There’s a ton of great options for fishing in and around Vancouver during September, October & November. Our Fall fishing report breaks down each month and gives you tips on how to make the most of your visit to Vancouver. There are plenty of cool options for fishing in Vancouver and the general fishing report is solid on all fronts, especially good on our Vancouver fly fishing trips for salmon and sturgeon fishing on the Fraser River. Below you’ll find detailed Vancouver fishing reports for September, October and November.
SEPTEMBER
FALL FISHING IN VANCOUVER
It’s hard to go wrong with a BC fishing trip in September. There are great options and the general Fall fishing report is stable conditions and solid fishing throughout the month of September. On odd years (2023, 2024, etc.) you’ll find healthy runs of Pink Salmon entering the Squamish River system during the Summer with good fishing extending into the second week of September. On the our saltwater charters, this is the time when you can catch some of the biggest salmon of the season in Vancouver waters. Chinook salmon are schooling up off the Capilano River mouth near Vancouver and finding a big fish in the 25+ pound class is not uncommon! Sturgeon fishing on the Fraser River is also in its prime during September, with some of the most consistent fishing of the year. An all-round great month to be fishing in Vancouver, September has something for everyone!
- Great all around month for a Vancouver fishing trip!
- Solid saltwater salmon fishing for bigger chinook salmon.
- Action packed Pink Salmon fly fishing on local rivers.
- September is our most popular sturgeon fishing month.
OCTOBER
FALL FISHING IN VANCOUVER
As we move further into Fall the leaves begin to change and the month of October arrives. October offers anglers a wide variety of fishing options in Vancouver and surrounding areas. The Squamish and Harrison rivers will see the first strong pushes of coho and chum salmon into their systems starting early October. Peak runs have been later and later over the past five years, with the majority of salmon moving into coastal rivers by the second or third week of October. Saltwater salmon fishing is on the wind down in October. Depending on early season rains there can be some okay fishing up until early October but usually slow ocean fishing after that. Sturgeon fishing is pumping in October, a great month to see big fish. Why’s that? Well, in October there is a huge amount of food sources in the Fraser with the Fall salmon migration. Best options for a Vancouver fishing trip in October is salmon fishing in local rivers or sturgeon fishing the Fraser River.
- Best month for salmon fishing on local rivers.
- Fly fishing is focused on Chum & Coho salmon.
- Saltwater salmon fishing begins to wind down.
- Lots of big sturgeon caught on the Fraser River!
NOVEMBER
FALL FISHING IN VANCOUVER
November fishing in the Vancouver area is focused on river fishing for salmon and sturgeon. On the Squamish, Cheakamus, Vedder and Harrison rivers you’ll find solid fishing for chum salmon and coho salmon. Chum salmon can push 20 pounds, while coho salmon are generally in the 5-10 pound range. River levels are usually consistent in November, with the exception if freezing levels begin to rise. This can make for poor water clarity and tougher fishing. Trout fishing can be good starting in late November, as bull trout begin to feed on the remnants of the Fall salmon runs. If you’re aiming for a Fall salmon trip, you won’t want to leave it much later than the third week of November. Saltwater salmon fishing has wrapped up in November, with minimal opportunities at decent saltwater fishing. The fishing report from the Fraser River is consistent sturgeon fishing all month long. Similar to October conditions, just a bit cooler weather wise but overall good angling for bigger sturgeon.
- First two weeks is prime for river fishing.
- Fly fishing for bull trout, coho & chum salmon.
- Consistent month for sturgeon fishing, weather dependant.
- Very limited saltwater salmon fishing options.