Campbell River Salmon Fishing: Chinook & Coho Season in Discovery Passage

Campbell River salmon fishing is at its peak right now, with strong runs of Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) moving through Discovery Passage. Fishing Storie Charters runs guided trips out of Campbell River, BC — known as the Salmon Capital of the World (Source: Tourism Campbell River) — with Captain Jason putting guests on active fish across proven grounds near Seymour Narrows, Cape Mudge, and Quadra Island. To book a trip or check current conditions, call 250-202-8324.

Current Chinook & Coho Salmon Fishing in Discovery Passage

Operating in the nutrient-rich waters of Discovery Passage (DFO Pacific Region), Fishing Storie Charters is currently targeting two of the most sought-after Pacific salmon species. Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) — also called king salmon — are the heavyweights of the season, prized for their size, hard-fighting runs, and rich table quality. Alongside them, Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) provide fast, acrobatic action that keeps rods bent and anglers of every skill level smiling. Together, these two species make Campbell River, BC one of the most reliable salmon fisheries on Vancouver Island.

The tidal currents that funnel through Discovery Passage and Seymour Narrows push bait tightly against structure, concentrating feeding salmon in predictable zones. Captain Jason reads these tide windows daily and adjusts location and technique to match, whether the fish are holding near Cape Mudge or staging along the Quadra Island shoreline. If you want to understand the fishery before you go, our Discovery Passage fishing guide and Seymour Narrows guide break down exactly where and why these salmon bite.

Why Campbell River Is the Salmon Capital of the World

Campbell River earned its title as the Salmon Capital of the World (Source: Tourism Campbell River) because of its unique geography. Positioned on the east coast of Vancouver Island where the Strait of Georgia narrows into Discovery Passage, the region acts as a natural migration corridor for salmon returning to spawn (Fisheries and Oceans Canada). Millions of fish pass through these waters each season, and the cold, oxygen-rich upwellings created by Seymour Narrows keep baitfish — and the salmon chasing them — active throughout the summer and fall.

This concentration of fish is why Fishing Storie Charters has been able to complete 386+ fishing trips in the past year while maintaining a perfect 5-star rating across 153+ verified reviews. Guests consistently mention Captain Jason's local knowledge, safety-first approach, and genuine passion for the fishery. You can read those firsthand accounts on our guest reviews page, or dig deeper into each species on our salmon species guide before your trip.

The Fishing Storie Charters Fleet

Comfort matters when you are on the water chasing salmon, and our fleet is built for it. The flagship 27' Boston Whaler Conquest carries up to 4 guests and features a heated cabin, Starlink WiFi, and a private washroom — ideal for families, full-day adventures, and cooler shoulder-season mornings. For anglers who want a nimble, up-close experience, our three 17' Boston Whaler Montauks each take 2 guests and are perfect for focused, hands-on fishing near Cape Mudge and Quadra Island.

Every vessel is captained by an experienced local guide who knows how to put you on Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) safely and productively. Explore all the boats on our fleet page, compare options on our rates and pricing page, and if this is your first outing, our first-time fishing resource covers everything you need to know before stepping aboard.

Choosing the Right Trip This Season

Trip length shapes how much water you cover and how many salmon you can target. Our full-day salmon charter gives Captain Jason the flexibility to chase multiple tide windows across Discovery Passage and Seymour Narrows, maximizing your shot at both Chinook and Coho. A half-day charter is a great fit for anglers with limited time, while the 4-hour introductory trip is ideal for newcomers and younger guests trying salmon fishing for the first time.

Not sure what to bring or how to prepare? Our how to prepare guide walks you through clothing, food, and expectations so you arrive ready to fish. Whatever trip you choose, you'll be fishing some of the most productive salmon grounds in British Columbia, Canada — waters that have made Campbell River famous.

Frequently Asked Questions