What fishing trips do you offer?

We offer guided salmon fishing charters including 4-hour introductory trips ($440-$660), half-day 5-hour charters ($840), full-day 8-hour charters ($1,680), multi-day trips ($3,360+), and specialty trips like Tyee fishing and catch-and-release. All trips are private, locally guided, and fully equipped.

What is the best time to fish in Campbell River?

Campbell River salmon fishing runs May through October. Chinook (King) salmon peak July-August with fish averaging 15-30+ lbs. Coho salmon peak August-September. The legendary Tyee season (30+ lb Chinook) runs July-September near Cape Mudge Lighthouse.

What is included in a fishing charter?

All fishing gear, tackle, bait, lures, life jackets, and fish cleaning are included. Our boats feature heated cabins, private restrooms, and Starlink WiFi. Just bring your BC Tidal Water Fishing License, weather-appropriate clothing, and snacks/drinks.

Where do trips depart from?

All trips depart from Discovery Harbour Marina, 1374 Island Hwy, K Dock, Campbell River, BC V9W 8C9. Free parking is available at the marina. GPS coordinates: 50.03492°N, 125.24499°W. We're just 5 minutes from downtown Campbell River.

Are your fishing charters family-friendly?

Yes! Our 4-hour introductory trips are perfect for kids, beginners, and families. We fish in calm, protected waters with patient, experienced guides. All safety equipment is provided and our boats have heated cabins and private restrooms for comfort.

Do I need a fishing license to fish in Campbell River?

Yes. Every person fishing in BC tidal waters must have a valid BC Tidal Waters Sport Fishing License. This includes children over 16 years old. Fishing without a license results in heavy fines, confiscated catch, and possible boat seizure.

How do I buy a BC fishing license?

Purchase your license online at the official Fisheries and Oceans Canada website. Choose annual (April 1 - March 31) or short-term (1, 3, or 5 days). Add a Salmon Conservation Stamp if you plan to retain any salmon. The process takes 5-10 minutes and is valid immediately.

What is the Salmon Conservation Stamp and do I need it?

The Salmon Conservation Stamp is mandatory if you plan to keep (retain) ANY salmon species including Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, Pink, or Chum. It costs approximately $6 and is valid for the same period as your license. You don't need it if you only plan to catch-and-release.

What are the salmon limits in Campbell River (Area 13)?

Area 13 daily limits: Maximum 4 salmon total per day (all species combined). Chinook: 2/day within the aggregate. Coho: Retention varies by season (check DFO notices). Pink and Chum: 4/day within aggregate. Sockeye: Currently non-retention. Possession limit is 2 daily limits (8 total salmon).

When can I keep Chinook salmon in Campbell River?

Chinook retention dates change annually for conservation. Typical periods: Winter Chinook open January-March 31, closed April 1 - July 14, then summer/fall open July 15 - December 31. Size restrictions may apply (e.g., only 1 over 77cm during certain periods). Always check current DFO regulations before fishing.

Know Before You Go

Fishing License & Regulations

Everything you need to know about BC fishing licenses, Area 13 regulations, daily limits, and conservation rules for Campbell River.

License Required - No Exceptions

Every person fishing in BC tidal waters MUST have a valid BC Tidal Waters Sport Fishing License. This includes children over 16. Licenses are checked by DFO officers on the water.

Fishing without a license = Heavy fines + confiscated catch + possible boat seizure

How to Get Your Fishing License

Purchase online before your charter. It takes 5-10 minutes and is valid immediately.

Visit DFO Website

Go to the official Fisheries and Oceans Canada website to purchase your license online.

Buy License Online

Choose Duration

Select annual license (April 1 - March 31) or short-term (1, 3, or 5 days). Add Salmon Conservation Stamp.

Print or Screenshot

Save your license confirmation. You'll need your license number on the water. Bring photo ID to verify.

License Types & Pricing (2024-2025)

License Type	Canadian Resident	Non-Resident
Annual (Apr 1 - Mar 31)	~$22	~$106
5-Day	~$7	~$21
3-Day	~$6	~$16
1-Day	~$5	~$11
Salmon Conservation Stamp	~$6	~$6

Prices are approximate and subject to change. Check official DFO website for current pricing.

Salmon Conservation Stamp REQUIRED

If you plan to keep ANY salmon, you MUST purchase a Salmon Conservation Stamp in addition to your basic fishing license. This includes all salmon species: Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, Pink, and Chum.

Stamp Requirements:

Mandatory if you plan to retain (keep) any salmon
Valid for same period as your license (annual or daily)
Not required if you only plan to catch-and-release

Area 13 Regulations (Campbell River)

Campbell River is in Management Area 13. These are the key regulations you need to know.

Daily Catch Limits

Chinook Salmon 2

2 per day (only 1 over 77cm during restricted periods)

Coho Salmon 2

2 per day (may vary by season)

Pink Salmon 4

4 per day (even years only)

Chum Salmon 4

4 per day

Total Salmon 4

Maximum 4 salmon total per day (all species combined)

Size & Possession Limits

Minimum Size Limits

Chinook: No minimum (but slot limits may apply)
Coho: Usually no minimum
Check current regulations for all species

Possession Limits

You may possess up to 2 daily limits of salmon (8 total salmon) at home or in storage.

Example: If daily limit is 4 salmon, you can have 8 salmon in your freezer.

How to Measure Fish

Measure from tip of nose to fork of tail (NOT total length including tail fin).

Chinook Retention Dates (Seasonal)

Chinook retention dates change every year to protect spawning runs. Always check current regulations before your trip.

Typical Retention Periods (Area 13):

Spring/Summer: Usually OPEN for Chinook retention (May-September)
Fall/Winter: May be CLOSED for Chinook (October-April)
Size Restrictions: Some periods allow only 1 Chinook over 77cm

IMPORTANT: Regulations change frequently. Always check the official DFO website for current Area 13 regulations before your trip.

Other Important Regulations

Additional rules you need to follow when fishing in Area 13.

Single Barbless Hooks

All hooks must be barbless (barb pinched down or filed off) when fishing for salmon. Makes catch-and-release easier.

License Valid April 1 - March 31

Annual licenses run April 1 to March 31, NOT calendar year. Check expiry date before fishing.

Rockfish Conservation

Some rockfish species are protected. If you catch one accidentally, release immediately. Know your species.

Must Have License On Water

Carry your license number and photo ID. DFO officers check licenses regularly on the water.

Youth Exemption

Children under 16 don't need a license BUT must still follow all catch limits and regulations.

Head Must Remain On

Salmon heads must stay attached until you reach shore. This helps enforcement identify species and size.

Always Check Official Regulations

Fishing regulations change frequently. The information on this page is for general guidance only. Always verify current regulations on the official DFO website before your trip.

View Official DFO Regulations

Your captain will also ensure all regulations are followed during your charter.

Ready to Fish Campbell River?

Get your license, book your charter, and get ready for the fishing adventure of a lifetime in the Salmon Capital of the World.

Book Your Charter Call: 250-202-8324