Trophy Chinook Heating Up as July 15 Opener Nears

Calm Seas and Big Chinook in Discovery Passage

Good morning from Campbell River! We've got picture-perfect conditions on the water today — 14°C, overcast skies, and light northerly winds barely tickling the surface at 5 km/h. The water is glass-flat with waves sitting at essentially zero, and we're working the morning slack rolling into a nice flood tide. When it lays down like this, you know it's going to be a good day on the salt.

Chinook Running Strong (Catch & Release for Now!)

The star of the show right now is Chinook salmon pushing hard through Discovery Passage. We're seeing plenty of fish in that 12–16 lb range, and — this is the exciting part — trophy-class fish are showing up more and more often as we roll toward Tyee season. A few brutes in the 30–35 lb class have been turning heads at the dock. Remember, Chinook is strictly catch & release until July 15, so we're releasing these beauties to fight another day. That said, the tug is still the drug, and battling a trophy Tyee on the reel is every bit as thrilling whether it comes home with you or not.

Early Coho on the Move

We're also starting to see early Coho trickle in — a great sign of what's ahead. They're not thick yet, but a bright, hard-charging Coho is always a welcome bonus on the line while we're hunting Chinook.

Technique Tips

With that flood tide building, we're focusing on tide lines and structure through the Passage. Trolling anchovies in glow teaser heads and flashers has been consistently producing, and dropping down to find that active biting zone is key. On slack-to-flood transitions, slow it down and let those baits roll naturally. Barbless hooks and gentle handling keep our released Chinook healthy and swimming strong.

What to Expect This Week

Expect steady catch & release Chinook action with a real shot at a trophy fish, plus the chance to tangle with those first Coho. And here's the big one — Chinook retention opens July 15, just 6 days away! The fish are here, they're getting bigger, and the timing couldn't be better.

Book Your Spot Now

With the retention opener days away and trophy Chinook already in the neighbourhood, the calendar is filling fast. Don't miss your window to fish the legendary waters of Discovery Passage and Johnstone Strait. Grab your rod and let's go make a fishing storie!

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.