FSC Daily Fishing Report - Friday, July 17, 2026
A grey, rainy day off Cape Mudge produced a chrome bright Chinook for a returning angler. Read the full Campbell River fishing charter report, featuring warm water, active summer Chinook salmon, and Tomic plugs.
Conditions Report: July 17, 2026
Some of the best fishing days out here don't announce themselves. Friday came in grey and soft, 16°C with a light rain falling steady through the morning. No drama in the sky, just cloud-wrapped mainland mountains sitting quiet on a 10 km horizon.
The wind was gentle to start, barely a whisper from the east at 2 km/h, though the marine forecast promised northwest 10 to 20 knots building through Discovery Passage later on. Seas held kind at one metre or less. High tide had come at 6:50 AM, and the ebb was pulling hard toward a 1:59 PM low of just 2.6 feet. Out at Seymour Narrows the current was screaming a 19.6 knot ebb, so we stayed south where the water was manageable and the fish were feeding.
The Catch
Captain Bruce ran the midday trip aboard the 17-foot Boston Whaler Montauk, a nimble little classic that's perfect for working specific spots with one or two anglers. We pointed south to Cape Mudge, the historic Tyee waters off the tip of Quadra Island.
We trolled Tomic plugs down the riggers at 80 to 120 feet, following the bait along the tide line at around 2.5 knots. Water temp read a warm 17.4°C, which kept the fish up and active. The afternoon slack window lined up with the major solunar feeding period under a waxing crescent moon, and the fish cooperated. Samson, a returning guest from Vancouver, came tight on a chrome bright Chinook, a clean summer feeder in the 12 to 14 pound range. The fish came up silver and cold, and the smiles told the rest.
What's Running in July
Summer is prime Chinook time in Campbell River. Most fish this season run 12 to 16 pounds, honest feeder Chinook with the occasional shot at a trophy over 30. From July 15 through August 31, DFO Area 13 runs a 62 to 80 cm slot limit, one Chinook per day, with anything over 80 cm released to keep the run strong. Coho start to fill in as summer deepens, and the warm water means the fish are shallower and willing.
Book Your Trip
The water is warm, the fish are here, and July is flying by. We depart Coast Marina A Dock with free parking at the south end of Tyee Plaza, running three trips daily at 6 AM, 11 AM, and 4 PM. View our salmon fishing charters and Check rates and availability at fishingstoriecharters.com. Come fish the Tyee waters with us this summer.
Weather: 16°C, light rain, overcast, light easterly wind at 2 km/h | Water: Light chop, green-grey water, 1 metre or less
