When you think about world class sport angling Port Renfrew fishing should be at the top of your list.

Most people think of Port Renfrew  as a off shore fishing destination but let me tell you it has some incredible freshwater opportunities for salmon, steelhead and trout. With half a dozen river systems all within an hour drive Port Renfrew has your year round fishing needs covered.

The San Juan River is the largest of the bunch and offers great fishing for coho, chinook, and chum in the fall and steelhead in the winter and early spring. 

For more angling opportunity we fish the Gordon River, Harris Creek and Caycuse River.  Access to these rivers is extremely limited so hiring a guide is your best bet to catch your fill of fish since we know the local area well and  can get you into spots not known to others. Inflatable rafts are my choice for navigating these bigger rivers as they are light weight and easily maneuverable, which is absolutely key. We also do a fair share of hiking since rafting might not be an option because weather is very unpredictable and river levels change daily.

Anglers looking to fish the summer runs of steelhead beginning end of may into the summer months of June July and August should know that it’s largely dependent on water levels and can change daily. You can have an amazing fishing adventure using Port Renfrew as a starting point to the Gordon and Caycuse Rivers. These fresh hard fighting fish are aggressive and eager to bite as we hunt for chrome and spot them in the low clear water.

Getting to your Port Renfrew Fishing Adventure

You have a few choices depending on where you're coming from. If you're driving from Victoria of South Vancouver Island travel east to the town of Sooke. Then from Sooke you're about a hours drive north to downtown Port Renfrew. 

If you're coming from mid or north island to the highway take highway 18 to the town of Lake Cowichan, then take Pacific Marine Rd and enjoy the scenic drive following the Harris Creek, which also then flows into the San Juan before making it's way to the ocean. Pacific Marine Rd will take you all the way to the town of Port Renfrew.

The Town of Port Renfrew

Port Renfrew is a tiny place but it comes alive during fishing season. There are few great places to eat and our favourite is the Coastal Kitchen. There are three good places to relax with a good meal after a long day of fishing.