Drizzle and a Rising Flood: Coho Crush Surface Spoons Today

Today's Conditions on Discovery Passage

It's a classic West Coast morning here in Campbell River — 12°C with a soft drizzle hanging over the water and a gentle SE breeze at 12 km/h. Wave height is running about half a metre, so the passage is comfortable and fishable. We're working the morning slack tipping into the flood, and that tide change is exactly the window we want. Overcast, drizzly skies like these are prime coho weather: the low light keeps these aggressive fish up in the top of the water column and willing to chase.

What's Running and Why

Coho are absolutely peaking right now, and they're the reason we're on the water. These are chunky fish in the 10–15 lb range, full of attitude and more than happy to smash a surface presentation. When the flood starts pushing bait through Discovery Passage, the coho pin them and the bite lights up. Alongside the silvers, chum salmon are just beginning to arrive — hard-pulling fish that add a fun bonus to the day — and there are still a few late Chinook prowling the deeper structure for anglers who want to mix it up.

Technique Hints

With coho holding high, keep your gear up top. Surface flies and bright spoons fished shallow are drawing the most vicious strikes right now. Add a little speed to your troll — coho love to chase, and a faster presentation triggers reaction bites. Work the tide line where the flood pushes bait, and don't be shy about changing colours until you find the hot one. For the chum and stray Chinook, drop a line a little deeper and you'll have a shot at a mixed bag.

What Guests Can Expect This Week

This is the sweet spot of the coho season. Expect fast action, screaming reels, and acrobatic fish on light gear — some of the most fun fishing all year. The drizzly, calm conditions we're seeing today are forecast to hold, which means comfortable water and cooperative fish. Whether you're chasing your first salmon or you're a seasoned angler, the coho peak makes for an unforgettable morning on the water.

Book Your Trip

Coho don't peak for long, and these bite windows are firing right now. If you've been thinking about getting out on Discovery Passage, this is the week to do it. Grab your spot before the run moves on — we'd love to put you on a screaming coho.

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.