Located at the heart of the sleepy community of Steveston, No. 2 Road Pier at London's Landing is a popular fishing spot between May and September. It is hard to believe that such a peaceful refuge for anglers still exists in one of the fastest growing Canadian cities. Although there are no large fish to catch, this family oriented venue is consistently productive in the summer.

The floating dock at the end of the pier serves as an excellent platform for fishing. Due to Shady Island and the breakwater that is exposed during low tide on the east side, this narrow channel is usually calm even on a gusty day. The nearby bike park, picnic area and washrooms also make London's Landing a welcoming destination for those who do not fish.

Fishing Season

The fishing between May and September is consistently good, especially during a strong incoming tide. No. 2 Road pier sits in the Fraser River estuary, therefore it is not unusual to catch both fresh and saltwater fish species on the same day. There are over ten types of fish that anglers may encounter, but the most common ones are bull trout, peamouth chub, northern pikeminnow, pacific staghorn sculpin, shiner perch and starry flounder. Occasionally, pink and chum salmon also travel through this narrow channel during incoming tides.

Below is a summary table that shows the best fishing periods for each species.

Fishing Techniques

There are three common fishing techniques used at No. 2 Road Pier. Spincasting with a small spoon or spinner is effective on bull trout and northern pikeminnow if the water visibility is good.

In the summer, the water can be somewhat muddy due to the spring freshet. If this is the case, bait fishing can be just as effective. Typical bait used are roe, shrimp, bread and dough. Roe and shrimp should be fished with a bottom rig that anchors the bait on the bottom. This is necessary if the tidal current is strong. If present, bottom fish such as the pacific staghorn sculpin and starry flounder usually fall for the bait easily.

If the water is calm, float fishing is an enjoyable way to catch your fish. Use a tiny float that only requires several split shots to balance. Adjust the float depth so the bait sits near the bottom. Try using a small hook (size 10 to 14) baited with a piece of bread or dough. This technique usually yields a good catch of shiner perch or peamouth chub.

Important Notes

The No. 2 Road Pier is located at the southern end of No. 2 Road in Richmond. Before your next fishing trip, please make sure you know the following information:

• You must have a valid tidal fishing licence when fishing at No. 2 Road Pier.
• You must know your regulations and catch limits. No. 2 Road Pier is in Area 29, click here to view Area 29's regulations.
• Respect other users and keep the area clean.