Big Chinook Pushing Through: Bait Balls Firing on the Flood

The Run Is Rolling In

This is the report we wait all year to write. Trophy Chinook are moving through Discovery Passage in force right now, and the size class showing up is exactly what has us grinning. Most fish crossing the deck are solid 12–16 pounders, but the real story is the shot at a genuine Tyee-class fish — we're talking 30 to 35 pounds. This is the best odds of the entire season for a giant, and the bait is telling us everything we need to know. Big bait balls are stacking along the shorelines and the Chinook are following them right in.

Today's Conditions

It's a soft, forgiving morning out there. We're sitting at 16°C with a bit of drizzle overhead, but that's no problem for the fish — if anything the low light keeps them on the chew longer. Winds are light out of the northeast at just 4 km/h, and the water is glassy with wave height hovering around 0.2 metres. We're working the morning slack into the flood, which is prime timing to intercept fish moving through the Passage on the push of tide.

What's Working

The Chinook are keying on bait, so match the hatch. Anchovy in a glow or UV teaser head fished behind a flasher has been deadly, and we're finding fish spread across the water column — work your gear from 45 feet on down and let the sounder guide you to the bait marks. When you spot a bait ball, slow your troll and stay on it. Coho are also in the mix and hitting surface gear hard, so a shallower line running bucktails or hootchies can add a fun bonus to the box. Pinks are around too and keep the rods bent for the whole crew.

Keeping Your Catch

Chinook retention is OPEN as of July 15. Guests can keep one Chinook per day, minimum 62 cm and maximum 80 cm, and take that beautiful fish home for the table. There are no urgent DFO changes to report today, so the plan is simple: get on the water and put a trophy in the net.

Book Your Window

The next few weeks are the peak of the Tyee season — glassy mornings, moving fish, and the best trophy odds of the year. Whether you're chasing a personal best Chinook or just want a bent rod and a cooler full of salmon, now is the time to step aboard. Spots fill fast during trophy season, so lock in your date with Fishing Storie Charters and let's go find your fish.

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.