Campbell River Fishing Calendar
Know exactly when to book your trip. Our month-by-month guide shows you the best times to target each species in Campbell River waters.
Peak Season
July 15 - September — Chinook opens, plus Pink & Chum salmon runs
Groundfish Season
Halibut opens April, Lingcod & Rockfish open July 1
Coho Opens Sept 1
Coho open Sept 1 (1 wild + 1 hatchery). Sockeye non-retention. Check DFO for updates.
Monthly Fishing Guide
| Month | Chinook | Coho | Sockeye | Pink | Chum | Lingcod | Rockfish | Prawns | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January Winter | Good | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Winter Chinook only |
| February Winter | Good | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Winter Chinook only |
| March Early Spring | Good | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Winter Chinook - lingcod & rockfish closed until July 1 |
| April Spring | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Good | Halibut opens - lingcod & rockfish closed until July 1 |
| May Late Spring | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Fair | Halibut fishing - lingcod & rockfish open July 1 |
| June Early Summer | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Lingcod & rockfish open July 1 - Chinook opens July 15 |
| July Peak Summer | Peak! | Closed | Closed | Good | Fair | Peak! | Peak! | Closed | Lingcod & rockfish open July 1 - Chinook July 15 - TYEE TIME! |
| August Peak Summer | Peak! | Closed | Closed | Peak! | Great | Good | Peak! | Closed | PEAK CHINOOK + Pink & Chum |
| September Early Fall | Great | Peak! | Closed | Great | Peak! | Great | Peak! | Closed | COHO OPENS Sept 1 + Chinook + Chum |
| October Fall | Good | Great | Closed | Fair | Great | Peak! | Peak! | Fair | Coho + Chinook + Chum + Lingcod |
| November Late Fall | Good | Good | Closed | Closed | Fair | Fair | Great | Great | Coho + Lingcod closes Nov 16 |
| December Winter | Good | Fair | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Peak! | Winter Chinook + Coho + Prawning |
Species Spotlight
Chinook (King) Salmon
Opens July 15 | Peak: July - September
Campbell River is the "Salmon Capital of the World" for a reason — our Chinook fishing is legendary. Trophy fish over 30 lbs (called "Tyee") are caught throughout summer. Season opens July 15.
DFO Regulations (2025-2026)
- • Winter Chinook: Open Jan - March 31
- • Closed: April 1 - July 14 (non-retention)
- • Summer/Fall: Open July 15 - Dec 31
- • Limits: 1/day Jul-Aug (max 80cm), 2/day Sept-Dec
Coho (Silver) Salmon
Opens Sept 1 | 1 Wild + 1 Hatchery
Coho are the acrobats of salmon fishing — known for spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Retention opens September 1 with both wild and hatchery fish allowed.
DFO Regulations (2025-2026)
- • Opens: September 1
- • Limit: 2/day (1 wild + 1 hatchery)
- • Hatchery = Adipose fin clipped with healed scar
- • Size Range: 8-15 lbs typical
Chum (Dog) Salmon
Peak: September
Chum salmon are powerful fighters that provide excellent sport. They're the second-largest Pacific salmon species and run strong in fall months.
Best Times
- • Peak Run: August through October
- • Size Range: 8-15 lbs typical
- • DFO Status: Open year-round, 4/day limit
Lingcod
Peak: April - May, October
These toothy predators are a thrill to catch and delicious to eat. Lingcod season opens July 1, with summer and fall being prime times.
Best Times
- • Season Opens: April 1 (closes Nov 16)
- • Spring Peak: April through May
- • DFO Limit: 3/day, min 65cm, 10/year
Planning Your Trip
Peak Salmon Season (July 15 - October)
Book 2-3 months in advance. The best time to fish Campbell River is when Chinook opens July 15 (Tyee time!), Coho opens Sept 1 (1 wild + 1 hatchery), plus Pink and Chum runs. Learn more in our comprehensive salmon species guide. Sockeye non-retention.
Groundfish Season (July - November)
Lingcod and rockfish open July 1, Halibut runs April-December. Summer and fall offer excellent Chinook plus peak Lingcod fishing. Check current charter rates and book 3-4 weeks ahead.
Winter Season (January - March)
Winter Chinook open through March 31. Prawns closed Jan 1 - Mar 31. Chinook closes April 1, reopens July 15. Lingcod closed for spawning. December offers prawning before Jan closure.
Local Fishing Derbies & Events
Join the community! Campbell River hosts exciting fishing derbies each fall that combine competition, conservation, and celebration.
Sunset Nite Bite Ladies Derby
August 10, 2026 — 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Campbell River's women's fishing derby — one exciting evening on Discovery Passage! FSC participates as one of the charter guide boats.
Event Highlights
- • Target Species: Chinook and Coho salmon
- • Prizes: Cash prizes for heaviest Chinook and Coho
- • Includes: Accommodations, meals, entertainment
- • Guides: 8 experienced guides including FSC
Organized by Shannon Lim | Instagram: @sunsetnitebite
Brown's Bay Chum Derby
October 17-19, 2026 (Typical dates)
Campbell River's longest-running fishing derby with 21+ years of tradition. Always sells out — perfect October timing for peak Chum salmon!
Event Highlights
- • Entry: ~$75 (includes t-shirt, tent access)
- • Target Species: Chum salmon (October peak)
- • Prizes: Cash for top 3 + door prizes
- • Entertainment: Live music Friday & Saturday nights
- • Charity: $190,000+ raised for Greenways Land Trust
Brown's Bay Resort, 15021 Brown's Bay Road (12 miles north of CR)
Want to practice before the derby? Book a fall charter with FSC to scout locations and perfect your techniques!
Book Your Pre-Derby CharterReady to Plan Your Trip?
Now that you know the best times to fish, let's get you on the water!
