FSC Daily Fishing Report - Saturday, August 8, 2026

Conditions Report: Saturday, August 8, 2026

Some mornings the strait just lays out for you. Saturday was one of them. Clear sky, 23°C, and a light NW wind at 7 km/h gusting to 17. Sunrise broke at 6:00 AM with the light soft off the water and the mountains standing sharp across Discovery Passage. Visibility ran a clean 10 km.

The marine forecast promised NW 20 to 30 knots building later in the day, but the early window held kind - seas under a metre with only a light chop riding the surface. Water temp read 18.1°C, warm enough to keep the Chinook active and feeding high in the column. We timed the trip around the Seymour Narrows slack before flood at 8:51 AM, with low tide hitting 9:20 AM at 1.9 ft. That flood window is prime on Discovery Passage - the current pushes bait through and the fish stack up to feed on it.

The Catch

Captain Trevor ran the 6 AM introductory trip aboard the 17' Boston Whaler Montauk, with Clint fishing solo. We trolled the main channel between Vancouver Island and Quadra Island, running hoochies behind flashers at 25 feet on the downriggers, holding around 2.5 knots. The Purple Haze Army Truck was the hot lure and it earned its keep. One kept, five released. The best of the day was a chrome bright Chinook right around 20 pounds. The rod loaded up, the drag ran, and Clint worked it clean and steady to the net. The morning major solunar feed ran 7:21 to 9:21 AM and lined up right with the slack. When the tide and the fish agree, you take it.

What's Running in August

August is Chinook season in Campbell River. Most fish sit in that 12-16 lb range this time of year, with a real shot at a trophy 30-plus pounder if the day breaks right. Under DFO Area 13 rules for July 15 to August 31, the Chinook slot is 62 to 80cm, one per day, and anything over 80cm goes back. We release the big ones healthy to keep the run strong for next season - and it feels good to watch them swim off. Coho are starting to show as well as summer rolls into fall. Warm water keeps the fish shallow and active, which makes for a great time to learn.

Book Your Trip

The Montauk is nimble and perfect for one or two anglers who want a personal, hands-on day. Whether it's your first time or your fiftieth, Captain Trevor will put you on fish and teach you the water. View our salmon fishing charters and Check rates and availability at fishingstoriecharters.com. August books up fast - come find out what the Discovery Passage bite is all about.

Weather: Clear sky, 23°C, NW wind 7 km/h gusting to 17 km/h | Water: Light chop, blue water, 1 metre or less