the British Columbia Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis. The government
website www.gofishbc.com is a good source of freshwater fishing information, and includ-
ing reports for which lakes have been stocked with which species.
Tidal
The tidal waters of British Columbia offer some of the world's best fishing, with remote
lodges scattered along the coast catering to all budgets. And although most keen anglers
will want to head farther afield for the best fishing opportunities, many top fishing spots
can be accessed on a day trip from Vancouver. The five species of Pacific salmon are most
highly prized by anglers. The chinook (king) salmon in particular is the trophy fish of
choice. They commonly weigh over 10 kilograms (22 pounds) and are occasionally caught
at over 20 kilograms (44 pounds); those weighing over 12 kilograms (26.5 pounds) are of-
ten known as “tyee.” Other salmon present are coho (silver), pink (humpback), sockeye
(red), and chum (dog). Other species sought by local recreational anglers include halibut,
lingcod, rockfish, cod, perch, and snapper.
A tidal-water sportfishing license for residents of Canada, good for one year from March
31, costs $21 ($11 for those 65 and over); for nonresidents, the same annual license costs
$101, or $7 for a single-day license, $19 for three days, and $31 for five days. A salmon
conservation stamp is an additional $6.30. Licenses are available from sporting stores, gas
stations, marinas, and charter operators. When fish-tagging programs are on, you may be re-
quired to make a note of the date, location, and method of capture, or to record on the back
of your license statistical information on the fish you catch. Read the current rules and reg-
ulations. For further information, contact Fisheries and Oceans Canada (604/664-9250,
www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca ) .
The Sport Fishing Institute of British Columbia (604/270-3439,
www.sportfishing.bc.ca ) has an online database of charter operators and fishing lodges, and
details license requirements.
GOLFING
Relative to the rest of Canada, British Columbia's climate is ideal for golfing, especially
on Vancouver Island, where the sport can be enjoyed year-round. Many of the province's
280 courses are in spectacular mountain, ocean, or lake settings. Municipal courses offer
the lowest greens fees, generally $20-70, but the semiprivate, private, and resort courses
usually boast the most spectacular locations. At these courses, greens fees can be as high as