FSC Daily Fishing Report - Saturday, September 5, 2026

Conditions Report: Saturday, September 5, 2026

A still, grey morning greeted us on Discovery Passage. Air temp sat at 14°C with barely a breath of wind, N at just 1 km/h. Low overcast cloud hung over Quadra Island and the far shore, and visibility stretched a comfortable 10 km. Sunrise came at 6:42 AM, so we ran out of Coast Marina in the soft dawn light and set our lines as the day opened up.

The marine forecast for Johnstone Strait and Discovery Passage called for light wind becoming southeast 5 to 15 knots, with seas 1 metre or less. On the water it played out flat calm, grey-green, just a light ripple across the surface. As easy and comfortable a morning as September gives you.

Tides did the heavy lifting. Low tide at Campbell River read 3.1 ft at 6:32 AM, building toward the 2:28 PM high of 12.1 ft. At Seymour Narrows, slack before flood hit at 6:12 AM, and the building flood right after pushed bait through the channel. That early flood window is prime, and it delivered.

The Catch

Captain Bruce ran the 6 AM departure aboard the 17' Boston Whaler Montauk with Andrew aboard for a 4-hour introductory trip. We trolled hoochies on the downriggers in the 80 to 120 foot range, working the main channel steady and slow. The rod loaded up, the drag ticked out, and Andrew leaned into his first fish. A chrome bright Chinook in the 14 to 16 lb range came to the net, fresh from the salt with every fin intact. The last quarter moon, 42% lit, carried a Good solunar rating, and the major feeding window from 5:39 to 7:39 AM ran right through our first hour on the water. Warm water at 17.2°C kept the fish active and holding shallower.

What's Running in September

September is Tyee season in Campbell River, and it is the time of year we live for. The fish are running strong through Discovery Passage and around Cape Mudge. Most Chinook this season fall in the 12 to 16 lb range, with a genuine shot at a trophy 30-plus pounder. Under DFO Area 13 regulations, September brings a daily limit of two Chinook per angler with a 62 cm minimum and no maximum size, meaning the big fish can come home. It is a fine month to be on the water.

Book Your Trip

The Montauk is nimble and perfect for one or two anglers, letting Captain Bruce work specific spots with patience and local know-how. If you have been thinking about a September morning on Discovery Passage, now is the time. View our salmon fishing charters and Check rates and availability at fishingstoriecharters.com.

Weather: Overcast, 14°C, light rain, calm winds N at 1 km/h | Water: Flat calm, grey-green, light ripples on the surface