Tuesdays for Travis - Fishing Canada's West Coast

[Inlet of Queen Charlotte Islands, B.C., by goldenboy]


There are some places in the world that are still untouched and largely inaccessible. Many anglers have a desire for isolation so British Columbia's Central West and Northern West coasts remain first choice fishing and boating destinations. This is where world class BC salmon fishing for trophy Chinook salmon (Kings) and Coho Salmon (Silvers), halibut, Red Snapper and Ling Cod are found in the protected, un-crowded waters between the West Coast of British Columbia and Vancouver Island.

[Big Ling Cod, Queen Charlotte Islands by katcruickshank]

For a unique fishing experience, take a fly-in to alpine camps for authentic Western experience in South Tweedsmuir Provincial Park and Chilcotin Coast Mountains. Traditional Western-style base Outpost, guided pack trips to Charlotte Lake & Atnarko River for rainbow trout fishing, stillwater and stream fishing and wildlife viewing which can be made through a variety of outfitters.

Typically, where you find top Canada salmon fishing you will also find predators and deepwater marine mammals of all descriptions. Bald eagles, Humpback whales, Orcas (Killer Whales), dolphins, sea lions and seals are also frequent visitors to these fertile British Columbia salmon fishing grounds so remember to bring along your camera.

[Humpback Whale breaching*]

In spite of their enormous mass, Humpback Whales are able to leap completely out of the water and are known for their acrobatics. adults range in length from 12–16 metres (40–50 ft) and weigh approximately 36,000 kilograms (79,000 lb). The humpback has a distinctive body shape, with unusually long pectoral fins and a knobbly head. It is an acrobatic animal, often breaching and slapping the water. Males produce a complex whale song, which lasts for 10 to 20 minutes and is repeated for hours at a time. The purpose of the song is not yet clear, although it appears to have a role in mating.

[Humpback Whale underwater*]

Found in oceans and seas around the world, humpback whales typically migrate up to 25,000 kilometres each year. Humpbacks feed only in summer, in polar waters, and migrate to tropical or sub-tropical waters to breed and give birth in the winter. During the winter, humpbacks fast and live off their fat reserves. The species' diet consists mostly of krill and small fish.

[Transient Orcas*]

The Orca or Killer Whale (Orcinus orca), less commonly, Blackfish or Seawolf, is the largest species of the oceanic dolphin family. It is found in all the world's oceans, from the frigid Arctic and Antarctic regions to warm, tropical seas.

Orca are versatile and opportunistic predators. Some populations feed mostly on fish, and other populations hunt marine mammals, including sea lions, seals, and even large whales. There are up to five distinct Orca types, some of which may be separate races, subspecies or even species. Orcas are highly social; some populations are composed of matrilineal family groups which are the most stable of any animal species. The sophisticated social behaviour, hunting techniques, and vocal behaviour of Orcas have been described as manifestations of culture.

Although Orcas are not an endangered species, some local populations are considered threatened or endangered due to pollution, depletion of prey species, conflicts with fishing activities and vessels, habitat loss, and whaling. Wild Orcas are usually not considered a threat to humans. There have, however, been isolated reports of captive Orcas attacking their handlers at marine theme parks.

Research: wikipedia
Photo Credits: where noted, *-wikipedia