Drift fishing for steelhead and fall salmon depends on the river: too high and muddy or too low and clear changes everything. These are official gauge readings for popular BC rivers, with links to the rules and to trusted fishing reports.
Flows are readings from Water Survey of Canada / Environment Canada gauges, not fishing forecasts. Rivers change quickly after rain. Always check current regulations and closures before you go.
Lower Mainland
Fall coho, chum and chinook, then winter steelhead. Low, clear water means spooky fish; rising water after rain usually brings new fish in.
Chilliwack / Vedder
13.9 m³/s
Level 1.43 m · Steady vs 24 hours earlier (15 m³/s)
Automated overview, updated daily · Oct 19
Trend: Steady over 24 hours, about the same as a week ago
For the date: Flow is well below normal for this time of year. Only 5% of days at this time of year on record were this low (93 years of gauge records, 1912 to 2025).
Outlook: Dry in the Chilliwack forecast (Today to Thursday). Without rain, flows usually hold or ease. Highs 12 to 18 C.
Level 0.53 m · Dropping vs 24 hours earlier (2.8 m³/s)
Automated overview, updated daily · Oct 19
Trend: Dropping over 24 hours, down 82% on a week ago
For the date: Flow is well below normal for this time of year. Only 1% of days at this time of year on record were this low (30 years of gauge records, 1929 to 2025).
Outlook: Dry in the West Vancouver forecast (Today to Thursday). Without rain, flows usually hold or ease. Highs 13 to 15 C.
Level 8.93 m · Dropping vs 24 hours earlier (7.53 m³/s)
Automated overview, updated daily · Oct 19
Trend: Dropping over 24 hours, about the same as a week ago
For the date: Flow is below normal for this time of year. Only 16% of days at this time of year on record were this low (48 years of gauge records, 1912 to 2025).
Outlook: Dry in the Agassiz forecast (Today to Thursday). Without rain, flows usually hold or ease. Highs 12 to 18 C.
Level 1.34 m · Steady vs 24 hours earlier (5.21 m³/s)
Automated overview, updated daily · Oct 19
Trend: Steady over 24 hours, about the same as a week ago
For the date: Flow is below normal for this time of year. Only 11% of days at this time of year on record were this low (37 years of gauge records, 1987 to 2024).
Outlook: Dry in the Hope forecast (Today to Thursday). Without rain, flows usually hold or ease. Highs 12 to 17 C.
Island rivers rise and fall fast with rain. Rivers run south to north within each area. Each card names its gauge, and gauges sit at different points along each river.
Level 0.48 m · Steady vs 24 hours earlier (0.45 m³/s)
Automated overview, updated daily · Oct 19
Trend: Steady over 24 hours, about the same as a week ago
For the date: Flow is below normal for this time of year. Only 11% of days at this time of year on record were this low (70 years of gauge records, 1914 to 2025).
Outlook: Dry in the Duncan forecast (Today to Thursday). Without rain, flows usually hold or ease. Highs 12 to 18 C.
Level 0.61 m · Steady vs 24 hours earlier (1.08 m³/s)
Automated overview, updated daily · Oct 19
Trend: Steady over 24 hours, up 16% on a week ago
For the date: Flow is below normal for this time of year. Only 18% of days at this time of year on record were this low (75 years of gauge records, 1914 to 2025).
Outlook: Dry in the Duncan forecast (Today to Thursday). Without rain, flows usually hold or ease. Highs 12 to 18 C.
Level 2.21 m · Steady vs 24 hours earlier (1.86 m³/s)
Automated overview, updated daily · Oct 19
Trend: Steady over 24 hours, about the same as a week ago
For the date: Flow is below normal for this time of year. Only 14% of days at this time of year on record were this low (22 years of gauge records, 2003 to 2024).
Outlook: Dry in the Nanaimo forecast (Today to Thursday). Without rain, flows usually hold or ease. Highs 12 to 18 C.
Level 0.68 m · Steady vs 24 hours earlier (4.52 m³/s)
Automated overview, updated daily · Oct 19
Trend: Steady over 24 hours, about the same as a week ago
For the date: Flow is well below normal for this time of year. Only 9% of days at this time of year on record were this low (60 years of gauge records, 1965 to 2024).
Outlook: Dry in the Nanaimo forecast (Today to Thursday). Without rain, flows usually hold or ease. Highs 12 to 18 C.
Level 0.9 m · Steady vs 24 hours earlier (0.76 m³/s)
Automated overview, updated daily · Oct 19
Trend: Steady over 24 hours, about the same as a week ago
For the date: Flow is below normal for this time of year. Only 14% of days at this time of year on record were this low (48 years of gauge records, 1913 to 2024).
Outlook: Dry in the Qualicum Beach forecast (Today to Thursday). Without rain, flows usually hold or ease. Highs 12 to 16 C.
Level 4.81 m · Steady vs 24 hours earlier (1.51 m³/s)
Automated overview, updated daily · Oct 19
Trend: Steady over 24 hours, about the same as a week ago
For the date: Flow is well below normal for this time of year. Only 9% of days at this time of year on record were this low (38 years of gauge records, 1960 to 2024).
Outlook: Dry in the Qualicum Beach forecast (Today to Thursday). Without rain, flows usually hold or ease. Highs 12 to 16 C.
Level 19.81 m · Steady vs 24 hours earlier (7.32 m³/s)
Automated overview, updated daily · Oct 19
Trend: Steady over 24 hours, down 16% on a week ago
For the date: Flow is well below normal for this time of year. Only 3% of days at this time of year on record were this low (70 years of gauge records, 1914 to 2025).
Outlook: Dry in the Courtenay forecast (Today to Thursday). Without rain, flows usually hold or ease. Highs 12 to 16 C.
Note: Puntledge flow is partly controlled by BC Hydro releases, so it can change without rain.
Level 0.57 m · Steady vs 24 hours earlier (0.36 m³/s)
Automated overview, updated daily · Oct 19
Trend: Steady over 24 hours, about the same as a week ago
For the date: Flow is below normal for this time of year. Only 11% of days at this time of year on record were this low (66 years of gauge records, 1914 to 2025).
Outlook: Dry in the Courtenay forecast (Today to Thursday). Without rain, flows usually hold or ease. Highs 12 to 16 C.
Level 1.57 m · Dropping vs 24 hours earlier (4.21 m³/s)
Automated overview, updated daily · Oct 19
Trend: Dropping over 24 hours, up 67% on a week ago
For the date: Flow is below normal for this time of year. Only 24% of days at this time of year on record were this low (72 years of gauge records, 1950 to 2024).
Outlook: Dry in the Port Alberni forecast (Today to Thursday). Without rain, flows usually hold or ease. Highs 13 to 16 C.
Level 1.48 m · Steady vs 24 hours earlier (27.8 m³/s)
Automated overview, updated daily · Oct 19
Trend: Steady over 24 hours, about the same as a week ago
For the date: Flow is well below normal for this time of year. Only 6% of days at this time of year on record were this low (48 years of gauge records, 1957 to 2025).
Outlook: Dry in the Port Alberni forecast (Today to Thursday). Without rain, flows usually hold or ease. Highs 13 to 16 C.
Level 0.88 m · Steady vs 24 hours earlier (5.74 m³/s)
Automated overview, updated daily · Oct 19
Trend: Steady over 24 hours, up 67% on a week ago
For the date: Flow is below normal for this time of year. Only 18% of days at this time of year on record were this low (103 years of gauge records, 1913 to 2024).
Outlook: Dry in the Port Alberni forecast (Today to Thursday). Without rain, flows usually hold or ease. Highs 13 to 16 C.
Level 0.6 m · Steady vs 24 hours earlier (1.26 m³/s)
Automated overview, updated daily · Oct 19
Trend: Steady over 24 hours, up 47% on a week ago
For the date: Flow is below normal for this time of year. Only 14% of days at this time of year on record were this low (51 years of gauge records, 1973 to 2024).
Outlook: Dry in the Campbell River forecast (Today to Thursday). Without rain, flows usually hold or ease. Highs 12 to 16 C.
Level 0.7 m · Steady vs 24 hours earlier (1.72 m³/s)
Automated overview, updated daily · Oct 19
Trend: Steady over 24 hours, about the same as a week ago
For the date: Flow is well below normal for this time of year. Only 1% of days at this time of year on record were this low (69 years of gauge records, 1956 to 2024).
Outlook: Dry in the Campbell River forecast (Today to Thursday). Without rain, flows usually hold or ease. Highs 12 to 16 C.
Level 1.45 m · Steady vs 24 hours earlier (15.8 m³/s)
Automated overview, updated daily · Oct 19
Trend: Steady over 24 hours, up 92% on a week ago
For the date: Flow is below normal for this time of year. Only 22% of days at this time of year on record were this low (68 years of gauge records, 1957 to 2024).
Outlook: Dry in the Campbell River forecast (Today to Thursday). Without rain, flows usually hold or ease. Highs 12 to 16 C.
Level 1.25 m · Steady vs 24 hours earlier (317 m³/s)
Automated overview, updated daily · Oct 19
Trend: Steady over 24 hours, about the same as a week ago
For the date: Flow is below normal for this time of year. Only 17% of days at this time of year on record were this low (75 years of gauge records, 1951 to 2025).
Outlook: Dry in the Lytton forecast (Today to Thursday). Without rain, flows usually hold or ease. Highs 13 to 16 C.
Level 1.32 m · Steady vs 24 hours earlier (121 m³/s)
Automated overview, updated daily · Oct 19
Trend: Steady over 24 hours, about the same as a week ago
For the date: Flow is below normal for this time of year. Only 20% of days at this time of year on record were this low (101 years of gauge records, 1912 to 2025).
Outlook: Dry in the Salmon Arm forecast (Today to Thursday). Without rain, flows usually hold or ease. Highs 13 to 13 C.
Trend: Steady over 24 hours, about the same as a week ago
For the date: Flow is below normal for this time of year. Only 16% of days at this time of year on record were this low (112 years of gauge records, 1912 to 2025).
Outlook: Dry in the Salmon Arm forecast (Today to Thursday). Without rain, flows usually hold or ease. Highs 13 to 13 C.
Level 1.06 m · Steady vs 24 hours earlier (0.62 m³/s)
Automated overview, updated daily · Oct 19
Trend: Steady over 24 hours, about the same as a week ago
For the date: Flow is below normal for this time of year. Only 10% of days at this time of year on record were this low (61 years of gauge records, 1914 to 2024).
Outlook: Dry in the Merritt forecast (Today to Thursday). Without rain, flows usually hold or ease. Highs 9 to 15 C.
Level 0.49 m · Steady vs 24 hours earlier (2.84 m³/s)
Automated overview, updated daily · Oct 19
Trend: Steady over 24 hours, about the same as a week ago
For the date: Flow is well below normal for this time of year. Only 9% of days at this time of year on record were this low (87 years of gauge records, 1914 to 2024).
Outlook: Dry in the Princeton forecast (Today to Thursday). Without rain, flows usually hold or ease. Highs 13 to 15 C.
Level 1.64 m · Steady vs 24 hours earlier (6.04 m³/s)
Automated overview, updated daily · Oct 19
Trend: Steady over 24 hours, about the same as a week ago
For the date: Flow is below normal for this time of year. Only 19% of days at this time of year on record were this low (105 years of gauge records, 1921 to 2025).
Outlook: Dry in the Penticton forecast (Today to Thursday). Without rain, flows usually hold or ease. Highs 14 to 15 C.
Level 1.17 m · Steady vs 24 hours earlier (8.16 m³/s)
Automated overview, updated daily · Oct 19
Trend: Steady over 24 hours, about the same as a week ago
For the date: Flow is well below normal for this time of year. Only 9% of days at this time of year on record were this low (106 years of gauge records, 1914 to 2025).
Outlook: Dry in the Cranbrook forecast (Today to Thursday). Without rain, flows usually hold or ease. Highs 11 to 14 C.
Level 0.64 m · Steady vs 24 hours earlier (60.8 m³/s)
Automated overview, updated daily · Oct 19
Trend: Steady over 24 hours, down 15% on a week ago
For the date: Flow is below normal for this time of year. Only 16% of days at this time of year on record were this low (63 years of gauge records, 1963 to 2025).
Outlook: Dry in the Cranbrook forecast (Today to Thursday). Without rain, flows usually hold or ease. Highs 11 to 14 C.
Level 2.95 m · Steady vs 24 hours earlier (1030 m³/s)
Automated overview, updated daily · Oct 19
Trend: Steady over 24 hours, about the same as a week ago
For the date: Flow is below normal for this time of year. Only 24% of days at this time of year on record were this low (89 years of gauge records, 1937 to 2025).
Outlook: Dry in the Trail forecast (Today to Thursday). Without rain, flows usually hold or ease. Highs 12 to 15 C.
Level 0.92 m · Steady vs 24 hours earlier (69.6 m³/s)
Automated overview, updated daily · Oct 19
Trend: Steady over 24 hours, about the same as a week ago
For the date: Flow is below normal for this time of year. Only 22% of days at this time of year on record were this low (96 years of gauge records, 1929 to 2025).
Outlook: Dry in the Vanderhoof forecast (Today to Thursday). Without rain, flows usually hold or ease. Highs 8 to 9 C.
Level -0.64 m · Steady vs 24 hours earlier (13.6 m³/s)
Automated overview, updated daily · Oct 19
Trend: Steady over 24 hours, about the same as a week ago
For the date: Flow is below normal for this time of year. Only 24% of days at this time of year on record were this low (72 years of gauge records, 1952 to 2024).
Outlook: Dry in the Quesnel forecast (Today to Thursday). Without rain, flows usually hold or ease. Highs 8 to 11 C.
Level 0.66 m · Steady vs 24 hours earlier (30.4 m³/s)
Automated overview, updated daily · Oct 19
Trend: Steady over 24 hours, about the same as a week ago
For the date: Flow is below normal for this time of year. Only 23% of days at this time of year on record were this low (46 years of gauge records, 1980 to 2025).
Outlook: Dry in the Vanderhoof (about 66 km away) forecast (Today to Thursday). Without rain, flows usually hold or ease. Highs 8 to 9 C.
Level 1.41 m · Steady vs 24 hours earlier (67.1 m³/s)
Automated overview, updated daily · Oct 19
Trend: Steady over 24 hours, up 74% on a week ago
For the date: Flow is above normal for this time of year. Only 18% of days at this time of year on record were this high (60 years of gauge records, 1964 to 2024).
Outlook: Rain or snow in the Smithers (about 81 km away) forecast (Tuesday, Wednesday). The forecast gives no rain amount. Highs 6 to 8 C.
Level 1.1 m · Steady vs 24 hours earlier (141 m³/s)
Automated overview, updated daily · Oct 19
Trend: Steady over 24 hours, up 21% on a week ago
For the date: Flow is above normal for this time of year. Only 24% of days at this time of year on record were this high (61 years of gauge records, 1963 to 2023).
Outlook: Rain or snow in the Terrace forecast (Today, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday). The forecast gives no rain amount. Highs 7 to 10 C.
Level 4.77 m · Dropping vs 24 hours earlier (1190 m³/s)
Automated overview, updated daily · Oct 19
Trend: Dropping over 24 hours, up 112% on a week ago
For the date: Flow is above normal for this time of year. Only 24% of days at this time of year on record were this high (89 years of gauge records, 1929 to 2024).
Outlook: Rain or snow in the Terrace (about 88 km away) forecast (Today, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday). The forecast gives no rain amount. Highs 7 to 10 C.
Many BC rivers are "classified waters", which need a Classified Waters Licence on top of your basic fishing licence. Salmon fishing has its own daily limits and closures set by DFO. Check each river in the official sources: BC freshwater regulations, DFO Lower Mainland salmon rules and DFO Vancouver Island salmon rules. Rules and in-season changes can differ from one river to the next.
Trusted river reports
Fresh, dated reports from the people who fish these rivers.
Fishing a river by letting your bait or lure drift downstream with the current, from the bank or a boat, so it moves the way natural food does.
Steelhead
A sea-run rainbow trout. It is born in a river, spends a few years in the ocean, then returns to the river. Winter steelhead river fishing is the main reason many BC anglers fish rivers.
Float fishing
Bait or a small lure hangs under a float that sits on the water. The float holds the bait at the right depth and shows you when a fish bites.
Bottom bouncing
A weight ticks along the river bottom while the bait drifts just above it. It is a way to reach fish in deeper, faster water.
Centerpin reel
A reel that spins freely, with no drag, so a float and bait can drift a long way down the river without the line pulling on them.
Drift boat
A small flat-bottomed boat that floats down a river, held by oars, so anglers can fish stretches that are hard to reach on foot.
Flow and level data: Water Survey of Canada realtime hydrometric data via Environment and Climate Change Canada, under the Open Government Licence. Last gauge update in this build: 2026-10-19 15:37 UTC.