FSC Daily Fishing Report - Monday, June 1, 2026

Summer Chinook Fishing Lights Up Discovery Passage

Twenty-nine degrees. A few clouds drifting over the Coastal Range. Snow still holding on the peaks across the strait and the water below it flat and blue-green and barely moving. That was the scene on Discovery Passage today — the first day of June, and summer arriving in Campbell River like it meant it. East wind held at 13 km/h, barely enough to dimple the surface. Visibility stretched past 10 kilometres. The kind of day where you can see Quadra Island in sharp detail and the mountains beyond it look painted on.

Conditions on the Water

The marine forecast had northwest winds building to 15-25 knots overnight, with a strong outflow warning through the mainland inlets, but our midday window was clean. Seas sat at one metre or less. The morning high tide at 4:49 AM had already flushed through, and the water was dropping toward a significant low of 2.2 feet at 1:05 PM. Seymour Narrows went slack before flood at 1:06 PM — that transition is gold for Chinook fishing in the passage. The falling water concentrates bait, the slack lets the fish move freely, and the incoming flood pushes everything into the feeding lanes. Water temperature came in at 15.1 degrees Celsius, warm for early June and a sign the fish are holding shallower than they would in spring.

The Catch

Captain Bruce launched the 17-foot Boston Whaler Montauk from Coast Marina at 11:00 AM with Brendan and Nami aboard — a couple from Grand Prairie on their first ocean salmon trip. The technique was trolling hoochies behind flashers through the main channel, working the 80-120 foot range on the downriggers. The full moon — 98 percent illuminated — delivered an excellent solunar forecast, and the major feeding period from noon to 2:00 PM overlapped almost exactly with that 1:06 PM slack. The result was eight Chinook brought to the boat over four hours. All released. The best fish was a chrome bright 9-pounder that bent the rod properly and had Brendan grinning from ear to ear. These are summer feeders — bright, healthy, aggressive on the lures — and they confirmed that the seasonal pattern is setting up nicely in Discovery Passage.

What Is Running in June

June marks the transition into Campbell River's summer Chinook fishery. Feeder Chinook in the 5-15 pound range are working the bait schools through Discovery Passage, with larger fish starting to stage for their migration through the narrows. The average Chinook this summer season is running around 25 pounds, with a range of 20-30 pounds for the bigger specimens. Under current DFO Area 13 regulations, retention rules require careful attention — check the latest Fishery Notices before heading out. Coho salmon are also beginning to show in increasing numbers as summer progresses. Water temperatures will continue to climb through June and July, keeping the fish active and accessible at shallower depths.

Book Your Campbell River Fishing Charter

Fishing Storie Charters runs three departures daily from Coast Marina in Campbell River — 6:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 4:00 PM. Our 4-hour introductory trips are perfect for first-timers and experienced anglers alike. The Boston Whaler Montauk is nimble and built for two, ideal for couples and small groups who want a focused, personal experience on the water. June and July spots are filling up as summer fishing on Vancouver Island hits its stride. View our salmon fishing charters and check rates and availability to lock in your dates.

Weather: 29°C, few clouds, east wind 13 km/h, excellent visibility 10 km+ | Water: Light ripple, blue-green water, calm and fishable