Explore Whistler | Fly Fishing Edition

Experience the beauty of British Columbia during a Whistler fly fishing tour. What could be better than waking up early to enjoy the tranquillity and beauty of some of Whistler’s best-kept secrets?

You’ll have the spots to yourself and feel the satisfying tug of the line in no time with experienced guides, an abundance of fish, and top of the line gear to keep you comfortable. Make memories that will last a lifetime on your Whistler fishing trip – available year-round for your enjoyment.

Top Five Reasons to Fly Fish in Whistler 

Fishing in the waters around Whistler, gets you off the hill and into the water

We would give you a hundred reasons, but we have narrowed it down to our top five reasons you should book a fishing tour in Whistler during your next trip:

• An Abundance of Fish

Most lakes in Whistler are stocked annually with Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout, making the fishing great year-round. Kokanee, Dolly Varden, Steelhead, and Bull Trout also make an appearance in the local lakes, with salmon being found in the Squamish rivers (thirty-minutes south of Whistler). It’s common for guests to feel a constant nibble on the line, and past clients typically catch multiple fish on a tour.

• Local Experienced Guides

Whistler’s fly fishing guides are used to fishing the waters in and around Whistler on the daily and know all the best spots and techniques to help you land a lunker. They’ll take you to the best location and provide correct flies that are sure to seduce the resident fish and give you tight lines right away. Guides love sharing their passion for fishing with their guests and the experience of landing a fish with guests is what they live for. Their motto is simple: drive less and fish more.

• No Experience Required

Never held a rod before? No problem, for your guide with show you the way. Whether it’s fly fishing, spin fishing, or ice fishing your tour guide will take the time to properly teach guests the techniques before putting it into practice. Come with a positive attitude and appetite to learn and the guides will be thrilled to share their passion for fishing with guests.

If you’re a more experienced fisher and looking to fish with some great guides they would be happy to take guests out to share their local knowledge, species, and chat all things fishing.

• Location, Location, Location

Not only will the locations be close to Whistler and full of fish, they’ll also be hidden gems that are less frequented by the masses. Guides know the best times to get out on the water in certain locations to be sure that you’ll be busy reeling in the catch of the day. If you have a chance to look up from your line, you’ll be surrounded by mountains, ancient forests, and the clearest waters you’ve ever seen. Whistler is worthy of the ‘gram.

• Just Show Up – They’ll Do the Rest

Aside from layering up and bringing along water and a snack, your fishing guide will do the rest for you. They’ll outfit you in waterproof waders with boots, all the fishing gear including rods and lures, and provide transportation to and from your fishing destination. Guidance and hands-on training is also included in the price of a tour, so take advantage and ask lots of questions.

Whistler Fishing Tours: Choose the Right Package for You

With four different options to choose from, picking a tour depends on how much time you have during your trip to Whistler. There’s even an option for custom tours, so if you had something in mind, reach out and they could see if they could make it happen!

Quick Dip (Three Hour Tour) 

What local Whistler salmon species is on your bucket list?

The Three Hour Tour is the perfect teaser of fishing in Whistler. There is a morning and evening option for whichever suits your schedule best. The morning trip departs at 7:00 AM at the latest as you head over to the river or to creek mouths that empty into a lake to capitalize on the morning bite.

Evening tours depart at around 5:00 PM (depends on when the sun sets) as you fish for three hours before the sun goes down. The evening bite can be hot as winds die down and tasty mosquitos and bugs flock back to the water’s surface.

• Season: Three-hour tours are available in the Spring, Summer, and Fall.
• Price: One adult @ $219. Groups of up to four adults @ $149/person. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult and will fish at a reduced rate.
• How to Book: online or by phoning 604-262-9833.

Half Day Trip (Five Hours)

Enjoy some of the best fishing in Whistler on a Half Day Tour. There is a morning and afternoon option for the Half Day Tour, with the morning departing at 6:30 AM and the afternoon at 3:00 PM. Like all the fishing tours offered, they are fully guided and the ratio is 1:4 client ratio giving you lots of attention and instruction throughout the tour.

• Season: Half Day tours are available in the Spring, Summer, and Fall.
• Price: One adult @ $299. Groups of up to four adults @ $199/person. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult and will fish at a reduced rate.
• How to Book: online or by phoning 604-262-9833.

Full Day Trip (Eight Hours)

Commit to a full day of  fly-fishing or spin fishing in beautiful Whistler and gain skills that will fuel your passion for fishing. Tours depart at 6:30 AM for a full eight hours from door to door, and you’ll be on the water soon after being picked up. Soak up the views and feel the excitement of tight lines and splashing fish.

• Season: Full Day Tours are available in the Spring, Summer, and Fall.
• Price: One adult @ $419. Groups of up to four adults @ $259/person. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult and will fish at a reduced rate.
• How to Book: online or by phoning 604-262-9833.

Did you Say Ice Fishing in Whistler? 

One of the most Canadian activities you can do – ice fishing in Whistler

Ice fishing is truly a Canadian experience that you must cross off your bucket list. Ice fish on a secret lake in town that is stocked annually with Rainbow Trout.

Your guide will set up a large portable ice fishing shelter which will have a heater inside to keep you nice and warm. After drilling a few holes into the ice with a powered Auger, you’ll have your line in the water. While inside the tent you can look down the holes and actually see the fish striking your lure!

• Season: Ice Fishing tours are available in the winter between the months of November and March (weather and ice-dependent).
• Price: One adult @ $219. Groups of up to four adults @ $149/person. Children under age 16 are $119 each.
• How to Book: online or by phoning 604-262-9833.

Never Been Fly Fishing? What You Need to Know

With fancy flicks of the wrist and the satisfying whirr of the line cutting through the air, fly fishing can seem intimidating. Perhaps it’s a bucket list goal to learn how to fly fish, or if spin fishing is more your jam, guides will show you the ropes and get you going in no time.

What’s the difference between fly fishing and spin fishing? The main difference between fly fishing and spin fishing is that in fly fishing the weight of the line carries the hook through the air, whereas in spin fishing the weight of the lure or sinker at the end of the monofilament or braided line gives casting distance.

If this sounds complicated, have no fear as your patient guide will have you smiling and effortlessly casting lines – you’ll soon see why regular fly fishers find fishing so therapeutic!

What to Bring on a Fishin’ Trip  

Know before you go, or get a guide to show you how.

It can be chilly in the early morning in Whistler, so layer on comfortable clothing (no jeans) and guides will provide you with waders with boots to keep you dry. Gloves, a warm hat, and cozy socks for early Spring and late Fall days will have you thanking yourself. Sunny summer days call for sunglasses, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat. Tours do not include food or drink, so pack along lots of water and snacks to keep you going for the entirety of your tour.

Guests must also purchase and bring with them a valid British Columbia freshwater fishing license to be allowed to fish in Whistler. The process of purchasing a fishing license is extremely simple and inexpensive and takes only a few minutes. You can choose from a single day of fishing to an annual pass and is applicable for all people 16 years and older.

Under an agreement signed between the Province and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC in 2015, 100% of the revenue generated from fishing licences directly benefits recreational fisheries. Every penny goes into research, conservation and education programs, improving angler access and BC’s stocking program. The Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation receives 100% of the surcharge revenue collected from angling licence sales to provide grants for fish conservation projects.

A Family Friendly Activity

Bring the kids! Fishing is a great way for families to spend time outdoors, and the excitement of getting a fish on the line is infectious. Between bites, kids and adults alike will learn about the local flora and fauna, hear epic fishing stories, and have tons of fun out on the water. They’ll love showing their friends and classmates photos of their experience including the iconic ‘Catch of the Day’ shot. If fishing isn’t their fancy – here are a few other great family activities.

Catch and Release Policy

To keep the fishing great for all guests and to keep up with local bylaws and regulations, fishing on all tours is catch and release.

Fly Fishing – A BC Tradition

Fly fishing has been around for hundreds of years, and it’s only natural that it has become so popular in Whistler and surrounding areas due to the abundance of fish. British Columbia has 20,000 lakes and 750,000 kilometres of streams for anglers to fish and with eight lakes an countless streams and rivers to choose from, fly fishing in Whistler is an easy choice. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or first timer, taking a guided fishing tour in Whistler will be the highlight of your trip.