Quadra Shorelines Loaded: Trophy Chinook Stack in Discovery Passage

Where the Fish Are Holding Today

The Chinook have set up exactly where we hoped they would. Right now the best concentrations are stacking along the Quadra Island shorelines and running the tide lines through Discovery Passage, with a strong push spilling up out of Johnstone Strait. These fish are riding the bait, and the bait is glued to the structure and current seams off Quadra. If you want to be on trophy Chinook this week, that's the water to work.

Today's Conditions

We're looking at a soft, fishy morning here in Campbell River. It's 16°C with rain showers rolling through, but don't let the grey skies fool you — overcast and drizzly is prime salmon weather. SE winds are barely a whisper at 4 km/h, and the wave height is flat at about 0.2m, so it's comfortable, easy running out there. We've got morning slack building into the flood, and that turning tide is going to trigger the bite along the passage.

What's Running and Why

Trophy season is in full swing. Chinook retention opened July 15, and this is the best fishing of the year. Most fish coming over the rails are solid 12-16 pounders, but right now you have the genuine best odds all season at a 30-35 lb Tyee-class Chinook. On top of that, Coho are showing well and hitting surface gear, and Pink Salmon are around in good numbers to keep the rods bent between the big ones.

Technique Hints

Anchovy in a glow teaser head down around 45 feet has been the deadly presentation for these Chinook. Work the Quadra shorelines and the tide seams as the flood builds. For Coho, bring your gear up higher and fish surface lures — they're aggressive right now. Keep an eye on that slack-to-flood transition; that window is when the trophy fish feed hardest.

What to Expect This Week

With calm winds and the bait dialed in along Discovery Passage, conditions are stacked in our favour. Guests can keep and take home one Chinook per day (min 62cm, max 80cm) under current DFO regulations, so there's a real chance to head home with a beautiful fish for the table.

Book Your Seat

This is the week salmon anglers wait all year for. The trophy Chinook are here, the water's calm, and the bite is on. Spots are filling fast — book now and let's put you on the fish of the season.

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.