Fishing Styles

Fresh Water Fishing

Fly fishing is a good choice for summer run fish but more challenging for winter Steelhead. Winter conditions, especially high water make other tackle choices more appropriate. Float fishing and bottom bouncing artificial lures or using spoons with baitcasting or spinning gear are common methods when in pursuit of silvery Steelhead fresh from the sea.

Depending on the river and water conditions access to the river is by driving and walking in and out of various sections. Some rivers are best fished by a longer uninterrupted raft trip down river from run to run. Weather and water change reguarly in our temperate rain forest, making local knowledge of the streams a must for a successful trip. Be sure and check out the Fishing Reports section for information on the best times to fish.

Salt Water Fishing

I have been an independent guide since 1979, based in my home town of Campbell River, although at one time or another I have fished in many of the hot spots elsewhere on the B.C. coast - Rivers Inlet/Hakai Pass, Blackfish Sound, Nootka Sound and Langara Island in the Queen Charlottes. My boat the Ella B. is a classic Bertram 20, completely rebuilt and re-powered in early 1998 which can comfortably fish three adults. It is covered to provide shelter from the elements and has new premium electronics (Furuno colour video sounder, radar and G.P.S., Icom marine VHF radio). In recent years the areas of primary focus for my fishing have been in Campbell River or over on the north west coast of Vancouver Island at the village of Kyuquot. Both can offer great fishing but differ somewhat in the broad experience.

Campbell River is a town of 25,000 on the doorstep to all the islands that lay between Vancouver Island and the mainland of Canada. Discovery Passage and Johnstone Strait are the main "fish highways" for all the species of salmon moving down the east coast of Vancouver Island and Campbell River can truly boast of salmon fishing nigh on year 'round.

The summer fishing starts in May for chinook salmon, usually 8 - 18 pounders, and which continues right into the end of August. Bigger fish, including the famous 'Tyee's" (chinook over 30 lbs.) are most often present between mid July and early September. Campbell River has an unusual river mouth fishery for these large salmon, focused around the rowboat fleet of the Tyee Club. I have one of these specialized craft and would be happy to discuss this unique fishery in greater detail for those interested.

Fishing for coho salmon takes place throughout the summer, but has undergone some changes from prior to the 1990's, primarily due to altered migration patterns in their last year of life. They continue to play an important role in our sport fishery, and in 1998 there was some outstanding fishing for these prized game fish, with an average size (7 - 18 lbs.) that hadn't been seen in years.

As the summer progresses waves of sockeye, pink and then chum salmon pass through, literally by the millions. As techniques and technology have developed, fishing for these three species of salmon has become an integral part of our fishing year to complement the more traditional quarry of chinook and coho salmon. Sockeye are the tastiest of all the salmon species, pinks the most numerous, and both are common in the mid summer period. Chum salmon don't arrive until mid September, with the best fishing a month later. These are large (10 - 20 lb.) salmon that are wild fighters, and now that we have learned how to catch them consistently provide a tremendous finish to the season.

Campbell River has excellent transportation connections from Vancouver, ensuring that access from anywhere in the world is easy. Campbell River offers a wide range of accommodation options from waterfront hotels to campgrounds and everything in between. Similarly, there is a large choice in restaurants, and for those non-fishing times there are two golf courses, a museum, an excellent selection of shops, several movie theaters and many other outdoor excursions. By contrast, Kyuquot is a small, semi-remote village of approximately 300 people that can be accessed by air and water transportation only. While it is protected from the fiercest storms by Walters Island, Kyuquot is situated right on the oceans edge, with the best salmon fishing just minutes away.

From early July to early September Kyuquot is famous for the large chinook salmon (20 - 40 lbs.) that pass by on their migration south. Smaller"feeder" chinooks are present earlier and later in the season. Waves of coho salmon move in and out throughout the summer, offering great light tackle sport. There is also fine fishing for halibut to over 100 lbs., lingcod, rockfish and red snapper, all superb fish for your dining table. Given the right weather and oceanic conditions, albacore (longfin tuna) have been caught there on rod and line in the late summer.

Kyuquot's other claim to fame is being at the heart of Canada's rebuilding sea otter population. Viewing these endearing animals at close range is an integral part of the Kyuquot fishing experience, along with sea lions, bald eagles, tufted puffins and various whales - greys, orcas and minke's.

Accommodation is limited there, and I enjoy a working relationship with the Kyuquot Beach House, owned by Lynn Mooney and Mike Barker. The Beach House is a recently renovated waterfront facility for up to 10 guests, offering all the comforts of home - private bedrooms, fine dining, phone/fax service and kayaks are available for something different to try. There is a general store in the village, as well as a permanently staffed Red Cross outpost. For a very different experience, try Kyuquot!

Given sufficient notice, I have done long distance/long term charters for motor yachts throughout the B.C. coast and into the Alaskan Panhandle. I can provide a cooking service as well in these circumstances and can provide references if requested.

For many years one of the challenges facing the B.C. sports fishery has been to get the recognition from management of the conservation, economic and social benefits it provides to Canada. Progress has been slow but sure, and in December of 1998 the federal government announced that the recreational fishery will have a priority allocation before any commercial fishing takes place for both chinook and coho salmon. This has been tremendous news, and which should ensure that sportfishing in British Columbia is as good as anywhere in the world.