Did you know that there are places to go fishing for trout within the Lower Mainland’s urban areas? Thanks to the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC’s Fishing in the City program, lakes in centres like North Vancouver, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Surrey, and Maple Ridge are stocked with rainbow trout from the Fraser Valley Trout Hatchery. Not only are these fish feisty and fun to catch, they are also tasty! Next time you’re looking for a family outdoor activity close to home, grab your fishing rod and head to one of the spots listed below to cast your lure.
Rice Lake, North Vancouver
Rice Lake is a consistent favourite among Vancouver anglers, and a beautiful spot to drop a line. Set in the lush forest of the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve, the lake is a short stroll from a parking lot at the Rice Lake Gate on Lillooet Road. A trail circles the lake, with many spots for shore fishing – just watch out for overhanging branches when casting. You can also fish from the wheelchair-accessible dock located at the southern end of the lake.
Fish stocking: Rice Lake is heavily stocked with rainbow trout in the spring and fall.
Dogs allowed: No.
Facilities: Wheelchair-accessible fishing dock, washrooms, picnic tables, and shelter.
Access: 2WD, then a 10-minute walk along a gravel path from the Rice Lake Gate. Alternatively, find a parking spot near Rice Lake Road on the other side of Lynn Creek, and cross the Lynn Valley Pipeline Bridge before walking along the Baden Powell Trail to the Rice Lake Gate. For low-mobility anglers, it is possible to call ahead and request to ride in along the access road to get closer to the lake in a vehicle.
Waterbody-specific regulations: Trout/char daily limit: two.
Capilano River, North Vancouver
The Capilano River is a great place to try fishing for salmon close to downtown Vancouver. A unique run of coho salmon enter the river in mid- to late May. Chinook, chum, and pink salmon can also be found in the Capilano, along with small returns of winter- and summer-run steelhead. Deep pools in the canyon near the Capilano River Hatchery are popular spots for fishing, but be careful on the rocks, and mindful of fluctuating water levels. With a tidal licence, the saltwater flats near the river mouth offer excellent fishing, too.
Fish stocking: The federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans operates the Capilano River Hatchery to support sustainable recreational coho and chinook fisheries in Burrard Inlet.
Facilities: Toilets, shelter, and picnic tables at the hatchery.
Access: 2WD. Access to the hatchery, and trails along the river, are from Capilano Park Road.
Regulations: Check the Region 2 salmon regulations for species which are open to recreational fishing, and daily limits. Remember that all steelhead must be released.
Buntzen Lake, Port Coquitlam
Buntzen Lake is a deep BC Hydro reservoir containing kokanee, cutthroat trout, and stocked rainbow trout. Take a stroll around the lake (approximately eight kilometres) to find a perfect shore-fishing spot. You can also try the dock or floating bridge, or bring along your own float tube, stand-up paddle board, or other non-gas-powered vessel.
Fish stocking: Stocked with rainbow trout in spring and fall.
Dogs allowed: Yes, in designated areas.
Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, boat launch, shelter, dog park, and dock at the northern end of the lake.
Access: 2WD.
Regulations: No powered boats. Trout/char daily limit: four. Kokanee daily limit: five.
Como Lake, Coquitlam
Como Lake is a stocked urban lake in Coquitlam that is perfect for children and beginning anglers. In addition to rainbow trout, it’s possible to catch cutthroat trout, carp, catfish, and sunfish. Follow the Lakeside Loop Trail around the lake, and try fishing from one of the two fishing piers.
Fish stocking: Stocked with rainbow trout in spring and fall.
Dogs allowed: Yes.
Facilities: Playground, Wi-Fi, picnic tables, and two fishing docks. Washrooms are located near the parking at the northern end of the lake.
Access: 2WD.
Regulations: Trout/char daily limit: two.
Lafarge Lake, Coquitlam
You can try fishing year ’round at Lafarge Lake, though the best times to go are during spring and fall. This shallow lake can warm up quickly and the bite can go off in the heat of summer. A paved pathway circles the lake, so you can take your pick from fishing the sandy beach on the northern side of the lake, or the rockier southern section. Rainbow trout, bullhead, pumpkinseed sunfish, and common carp are found in the lake.
Fish stocking: Stocked with rainbow trout in the spring and fall.
Dogs allowed: Yes.
Facilities: Washrooms, Wi-Fi, shelter, playground, and concession stand (seasonal).
Access: 2WD. The lake is located within Town Centre Park on Pinetree Way. For those without a vehicle, the lake is easily accessed via the Millennium Line Skytrain that stops at the Lafarge Lake-Douglas station.
Regulations: Daily trout limit: two.
Green Timbers Lake, Surrey
Located within the Green Timbers Urban Forest, this small lake offers great fishing from shore or the fishing dock. Target the deeper areas of the lake at the northern and southern ends where the fish like to hang out, especially during warmer weather. For your best chances of catching a rainbow trout, try to visit Green Timbers Lake within a week or two after stocking. Don’t have your own fishing gear? No problem. You can borrow a rod, reel, and other fishing tackle from the Surrey Nature Centre, located within the park.
Fish stocking: Stocked in spring and fall.
Dogs allowed: Yes.
Facilities: Washrooms are located on the northeastern side of lake. There are also picnic tables, a playground, and a fishing dock.
Access: 2WD; it is a five-minute walk from the parking lot on 100th Avenue to the lake.
Regulations: No watercraft; wading or swimming are allowed in the lake. Trout/char daily limit: two.
Mike Lake, Maple Ridge
Mike Lake lies within Golden Ears Provincial Park, 11 kilometres north of Maple Ridge. You’ll need to share the limited fishing space at the dock, but if you’re there early you might have this beautiful spot to yourself. There is a trail around the lake for those wanting to stretch their legs, though there are no suitable shore-access fishing spots.
Fish stocking: Stocked with rainbow trout in spring and fall.
Dogs allowed: Yes.
Facilities: Toilets, picnic tables, and a fishing dock.
Access: 2WD (gravel road). This park is serviced by ParkBus, a public transit option from Vancouver to select BC Parks.
Regulations: No powered boats. Trout/char daily limit: four.
Lake Fishing Tips
When visiting the lakes listed above, try casting and retrieving a spoon or spinner, or either float-fishing or bottom-fishing with bait. Bait can include dew worms (a trout favourite), shrimp, canned corn, or artificial Berkley PowerBait. As catchable-sized rainbow trout weigh an average of 225 grams, you will want to use small lures (weighing 1/8-ounce or less) to target these fish. A light spinning rod and reel with 6-pound-test monofilament line and size 6 hooks are recommended, along with a bobber and some split-shot weights to weigh down your bait.
Fishing licence requirements and regulations
Adults 16 years or older require a non-tidal basic fishing licence to go fishing in B.C. A licence is required whether or not you intend to release your catch, and regardless of which species you target. You can purchase a one-day, eight-day, or annual licence online, or at participating tackles stores or FrontCounter BC locations.
Did you know? 100% of fishing licence revenue directly benefits freshwater fisheries in B.C. Licence fee revenue goes to the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC and the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation to help fund the provincial stocking program, conservation and educational programs, research, and improving angler access.
Make sure to check the fishing regulations for Region 2: Lower Mainland. There is no minimum size that trout caught in lakes must meet before anglers can retain them, but there are daily limits on how many fish you can keep. Allowable fishing methods should be understood before heading out fishing. Remember to practice correct fish handling – minimizing the time out of water for fish you intend to release, and quickly dispatching any fish you keep.
Author: Jessica Greinke, Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC