Nanaimo is more than just beautiful coastal views and scenic trails – it’s also a prime destination for fishing enthusiasts. Whether you’re casting a line from a pier, harvesting shellfish, or heading out on a chartered boat, the Harbour City offers unforgettable experiences for anglers of all kinds.

Before you bait your hook, here’s everything you need to know to fish safely and legally in Nanaimo.

Fishing Licenses: What You Need to Know

Depending on where and what you’re fishing, different licenses are required. Be sure to check local regulations for catch limits and seasonal restrictions. 

Freshwater Fishing

Planning to fish in lakes or rivers? You’ll need a B.C. Recreational Freshwater Fishing License! 

Where to buy:

• Online through the BC Government website here
• In-person at Cabela’s or Gone Fishin’
  

Saltwater (Tidal) Fishing

For fishing in tidal waters – whether for finfish or shellfish – you’ll need a Tidal Waters Sport Fishing License issued by the Government of Canada. You can buy your license online through Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Shellfish Harvesting: Safety First

Digging into Nanaimo’s shellfish bounty? It doesn’t get more island life than that. Just remember, the tides wait for no one, and neither do safety rules. Here are five tips to keep your harvest both safe and tasty (obviously):

1. Get a Tidal Waters License – Required for all shellfish harvesting. See Saltwater (Tidal) Fishing for more information.
   
2. Check Harvesting Site Status – Harvest in approved areas only. To find out if a specific region is open for harvesting, check the BCCDC Shellfish Harvesting Site Status Map
3. Harvest on a Receding Tide – Harvest shellfish when the tide is going out (a receding tide). The bacteria that is naturally present in shellfish grows rapidly at warmer temperatures, such as when they are exposed to the sun and warm air temperatures.
   
4. Respect the Site – When you are at the harvesting site, don’t put waste in the water. Keep shellfish clean for everyone, whether you are on the beach or in a boat.
   
5. Keep It Cold – While harvesting, place oysters in a chilled cooler right away. This will prevent the bacteria that is naturally present in the ocean water from multiplying and making you sick.
   

Top Fishing Spots in Nanaimo

From glassy lakes to salty horizons, Nanaimo serves up fishing spots for every kind of reel deal.

Freshwater

• Westwood Lake – Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout
• Brannen Lake – Cutthroat Trout and Rainbow Trout
• Diver Lake – Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and Pumpkinseed
• Colliery Dam – Rainbow Trout
• Nanaimo River – Steelhead
  

Saltwater

• Swy-a-lana Fishing & Walking Pier – Crab, Occasionally Salmon
• Pipers Lagoon / Neck Point Park – Rockfish and Greenlings
  

Go Pro with Local Fishing Charters

Skip the guesswork. Our local charters come stacked with know-how and all the right gear. Just bring the excitement.

• Reel Time Fishing Charters
• Coastal Blue Adventures LTD
• Unreel Charters
• Andrews West Coast Adventures
• Nanaimo Fishing Charters

Feast Like a Local!

Craving the catch but not the casting? Nanaimo’s seafood scene has you covered, from dockside fish ’n’ chips to sushi that’s almost too pretty to eat.

Fish & Chips

• Troller’s Fish and Chips – 10 Wharf Street, FLOAT F, Nanaimo, BC V9R 2X3 – Eat harbourside, surrounded by boats and sea breezes.
• Carlos O’Bryans – 1724 Stewart Ave, Nanaimo, BC V9S 4E6 – Pub fare and cocktails galore.
• Lighthouse Bistro & Pub – 50 Anchor Way, Nanaimo, BC V9R 7B5 – Savour ocean views with every bite.
• Dinghy Dock Pub – 8 Pirates Ln, Nanaimo, BC V9R 6R1 – Take a ferry to this one-of-a-kind floating pub.
• Milton Street Public House – 247 Milton St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 2K5 – Historic charm meets comfort food.
  

Sushi & Poke

• Poke Page – #508, 6581 Aulds Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9T 6J6 – Build your dream poke bowl.
• Nori Japanese Restaurant – 6750 N Island Hwy, Nanaimo, BC V9V 1S3 – Sushi excellence with impeccable presentation.
• Umai Sushi – 4575 Uplands Dr, Nanaimo, BC V9T 0M3 – Quality sushi for dine-in or takeaway.
• Nana Sushi – 14 Victoria Crescent, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5B9 – Conveniently located downtown.
• Firehouse Grill – 75 Front St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5H9 – Where sushi meets flame-grilled favorites.

Grilled & Gourmet

• Off the Hook Surf Turf Smokery – 1588 Boundary Crescent, Nanaimo, BC V9S 5K8- Seafood and BBQ fusion.
• The View Oceanside Grill – 70 Church St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5H4 – Upscale dining with ocean-to-table ingredients.
• Simonholt Restaurant – 6582 Applecross Rd, Nanaimo, BC V9V 1W4 – Canadian comfort food with coastal flair.
• Minnoz – 11 Bastion St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 6E4 – Casual dining meets elegance with options from land to sea. 
• Asteras – 347 Wesley St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 3A7 – Greek platters galore

Where to Buy Local Fish

Why stop at eating out? Stock up at Nanaimo’s fish markets and let fresh, local seafood do the talking back home.

• Seadrift Seafood Market –  1533 Estevan Rd #7, Nanaimo, BC V9S 3Y3 – Fresh, frozen, and dine-in options.
• Maggie’s Seafood Market – 1277 Island Highway #4, Nanaimo, BC V9R 6R4 –  Seasonal local catches plus fish & chips.
• St. Jean’s Cannery & Smokehouse – 242 Southside Dr, Nanaimo, BC V9R 6Z5 – Famous for smoked and canned seafood, plus local delicacies. 

Cast Away in Nanaimo

Fishing in Nanaimo isn’t just a pastime, it’s coastal therapy with a side of bragging rights. Grab your gear, snag that license, and hit the water. Who knows? Your next big fish tale might actually be true.

Need gear rentals? Harbour Chandler‘s got you covered for all your ‘reel’ fishing needs.