Fishing in Clayoquot Sound

Clayoquot Wilderness Resort offers incredible fly fishing opportunities, heli-fishing adventures ($) and certain saltwater experiences involving sustainable fishing practices. In 2019, the resort has committed to phasing out our salmon fishing program in an effort to decrease our impact on the region’s diminishing wild salmon populations. In particular, chinook salmon are facing extinction which in turn has devastating consequences for the beloved and iconic southern resident orcas which feed on them, as well as the entire ecosystem of Clayoquot Sound. Salmon are a keystone species, providing food for wildlife and nutrients to our vast old-growth rainforests. They are crucial to the biodiversity and overall health of this region. A multitude of factors are contributing to this decline in salmon stocks including logging and industrial activity, global warming, commercial fishing, marine pollution, open net-pen aquaculture and disease.

River Fishing

The Bedwell, Cypre, and Megin river systems offer a wide range of possibilities and species. Close to camp, the Bedwell River is the ideal location to practice, and late in the season is most popular during the salmon run. The Megin and Cypre rivers are best accessed be helicopter and offer the best possibility of finding resident cutthroat and rainbow trout. The two rivers produce salmon and steelhead runs as well–salmon starting in August, with steelhead running intermittently.

Ocean Fishing

As of the 2019 season, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort is phasing out its salmon fishing program, in an effort to stop contributing to overfishing and the devastating decline of our native chinook salmon and consequently the beloved orca whales which feed on chinook. The resort will honour all ocean fishing packages for 2019, or guests can choose to forgo the trip, and the cost of the excursion (equally matched by CWR) will be donated to the Tofino Salmon Enhancement Society, a local organization devoted to improving native salmon stocks in Clayoquot Sound.  For more information about fishing options and the environmental issues at hand, please speak to our guide team and activities coordinators.

Lake Fishing

Fly-in to fish beautiful Bolson, Megin, and Pretty Girl Lakes, all abundant sources of cutthroat and rainbow trout, and all idyllically situated in the mountains surrounding the resort. Spend the day fishing in earnest, paddling around quietly in search of feeding trout, lounging in the sun, or cooling off in the water.

Experienced guides know which species are running and where, so if river fishing is your passion, plan your visit around expected runs. Fly-in/fly-out trips are best enjoyed for a full-day and include a gourmet lunch enjoyed perched on a log on a gravel bar – paradise!  Resort guides are well-versed in conventional angling technique, traditions and gear.  Equipment, including waders, provided. Transportation surcharges apply only to fly-in/fly-out trips.

Our fishing guides are renowned for knowing just where the fish are, what mood they’re in, and what lure or bait to use – so while there are no absolute guarantees, anglers and observers alike generally come back smiling – sometimes immensely.  All  gear, instruction, boats, equipment and luck are provided. Fishing licenses are available at resort.