Big-Shouldered Coho Move In: 15-Pounders on the Feed Now
Big 10–15 lb coho are peaking on the feed in Discovery Passage, with chum arriving and late chinook still around on flat, glassy water.
Species on the Move in Discovery Passage
Good morning from Campbell River. The story today is all about fish movement, and it's a good one. The coho run has hit its stride, and we're seeing bigger, broad-shouldered fish showing up in the 10 to 15 lb range — the kind of coho that peel line and bend rods hard. These are aggressive, well-fed fish, and they're chasing bait balls right through Discovery Passage. When you see the birds working and the water dimpling, you know the coho are underneath pushing bait to the surface.
Today's Conditions
It's a classic fall morning out here — 11°C under overcast skies with just a whisper of NW wind at 8 km/h. Wave height is essentially flat at 0.0m, so we're running on glass. We're working the morning slack as it turns into the flood, which is exactly the window you want for peaking coho. Calm water and building current make for prime feeding conditions, and the fish are responding.
What's Running and Why
Coho are the headliners and they're at full peak, but they've got company. Chum salmon are starting to push into the system now, adding another hard-fighting option to the mix, and there are still late chinook cruising the deeper water. That variety means there's almost always something willing to bite, whether we're up shallow chasing coho or dropping down for a bonus fish.
Technique Hints
Coho this time of year love a fast presentation. Spoons are the go-to — bright green and glow patterns are earning their keep — and don't be shy about surface flies when you spot fish crashing bait. Keep your gear moving; a little extra speed triggers the reaction strikes coho are famous for. When we hit an active bait ball, we'll work the edges and stay on top of the school.
What to Expect This Week
With the coho peaking and chum building daily, the next stretch of days should be excellent. Conditions look stable, and as more fish move through Discovery Passage and toward Johnstone Strait, the action should only get better. This is the window serious salmon anglers wait for all year.
Boats are filling up fast during this peak. If you want to get in on aggressive coho and the arriving chum, now's the time to book your seat with Fishing Storie Charters — we'll 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.
