Winter Chinook Running Strong Through Discovery Passage

Winter Chinook Season Heats Up in Campbell River

Tuesday's forecast looks ideal for targeting Winter Chinook in Discovery Passage. With overcast skies, light westerly winds at just 5 km/h, and calm seas, we're heading out into some of the most stable conditions we've seen this week. The morning slack transitioning into flood tide creates the perfect window for consistent action on these feisty 8–15 lb fish.

Winter Chinook are actively running through Discovery Passage right now, pushed through the Johnstone Strait by seasonal migrations and abundant forage. These fish are aggressive and hungry—exactly what we want to see in late March. They're holding in deeper structure where cooler water and strong tidal flows concentrate baitfish.

Our proven technique for steady action is deep jigging. Winter Chinook respond incredibly well to vertical jigging presentations in 80–150 feet of water. We'll be working the edges of known ledges and channels where these fish pause during tidal movements. The slower tides today actually work in our favor—less water movement means your jig stays in the strike zone longer, and the fish have more time to commit.

Lingcod are also moving through the area as a solid supporting fishery. If Chinook bites slow, we'll have productive jigging opportunities on these aggressive bottom dwellers. Both species provide excellent table fare and unforgettable fight on the rod.

What can you expect this week? Consistent Winter Chinook action, manageable weather windows, and the kind of responsive fishing that reminds you why March is one of Campbell River's hidden gems. We're in the sweet spot of the season—fish are feeding hard before the spring transition, and our presentation is dialed in.

Whether you're a seasoned jigging enthusiast or new to deep water techniques, our crew knows exactly where to find these fish and how to put them on your line. This week is prime time to experience what makes Campbell River famous.

Ready to experience world-class fishing in Campbell River? Book your charter trip with Fishing Storie Charters today. Captain Jason and the crew are ready to put you on fish.