FSC Daily Fishing Report - October 9, 2026

Conditions Report: October 9, 2026

A clear, crisp fall morning greeted us on Discovery Passage. Air temperature sat at 10°C, feeling closer to 8°C with a light westerly wind at just 6 knots. Visibility was clean out to 10 kilometres, and the sun lifted over the mountains at 7:33 AM, backlighting the water in gold.

Environment Canada called seas at 1 metre or less through Johnstone Strait and Discovery Passage, so the morning offered a comfortable, settled window. With NW winds of 30 to 40 knots forecast to build overnight, Captain Bruce planned the trip around the early bite. Tides shaped the day: an overnight high at 4:29 AM gave way to a morning low at 10:58 AM, with the 11:07 AM slack before flood at Seymour Narrows as our prime window.

The Catch

RYOMA traveled all the way from Japan for his first Campbell River salmon, and the Narrows came through. Aboard the 17' Boston Whaler Montauk, we trolled hoochies behind flashers, running the downriggers between 80 and 120 feet and quartering the current seams at about 2.5 knots. The Good solunar forecast, with a major feeding period from 9:20 to 11:20 AM, lined up neatly with the easing tide. The rod loaded, the drag pulled, and a chrome bright chum salmon came up fighting. Fresh, silver, roughly 10 to 12 pounds, fins intact. RYOMA worked it well, and the grin said everything.

What's Running in October

October is a strong month in Campbell River. Chum salmon move through Discovery Passage in good numbers, holding tight to the current seams around Seymour Narrows, and feeder Chinook are available year round. Chum this time of year typically run 8 to 15 pounds and hit hard behind a flasher. Under DFO Area 13 regulations, Chinook must be a minimum of 62cm to retain, and anglers should always check current Fishery Notices before heading out. Fall also brings excellent wildlife viewing, with eagles, seals, and the occasional whale sharing the water.

Book Your Trip

The morning bite has been reliable and the chum are in. Captain Bruce runs intimate, one-on-one and two-angler trips on the nimble Boston Whaler Montauk, perfect for first timers and seasoned anglers alike, departing Coast Marina A Dock with free parking at the south end of Tyee Plaza. View our salmon fishing charters and Check rates and availability at fishingstoriecharters.com.

Weather: Clear sky, 10°C (feels like 8°C), light W wind at 6 knots, golden morning light | Water: Light chop to near calm, green and cold, seas 1 metre or less