QUESNEL RIVER
Big Water, Big Fish, and Unmatched Wildlife
Trip at a Glance
A snapshot of the Quesnel River experience—where productive fishing, historic waters, and extraordinary wildlife come together.
Location
Quesnel River, British Columbia (starting at Beavermouth)
Fishing Style
Fully guided jet boat fishing with wade opportunities
Target Species
Rainbow Trout, Bull Trout, Spring Salmon (up to 30 lbs), Sockeye Salmon (seasonal)
Season
June 15 to October
Seasonal Highlights
Major sockeye salmon migration beginning mid-August, with about one million salmon passing through annually
Wildlife Viewing
Exceptional — bald eagles commonly seen in large numbers during salmon runs
Access & Coverage
Jet boat access to extensive river sections, including historic Quesnelle Forks
Trip Options
Full-day and multi-day trips with optional day excursions
Additional Waters
Cariboo Lake, Cariboo River Park, Cariboo River Falls, Quesnel Lake, and Horsefly River
Meals
All meals included; known for exceptional quality
Accomodations
Outpost cabin stays available for extended trips
Experience
A diverse river adventure combining productive fishing, rich history, and outstanding wildlife encounters
easy/comfortable
scenic
wildlife viewing
remote
The Quesnel River is a powerful and diverse system that offers excellent fishing from early summer through fall.
Known for its strong populations of rainbow and bull trout, the river also sees major salmon migrations that create dynamic feeding opportunities and attract incredible wildlife.
Historic sections near Quesnelle Forks combine excellent fishing with a sense of place rooted in British Columbia’s gold rush past. Day trips can also include nearby lakes and rivers, offering variety and flexibility within the overall experience.
For those looking to combine consistent fishing, dramatic scenery, and exceptional wildlife viewing, the Quesnel River delivers a well-rounded and rewarding river fishing adventure.
Fishing is done primarily by jet boat, allowing access to long stretches of river and a wide variety of productive runs. Anglers target trout throughout the system while encountering spring salmon during mid-summer and sockeye migrations later in the season. These salmon runs draw bald eagles and other wildlife in impressive numbers, making each day on the river as visually memorable as it is productive.
