Summer saltwater sport fishing is a BC pastime and part of our West Coast fabric.
Whether it’s trolling, mooching or jigging for salmon, going deep for halibut or drifting for ling cod, British Columbia’s saltwater recreational fishery has something for everyone. Just as I’m putting pen to paper this morning, I’m reading about the fantastic Sockeye returns in Barkley Sound, which make for just another reason to get out fishing this July!
BC is in some challenging times in terms of regulation, conservation, commercial, recreation and First Nation FAC. But we’ll just keep to the fishing part for today’s saltwater talk.
As of Canada Day, there seemed to be a loose coastal consensus that there were decent numbers of smaller Chinook but not a lotta size for this time of year. Perhaps this is the new normal but last season was hardly a banner season for big chinook.
Prince Rupert was okay in May but was hit with closures for almost two months to let Skeena fish through. Coho are showing up now but challenging salmon fishing with reduced retention in the North hasn’t added excitement to Spring.
We did four days up at QCL on Haida Gwaii in June with lots of Chinook and some decent Coho. There was the odd Tyee but most salmon registered in the teenager category. South from Rupert, Hartley Bay saw decent early fishing with some Tyee class Chinook coming in now for Chris Bolton Memorial Derby. North King in Camaano Sound is starting to see big Chinook roll through and down at our Bella Bella home base, Chinook fishing was decent in May and June due to early Bella Coola run.
Ling cod fishing and halibut fishing have been, well, ling cod and halibut fishing. I do know this…a lot of good guides and industry folks aren’t happy about the 102cm single in possession halibut regs. Regardless, bottom fishing in BC is exceptional through summer months so get out and enjoy the jig!
I got some great early season reports from Bute and Toba with some grande size Chinook being taken. And generally speaking lots of numbers. Across the way, Campbell River and Como continue to experience resurgent salmon fisheries. Down Island further, French Creek seems to be BC’s resurgent fishing hotspot. I’ve always loved Parksville and French Creek’s salty culture. From nasty winds to mini putt to Steve the Squidder, Parksville has a little of everything. Including easy access to the Island West Coast.
And speaking of the “other side,” Island West Coast buddies have been talking good salmon and bottom fishing for a while now. Solid fishing has been steadily reported from Barkley north to Winter Harbour and all points between. I know there’s a lot of people stoked on the warm water moving in and tuna season taking off later in summer. Yeehaw to that.
Closures have hampered sport fishing efforts in the South as of late, but after an awesome Winter Spring season in Van and Victoria, things are looking up for summer. Check your local regs on area specific closures and retention.
And this goes for everywhere on the coast. Regulations are changing quickly so know your daily and possession limits and area see idic closures.
If you’re in Prince Rupert, Parksville or Steveston, stop in and talk to the boys at PNT for a local angle…and all the clothing, tackle and gear for your angling adventures.
Tight Lines.
Tim