Anchovy at 45 Feet, Glow Hootchies at 90: Today's Hot Setup
Anchovy shallow at 45 feet and glow hootchies deep are firing on Chinook, with Coho peaking and Pinks thick — prime variety this week.
What's Working Right Now
Good morning from Campbell River. We're starting the day at a crisp 13°C under clear skies, with a light NW wind at 11 km/h barely rippling the surface — wave height is sitting at a lazy 0.2m. That's about as clean as it gets out here, and we're riding the morning slack straight into the flood, which is exactly the window we want for putting fish in the box.
Let's talk gear, because that's what's separating the good days from the great ones this week. Our top producer has been an anchovy in a glow or UV teaser head run shallow, right around 40 to 50 feet on the downrigger. Chinook are hunting bait up in that column early, and a natural anchovy roll is drawing hard strikes. When the bite slides deeper through the flood, we're dropping glow hootchies down to 85-95 feet behind a flasher and marking fish the whole way down.
Chinook, Coho, and Everything In Between
The Chinook fishing is still firing. Most fish are landing in that 12-16 lb range, but this is the season's best shot at a true trophy — we're talking 30 lb-plus Tyee cruising through Discovery Passage. Retention is open: guests are keeping one Chinook per day (must be between 62cm and 80cm) and heading home with fresh salmon on ice.
Coho are peaking right now too, running a strong 12-16 lbs, and the Pinks are stacked up thick to keep rods bent between the big-fish takes. Honestly, this might be the best month of the year for sheer variety — you never know what's coming up on the next release.
What to Expect This Week
With this calm, clear weather pattern holding and the tides lining up beautifully, the flood-tide bite in Discovery Passage and out toward Johnstone Strait should stay dependable. Come dressed for a cool 13°C start — it warms up fast once the sun's over the mountains. Bring your camera, because a glassy morning with feeding Chinook makes for the kind of photos you'll be showing off all winter.
Whether you're chasing your first salmon or your personal-best Tyee, this is prime time on the water. Boats are filling up fast during peak season, so don't wait to lock in your morning slack-to-flood window. Give us a call and let's get you on the 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.
