Trophy Chinook Building in Discovery Passage — 5 Days to Opener

Friday's Conditions on the Water

We've got a classic Campbell River summer morning shaping up today — 14°C, overcast skies, and glassy water with wave heights sitting right around flat calm. Light north winds at just 5 km/h mean comfortable running and easy spotting of bait balls and working birds. We're fishing the morning slack transitioning into the flood, which is prime time to intercept Chinook moving through the narrows.

What's Running and Why

The Chinook show in Discovery Passage is only getting better. Right now we're seeing a solid class of fish in the 12–16 lb range, with trophy-class Chinook — those 30 to 35 pounders — turning up more and more often as we roll toward Tyee season. These fish are staging and pushing through the Passage, following the bait, and the numbers have been genuinely exciting. Just remember: Chinook is catch & release only right now. The DFO retention opener lands on July 15 — just five days out — so every fish goes back for now, but the action is nonstop and the anticipation is building fast.

On top of the Chinook, early Coho are just starting to show. They're a little scattered still, but that first push is a great sign of what August has in store.

Technique Hints

With the flood building through Discovery Passage, we're running gear down deep and working the tide lines where bait stacks up. Anchovy in glow teaser heads and needlefish-style spoons behind flashers have been the go-to. Slow your troll and stay tight to the structure and current seams — that's where the big Chinook are holding. On the slack, drop down and cover the water column until you mark fish.

What Guests Can Expect This Week

Expect steady catch & release Chinook action with real shots at a trophy fish. The stretch from Campbell River up into Johnstone Strait is fishing well, and with the opener just around the corner, this is the perfect week to get dialed in. Boat those fish, take the photos, and get ready — because July 15 is going to be something special.

Book Your Trip

With retention opening in five days and trophy Chinook already on the move, the calendar is filling fast. If you want in on the opener or a red-hot week of Chinook action leading up to it, now's the time to lock in your date with Fishing Storie Charters.

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.