Things to Do in Pender Harbour & Egmont Areas
Fishing, Crabbing and Prawning
The Pender Harbour and Egmont areas offer incredible fishing opportunities for multiple species year-round in one of the country’s most scenic marine settings and prettiest lakes in the Sunshine Coast.
Image courtesy Pender Harbour Living Heritage Society www.penderharbourheritage.ca
SALTWATER FISHING IN PENDER HARBOUR
Fishing Charters
The Gulf Rascal offers custom fishing charters based upon your preference. Whether you would like to fish for Salmon, Pacific Ling, Rockfish, Spot Prawns, crabs or a combination, Captain Rick can tailor a day just for you. The Gulf Rascal can accommodate a maximum of 8 people and uses descending devices to safely release unintentional rockfish catches. Buy Spot prawns straight off the Gulf Rascal when she is moored at the Madeira Park Government Dock.
OTB Fishing Charters offers full, half day, and custom fishing charters aboard their Aluminum Pilothouse Saturday Pants. You can troll for athletic and beautiful salmon; jig for exotic bottom fish; and set traps for delicious spot prawns. Let OTB know what you want to do and they will build a package around your interests. OTB also offers whale watching, marine tours/expeditions, boat-supported Stand Up Paddleboarding trips, beach camping, and more!
Fishing off the Pier
Garden Bay Marine Provincial Park provides 200 metres of shoreline, with a backdrop rising to the summit of Mount Daniel. This park provides excellent opportunities for fishing, picnicking and swimming. Park Size: 163 hectares
Pender Harbour Resort and Marina rents motorboats in Pender Harbour and you can also fish off the resort’s pier.
BOATER SERVICES in Pender Harbour
FRESHWATER FISHING IN PENDER HARBOUR
GARDEN BAY AREA
The Garden Bay area of Pender Harbour offers lakes with freshwater non-motorized boating and fishing opportunities..
Katherine Lake is one of the most popular spots, offering picnic facilities, sandy swimming beach, small playground, 26 RV spots and 10 campsites, washroom facilities with showers and an onsite caretaker. Boat access is through Katherine Lake Park. Anglers can challenge themselves against the healthy populations of cutthroat trout, and Coho salmon spawn in the creek between Katherine Lake and Mixal Lake. The lake is not stocked.
Garden Bay Lake is easy to access and large enough to find a good fishing spot away from swimmers and sunbathers. This lake is known for its Cutthroat trout and Salmon recreational fisheries.
CRABBING
A valid B.C. Tidal Waters Sport Fishing Licence is required to fish or harvest all fish, including shellfish. A maximum of two crab traps or rings (or a combination of both) may be fished by each person in possession of a valid licence. t is illegal to possess female Dungeness or Red Rock crabs. Crab traps requirements.
In many areas of British Columbia, fishing is not allowed or is restricted. It is illegal to harvest shellfish from closed or contaminated areas. Eating contaminated shellfish can be life threatening! Always check Marine Biotoxin and Sanitary Contamination closures for the area. These closures can change often and quickly during the season.
SALTWATER FISHING IN EGMONT AREA
Egmont is located on the Skookumchuck Narrows, a popular destination for anglers because of the abundance in marinelife. However, please beware of strong currents! Check tide charts here.
Bathgate Resort & Marina’s general store offers fishing gear and bait. There is also a fuel dock, propane refills, washrooms, showers and a laundromat.
FRESHWATER FISHING IN EGMONT AREA
Sakinaw Lake is just north of Pender Harbour and known for its large Cutthroat trout which can reach over 4 lbs. Kokanee, Sockeye and Coho salmon are also found in the lake. This beautiful lake is the largest on Sechelt Peninsula and is best fished in the spring and fall months. Boats can be launched at the lake. Kokanee release. *Check regulations for boundaries before fishing.
Ruby Lake just north of Sakinaw Lake, supports a Cutthroat and Kokanee fishery. The size for the Cutthroat is usually about 1 lb. but there are reports of them reaching to 3 lbs. Spring, fall and winter are the best months for fishing. Closed all year at the outlet bay within 100m of Ruby Creek. Wild trout/char daily quota = 2(none 40cm or more).
Klein Lake is located in the mountains closer to Egmont, and offers 2 fishing piers, day use picnic area, pit-toilets, camping, wheelchair accessible Electric motors boats only Species: Cutthroat trout.
PRAWNING
Prawn fishing in the Pacific Region has grown in popularity and recreational fishers share responsibility for the conservation of Spot Prawns. When you set your traps, remember your day limit is not a fishing target and prawns are seasonally variable and short-lived, so fish safely and responsibly and respect seasonal closures. More info on prawning regulations.
