FSC Daily Fishing Report - Wednesday, August 12, 2026
A clear August morning on Discovery Passage gave first-timer Greg his very first salmon — a chrome bright ten-pound Chinook. Here's the full report from our Campbell River fishing charter, including conditions, technique, and what's running this season.
Conditions Report: August 12, 2026
Some mornings the water just gives it to you. Wednesday was one of them. Clear sky overhead, 20°C air feeling like 19, and a light NNW breeze at 8 km/h — barely 4 knots — with visibility stretching a full 10 km across Discovery Passage. Sunrise came at 6:06 AM and we were out early to work the soft light.
Seas ran a metre or less: a gentle chop on deep blue-green water, easy and comfortable in the nimble Boston Whaler Montauk. The tides had us on a long ebb, dropping toward the midday low of 1.5 feet at 11:54 AM after the overnight high of 13.0 feet at 4:04 AM. Seymour Narrows was ripping a 13.4-knot ebb to the north, so Captain Trevor stayed south in the main channel near Cape Mudge and let the current push bait through.
The Catch
The plan was simple and it worked. We trolled hoochies — plastic squid lures — behind flashers, downriggers set deep at 222 feet in that 18°C water. It was a new moon and an Excellent solunar day, with the major feeding window landing between 10:17 AM and 12:17 PM, right in the middle of our morning.
Aboard was Greg, out for his very first day chasing salmon. He picked away at a handful of Chinook and released a few to keep the run strong. Then the rod loaded, the downrigger popped, and the fish came up silver — a chrome bright ten-pounder, his first ever salmon. Hands shaking, grin from ear to ear. That's the moment we do this for.
What's Running in August
August is prime Chinook season on Discovery Passage. Most fish this time of year run 12 to 16 pounds, with an honest shot at a trophy 30-plus pounder if the water gives you one. Under DFO Area 13 rules through August 31, anglers may keep one Chinook per day in the 62 to 80cm slot — anything over 80cm goes back to protect the big spawners. It's conservation that keeps this fishery strong, and we frame every release as a win. Coho are also on the move as summer rolls toward fall.
Book Your Trip
Whether it's your first salmon or your hundredth, we'd love to get you on the water. Captain Trevor runs relaxed, friendly trips out of Coast Marina A Dock — perfect for beginners and small groups aboard the Boston Whaler Montauk. View our salmon fishing charters and Check rates and availability at fishingstoriecharters.com. Summer spots are filling fast.
Weather: Clear sky, 20°C, light NNW wind 8 km/h gusting 12 km/h | Water: Light chop, deep blue-green water, calm and fishable
