Spring is a wonderful time for a fishing trip, and often overlooked. In spring in Georgia Strait near Campbell River we are fishing for aggressively feeding Chinook salmon in their growing ages, mostly 6 to 20 pounds. The weather is usually good, although of course not usually as hot as summer.

 

In April and May, an additional attractive option is the fishing in the Inlets and Mainland side with some larger fish in the mix to make a day trip, or longer trip, very worthwhile. See ” Where We Fish ” and see ” Exploration Trips “. Meanwhile the Chinook fishing carries on close to Campbell River.

Early Summer

In June, there can be quite an overlap of fishing patterns. Often the Chinook fishing in the inlets is still great into mid-June. At about this time, new mature Chinooks start migrating in from the north, and so fishing in the Straits north of Campbell River comes into play. Meanwhile, fishing in Georgia Strait, including close to Campbell River is a mix of ” feeders ” and mature Chinooks.

Summer

July and August are always the popular times for family vacations. Throughout the summer Chinooks are coming in. We can head them off at the pass, north of Campbell River or we can find them south around Georgia Strait. Chinooks are always the main draw, however in mid-July we start to see additional salmon species, pinks, sockeyes, and coho salmon. These species vary from year to year. Odd numbered years are the strong years for pink salmon, which are the smallest but most numerous of the salmon species.

Also consider that Aug 15 to Sept 15 is the best time for rowing for Tyees (Chinooks over 30 pounds) in the grand Tyee Club tradition, when these special fish come home to linger a little while before going in to the Campbell River. See “Tyee Fishing “.

Fall

Chums and Cohos. In late August and through September mature cohos, often called ” Northerns ” from 5 pounds up into the teens, are coming in from the open ocean. Most of these are wild cohos and these will need to be released for conservation reasons. Some will be hatchery fish that can be kept. Cohos are terrific sporting fish and give extra action between the target fish. Chum salmon are starting to come in late September. Chums are great fighters, numerous, good sized, usually from 8 to 18 pounds, and underappreciated. Chums are great smoked fish. Most tourists have finished their annual vacation migration when the chum salmon are just starting to migrate. Late September and through October is chum time.

By November the mature Chinooks for the year have gone to their respective rivers. But in Georgia Strait the next years Chinooks are feeding and growing like teenagers. November through March, is productive for these aggressively feeding Chinook salmon. Many are going to be just around the keepable minimum size (62 cm, about 25 inches), but some will be 7 to 17 pounds, generally. We often fish close to the south side of Campbell River, weather permitting.