There are few things more rewarding than paddling into a quiet bay, casting a line into crystal-clear water, and catching your dinner before the sun slips behind the mountains.

The qathet Canoe Route (formerly known as the Powell Forest Canoe Route) isn't just one of British Columbia's premier wilderness canoe trips—it's also an excellent destination for anglers looking to combine multi-day paddling with freshwater fishing. Stretching across eight interconnected lakes, the route offers countless opportunities to fish from your canoe, along secluded shorelines, or while relaxing at camp after a day on the water.

Whether you're hoping to catch your first trout or simply enjoy an evening of casting in a spectacular wilderness setting, here's everything you need to know before bringing your fishing rod.

A father and son fishing from their canoe on a lake

Every paddle stroke brings the possibility of your next catch—and another unforgettable memory.

Why Fish the qathet Canoe Route?

Unlike busy lakes with motorboats and crowded fishing docks, the qathet Canoe Route offers a peaceful fishing experience, allowing anglers to access quiet shorelines and hidden bays that see very little fishing pressure.

Imagine paddling across a calm lake at sunrise with mist rising from the water, or casting into the evening reflections after setting up camp. It's less about filling a cooler and more about slowing down and enjoying the wilderness around you.

Fishing becomes another reason to linger rather than rush through the route.

A Rainbow Trout on a Cedar Plank

Rainbow Trout

What Fish Can You Catch?

The lakes along the route are home to several popular freshwater species.

Coastal Cutthroat Trout

Cutthroat trout are the most abundant fish throughout the qathet region and are often the highlight for visiting anglers.

These aggressive fish are known for chasing moving lures and are surprisingly willing to strike, making them enjoyable for both beginners and experienced fishermen.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout can also be found throughout the route and are another exciting catch. They readily take both lures and flies, especially when trolled behind a canoe.

Kokanee Salmon

Kokanee are landlocked Sockeye salmon that spend their entire lives in freshwater. Although generally smaller than ocean-run salmon, they provide plenty of action and are excellent table fare.

Rapala Floater Lures

Rapala Floater Lures

Best Lures and Techniques

One of the easiest ways to fish while travelling is simply to troll a lure behind your canoe.

As you paddle between campsites, your lure covers a surprising amount of water without slowing your progress.

Some of the most productive options include:

  • Spinners

  • FlatFish lures

  • Rapalas

  • Trolled flies

  • Lake trolls paired with action lures

Coastal Cutthroat trout are naturally aggressive—and even cannibalistic—so they often strike flashy, erratic presentations that imitate smaller fish.

Paddlers can catch fish without ever making a cast simply by letting a lure trail behind the canoe while travelling between lakes.

Sunset lake fishing from a canoe with kids playing along the shore

Whether you reel in dinner or simply watch the sun set over a quiet lake, fishing is one more reason the qathet Canoe Route is unlike anywhere else in British Columbia.

The Best Times to Fish

If you're planning to stop and cast rather than troll, timing can make a significant difference.

Early mornings and evenings are generally the most productive times because cooler water temperatures encourage fish to feed closer to the surface.

Look for areas such as:

  • Rocky shorelines

  • Points of land

  • Small bays

  • Around islands

  • Fallen logs and structure

These locations provide cover and feeding opportunities that naturally attract trout.

A man holding a fishing rod upright with a petend fish hanging from his other hand

Success isn't measured by the size of the fish—it's measured by the memories you make.

Fishing Regulations You Need to Know

Before heading out, make sure you're familiar with British Columbia's freshwater fishing regulations.

You'll need:

  • A valid British Columbia Freshwater Fishing Licence.

  • Your licence with you whenever you're fishing.

  • Single barbless hooks, which are required on these lakes.

Barbless hooks not only comply with regulations but also make releasing fish easier and reduce injury to the fish.

If you're planning to keep fish for a meal, always check the current regulations for species limits and any seasonal restrictions before your trip.

Where to Buy a Fishing Licence

Purchasing a fishing licence is quick and easy before your adventure begins.

You can buy a current British Columbia Freshwater Fishing Licence online before arriving, print a copy, or carry a digital version if permitted under current regulations.

Having your licence ready before launching allows you to spend more time enjoying the water and less time worrying about paperwork.

A man holding a healthy Rainbow Trout from Lois Lake on the qathet Canoe Route

One cast can turn an ordinary paddle into an unforgettable adventure.

Should You Bring a Fishing Rod?

If you enjoy fishing, don't leave your rod behind. If you don't have one, Mitchell's offers fishing rod rentals, making it easy to add another memorable experience to your adventure.

A lightweight travel rod adds very little weight to your gear but can provide hours of entertainment during rest stops and evenings around camp.

Even if fishing isn't the primary reason for your trip, trolling while paddling requires very little extra effort and can turn an ordinary paddle into an unforgettable memory.

There's something deeply satisfying about cooking a freshly caught trout beside a quiet lake after a full day of paddling.

A man fishing from lake shore

A fishing rod weighs very little but can add hours of enjoyment around camp.

A Few Responsible Fishing Tips

The wilderness experience on the qathet Canoe Route depends on everyone doing their part.

  • Follow all current fishing regulations.

  • Respect catch limits.

  • Pack out all fishing line and tackle.

  • Never leave bait containers or litter behind.

  • Clean fish well away from campsites and dispose of remains responsibly, following local guidelines.

  • Respect other paddlers who may simply be enjoying the peace and quiet.

Responsible anglers help ensure the route remains healthy for both wildlife and future visitors.

A young boy cleaning a lake fish on a floating dock

For many young paddlers, the first fish becomes the favourite memory of the trip.

More Than Just Great Fishing

Fishing is only one part of what makes the qathet Canoe Route such a memorable adventure.

One moment you're quietly trolling for Cutthroat trout beneath towering coastal mountains. The next you're paddling through old-growth rainforest, watching an osprey dive for its own catch, or enjoying a campfire beside a secluded lake that feels like it's yours alone.

Whether you reel in the fish of the day or simply spend an evening watching your lure disappear into glassy water, the experience is about far more than the catch. It's about slowing down, embracing the rhythm of the wilderness, and discovering why the 60-kilometre qathet Canoe Route remains one of British Columbia's most rewarding canoe adventures.

Continue Planning your qathet Canoe Route Adventure

Before you launch, explore our most helpful guides for planning a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable trip:

Originally written by Christie Mitchell based on decades of experience on the qathet Canoe Route.

Copyright Notice

All photographs, maps, illustrations, and written content are © Christie Mitchell. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution is prohibited without written permission.

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