Spring Chinook Heat Up: Catch & Release Action Peaks in May

Prime Conditions for Spring Chinook Catch & Release

Wednesday, May 20th is shaping up to be an exceptional day on the water around Campbell River. With partly cloudy skies, light NW winds at just 10 km/h, and minimal wave height, conditions are textbook perfect for targeting Spring Chinook in the Discovery Passage and beyond. The morning slack into flood tide creates ideal feeding windows—exactly when these powerful fish are most aggressive.

Spring Chinook are filling out beautifully this week, averaging 15–25 lbs and showing the feisty, acrobatic runs that make them the most prized catch in BC waters. These fish are in their prime feeding phase as they transition through Johnstone Strait toward their home rivers. The combination of seasonal abundance and stable weather means explosive action is possible daily through the end of May.

Double-Header Opportunities with Lingcod

Here's the bonus: with Lingcod now open since May 1st, double-header days are absolutely on the table. Picture this—a screaming Chinook take on your herring, followed by a aggressive Lingcod strike on live bait near a rocky pinnacle. That's the kind of day our guests are experiencing right now.

What to Expect This Week

Technique-wise, we're focusing on live herring presentations in 60–120 feet of water around proven Chinook holding zones. Mooching and jigging both produce, but the key is timing—those slack-to-flood transitions are where the magic happens. Bring layers and your A-game patience; Spring Chinook reward persistence with unforgettable battles.

Remember: all Chinook are catch & release only until July 15th per DFO regulation, so bring your camera and prepare for the thrill of landing and releasing these magnificent fish. July 15th retention opener will be here before you know it, and these strong runners will only get bigger.

Book Your Adventure

If you've been thinking about testing yourself against Campbell River's legendary Spring Chinook, this week is calling. Light winds, rising fish, and double-header potential don't last—contact us today to secure your spot.

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.