Big Qualicum Hatchery

On this page

• About us
• Visiting the hatchery
• Key activities
• Local fishing and community involvement
• When can I see salmon?
• Horne Lake

About us

The Big Qualicum Hatchery deploys a number of spawning channel and hatchery enhancement techniques to increase populations of Pacific salmon including Chinook, coho, pink and chum salmon. It was built in 1963 and was the first of the modern enhancement projects to be undertaken in this province and has provided a model for other developments. Research and assessment at this facility has helped increased the scientific data available on salmonid behaviour as well as life cycle and habitat requirements.

The hatchery provides harvest opportunity for in river recreational and indigenous anglers as well as provides Food, Social and Ceremonial (FSC) fish to Qualicum First Nation.

Our hatchery and interpretive centre includes a display room containing a topographical model of the Big Qualicum project, public washrooms, viewing area which allows you to watch the fish eye-to-eye, a picnic site and nature trails. You can take a self-guided tour of the hatchery, which is open from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm daily, or tour the nearby walking trails at any time.

Visiting the hatchery

Directions

From the Inland Island Hwy (19), take the Horne Lake exit (75). Follow Horne Lake Road until you pass the railroad tracks and take the next left (continuing onto Horne Lake Road). On your immediate left (you will see a Big Qualicum Hatchery sign), turn onto the gravel road (River Road). Follow that down to the hatchery parking lot.

From the Island Hwy (19A), take the exit on Horne Lake Road. Take the first right onto a gravel road (River Road) and continue until you reach the hatchery parking lot.

Fishing rules

Big Qualicum River is a popular fishing spot for recreational fishers. Knowing fishing rules and regulations is a condition of licence for all recreational fishers. Check our Region 1 webpage to find current fishing limits, openings and closures before you head out to fish.

Key activities

• Fish production to support sustainable fisheries
• Stock conservation
• Stewardship and education
• Habitat restoration
• Stock assessment
• Coded wire tagging
• Indigenous partnerships
• External partnerships
• Water management

Local fishing and community involvement

• Freshwater: Region 1 - Vancouver Island
• Tidal waters: Area 14 (Comox/Parksville/Denman and Hornby Islands)
• Community projects: Central portion, east coast of Vancouver Island and adjacent mainland inlets

When can I see salmon?

Adult salmon

Adult salmon can be viewed from late July through to December but the best time to visit is the first 2 weeks of October. All egg-takes are done during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.

• Pinks – late July to early October
• Chinook – mid August to mid October (egg-takes early to mid October)
• Coho – October to December (egg-takes mid November)
• Chum – November

Juvenile salmon

Juvenile salmon can be viewed in our raceways and earthen channels in the winter/spring. The best time to view them is April and May with Coho released in early May and Chinook release in late May and late June.

The automated marking trailer is on site in April/May to clip and tag Chinook, and in June for Coho.

The best way to contact the hatchery for details on specific dates of activities listed above and updates on river abundance is via email. Phone messages are not returned.

Horne Lake