Catch & Release Chinook Hammering Discovery Passage

Conditions Are Prime in Campbell River

Sunday morning greeted us with picture-perfect water — 15°C, clear skies, and barely a whisper of wind out of the north at 5 km/h. The Passage is laying down flat calm with that glassy 0.0m surface we dream about. We're working the morning slack into the flood, and that tide change is firing the bite right up. When Discovery Passage looks like this, you fish it hard.

Peak Chinook Season Is Here

The big news is the Chinook. We are smack in the middle of peak season, and these fish are hitting like freight trains. The typical class right now is a chunky 12–16 lb Chinook, but make no mistake — there's a very real shot at a trophy in the 30–35 lb range moving through. Remember, Chinook are catch & release only until July 15 per DFO regulation, so we're all about the fight, the photo, and the release this week. The action is non-stop and these fish pull drag like nothing else.

We're also starting to see early Coho showing up on the edges. They're a fun bonus and a great sign of what's stacking up for the weeks ahead.

Technique Hints

With the clear water and bright skies, we're running glow and UV teaser heads down a touch deeper, pairing them with anchovy and tight-rolling flashers. Slow troll the tide lines through the flood and keep an eye on your bait schools — the Chinook are sitting right on the bait. Along Johnstone Strait and the Campbell River side of the Passage, those structure edges and current seams are holding fish. Sharp hooks and a smooth drag are everything when a 30-pounder eats.

What to Expect This Week

Expect a busy rod and plenty of catch & release Chinook action through the week as conditions hold steady. The early Coho will keep things interesting, and every trip carries that trophy potential. Mornings on the slack into flood are your best window.

Book Now — July 15 Opener Looms

Here's the kicker: Chinook retention opens July 15, and that's a major event in Campbell River every single year. The fish are already here in force — now is the time to lock in your dates. Boats fill fast around the opener. Don't wait. Get on the water with Fishing Storie Charters and feel that Discovery Passage Chinook pull for yourself.

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.