FISHING in COQUITLAM Did you know that just steps from the SkyTrain, you can cast your line to reel in a fish? Lafarge and Como Lakes are stocked with trout, while inour local rivers, salmon may be the catch of the day Many of us have childhood memories of lake fishing with family members. Canadian photo album collections would not be complete without those token pics of kids holding their prize catch for the camera. Two of Coquitlam’s urban lakes are regularly stocked with rainbow trout, providing Metro Vancouverites with easy access to fishing and plenty of photo ops. With some basic supplies—including a fishing licence—you can simply walk down a trail and cast a line. “Lafarge and Como Lake are beautiful settings and have easy access, with trails and lots of good shore access. It’s a good opportunity to catch nice rainbow trout right here in Coquitlam,” says Andrew Redmont, manager of Coquitlam’s Sea-Run Fly & Tackle. sea-run.com You can fish year-round but the best months for catching trout locally, he says, are April, May, June, September and October. Rainbow trout are the main draw, although you may also catch a carp. To see when they were last stocked, visit gofishbc.com. Lafarge Lake can be accessed by shore or float tube. Como Lake also has easy shore access, with a loop trail.Spin casting, bait fishing and fly fishing are all options at both lakes. Free family-oriented fishing derbies are held at both lakes each year, with numerous
prizes awarded. These fun events draw crowds from across Metro Vancouver. festivalcoquitlam.ca If you want to hook a salmon for dinner, head to Maquabeak Park (5 Burbridge St.), situated on the bank of the Fraser River, with shore access and a boat launch. Five species of salmon pass through this spot at varying times of the year, including chum, chinook and coho, as well as bull trout, Dolly Varden and cut throat trout. In August and September, pink salmon return to the area, which will be a huge draw.
Sturgeon fishing (catch and release only) is also available on the Fraser, at the mouth of the Pitt River near Douglas Island (accessible by boat from Maquabeak Park). The Coquitlam River is another hot spot for fishing salmon, although there are restrictions involved (some species are catch and release only) and you are advised to visit the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada website ahead of time to read its updated regulations. dfo-mpo.gc.ca Where can I get more info? Visit gofishbc.com for stocking reports and BC fishing information.
TIDAL WATERS SPORT FISHING LICENCE
(local lakes, rivers)
(Fraser River)
Required for age 16 and over. You can purchase a licence online through the Government of BC website (you must carry the licence). Otherwise, you can pop into Sea-Run and fill out the forms on site. The following prices are for BC residents as of publication, excluding taxes, and are subject to change (fees are higher for non-residents). For more info, visit sea-run.com or gofishbc.com.
Required for all ages. These can be purchased on the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada website (dfo-mpo.gc.ca) or at the SeaRun store. The following prices include tax as of publication and are subject to change. Fees are higher for non-residents.
8 days: $20 1 year: $36 1 year disabled: $1 1 year senior: $5
COHO SALMON Since 2003, Coho are one species that has returned to Coquitlam River.
“We’ll hopefully get big numbers,” Redmont enthuses. “The pink salmon swim shallow and close to the shore, accessible to anglers.”
BC FRESHWATER SPORT FISHING LICENCE
1 day: $10
RAINBOW TROUT Stocked regularly in Como Lake and Lafarge Lake. Terrific for eating.
CHUM SALMON Also known as “dog salmon” due to its canine appearance during spawning.
STURGEON These monster fish are something to behold. They must be released once caught.
Como Lake
Under age 16: Free 1 day: $5.51 3 days: $11.55 5 days: $16.80 1 year: $22.05 1 year senior: $11.55 Salmon conservation stamp (to keep a salmon): $6.30
2017 Coquitlam Travel & Experience Guide
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