Campbell River Fishing Seasons
Know exactly when to fish for each species in the Salmon Capital of the World. Plan your trip for peak action with our complete month-by-month guide.
Timing is everything in salmon fishing. Campbell River's unique location at the confluence of major Pacific salmon migration routes means different species arrive at different times throughout the year. Understanding Campbell River fishing seasons is the key to planning a successful fishing trip - whether you're targeting trophy Tyee Chinook in midsummer, feisty Coho in the fall, or massive Halibut in spring waters.
This comprehensive seasonal guide breaks down exactly what's biting each month in Discovery Passage, including peak times for all five Pacific salmon species, bottom fish opportunities, and the best overall periods to visit based on your target species and fishing goals.
Month-by-Month Fishing Calendar
Plan your Campbell River fishing adventure with our detailed seasonal breakdown showing target species, typical sizes, and fishing conditions throughout the year.
January
Target Species
Winter Chinook salmon
Typical Size
15-25 lbs
Conditions
Cold water temps (45-48ยฐF). Dress warm! Resident Chinook provide steady action for winter anglers.
February
Target Species
Winter Chinook, Dungeness crab
Typical Size
15-25 lbs (Chinook)
Conditions
Quieter season with fewer boats. Excellent crabbing. Winter Chinook continue through the month.
March
Target Species
Winter Chinook, Lingcod opens
Typical Size
15-28 lbs (Chinook), 10-30 lbs (Lingcod)
Conditions
Lingcod season opens (typically March 1). Excellent bottom fishing begins. Spring Chinook start arriving.
April
Target Species
Spring Chinook, Halibut opens, Lingcod
Typical Size
18-30 lbs (Chinook), 20-100+ lbs (Halibut)
Conditions
Halibut season opens! Spring Chinook fishing picks up. Weather improves. Excellent combo fishing opportunities.
May
Target Species
Chinook salmon, Halibut, Lingcod, rockfish
Typical Size
20-35 lbs (Chinook), 20-100+ lbs (Halibut)
Conditions
Excellent spring fishing! Chinook numbers build. Halibut fishing in full swing. Long daylight hours and warming weather.
June
Target Species
Chinook salmon, Halibut, Lingcod, Sockeye begin
Typical Size
20-40 lbs (Chinook), 25-100+ lbs (Halibut)
Conditions
Pre-summer peak fishing! Large Chinook arrive. All fishing options available. Fantastic weather and calm seas.
July
PeakTarget Species
Chinook (Tyee-sized!), Coho begin, Pink, Sockeye, Halibut, Lingcod
Typical Size
25-50+ lbs (Chinook), 8-15 lbs (Coho)
Conditions
BEST MONTH! Trophy Tyee Chinook (30+ lbs) arrive. All species available. Perfect weather. Book early!
August
PeakTarget Species
Tyee Chinook (peak!), Coho, Pink, Sockeye, Chum, Halibut
Typical Size
30-60+ lbs (Tyee), 10-15 lbs (Coho)
Conditions
PEAK TYEE SEASON! All 5 salmon species present. Trophy fish common. Busiest month - reserve months ahead.
September
PeakTarget Species
Coho (peak!), Chinook, Pink, Sockeye, Chum
Typical Size
12-18 lbs (Coho), 20-35 lbs (Chinook)
Conditions
COHO PEAK! Catch all 5 salmon species in one day. Fall colours spectacular. Fewer crowds than August.
October
Target Species
Late-run Coho, Chum, Chinook
Typical Size
10-16 lbs (Coho), 15-25 lbs (Chinook)
Conditions
Excellent fall Coho fishing continues. Beautiful fall scenery. Weather remains pleasant. Less crowded waters.
November
Target Species
Winter Chinook return, late Coho
Typical Size
15-25 lbs (Chinook)
Conditions
Transition to winter fishing. Resident Chinook provide consistent action. Dress for cool, wet weather.
December
Target Species
Winter Chinook salmon
Typical Size
15-25 lbs
Conditions
Winter fishing season. Cold water temps. Excellent for die-hard anglers seeking solitude and winter Chinook.
When Should You Visit Campbell River?
The ideal timing depends on your target species and fishing goals
๐ Trophy Tyee Chinook Fishing
Best Time: Mid-July through August
Target salmon over 30 lbs during peak Tyee season. Book 3-6 months ahead for prime dates.
๐ฃ Most Species Variety
Best Time: August through September
Catch all five Pacific salmon species. September offers fewer crowds with excellent Coho fishing.
๐ Halibut + Salmon Combo
Best Time: May through June
Target both Halibut and Chinook salmon in one trip. Spring weather and long days perfect for combo charters.
๐ฐ Best Value + Fewer Crowds
Best Time: May, June, or September
Excellent fishing with less competition for popular dates. Great weather and productive fishing at better availability.
Book Your Seasonal Charter
Choose the perfect charter for your target species and season
Half-Day Charter
5 hours - Perfect for summer peak season fishing when salmon are plentiful
From $840 โFull-Day Charter
8 hours - Maximize your catch during prime July-September Tyee season
From $1,680 โTyee Fishing Charter
Target trophy Chinook 30+ lbs during peak mid-July to August season
View Details โFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Campbell River fishing seasons
What is the best month for salmon fishing in Campbell River?
July and August offer peak fishing with all salmon species present, including trophy Tyee Chinook (30+ lbs). September is also excellent with peak Coho runs and the possibility of catching all five Pacific salmon species in a single day.
Can you fish year-round in Campbell River?
Yes! Campbell River offers productive fishing 12 months a year. Winter months (November-March) target resident Chinook salmon, spring (April-June) offers Chinook and Halibut, summer (July-September) is peak season for all species, and fall (October-November) provides excellent late Coho action.
When is halibut season in Campbell River?
Halibut fishing typically runs from April through September, with exact opening and closing dates set annually by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). May through August generally offers the most consistent halibut fishing in Discovery Passage.
What is Tyee season?
Tyee season runs from mid-July through mid-September, with peak action in August. A Tyee is a Chinook salmon weighing 30 pounds or more. The legendary Tyee Pool near Cape Mudge Lighthouse is the most famous location for targeting these trophy fish.
When do Coho salmon arrive in Campbell River?
Coho salmon begin arriving in late July, with numbers building through August and peaking in September. Early October can also provide excellent Coho fishing as late-run fish migrate through Discovery Passage.
