Halibut Fishing Charters
Target Pacific halibut and other bottom dwellers in the deep waters around Campbell River. Combine halibut fishing with salmon for the ultimate multi-species adventure.
Pacific Halibut in Campbell River
While Campbell River is world-famous for salmon, our waters also hold excellent populations of Pacific halibut. These flat-bodied giants can exceed 100 pounds and provide an exciting change of pace from salmon fishing. We offer halibut as part of our bottom fishing charters, often combining them with lingcod and rockfish for a multi-species adventure.
Halibut Fishing Season
Best Months
May through September, with peak action in June and July when halibut move into shallower feeding grounds.
Average Size
15-40 lbs typical, with fish over 50 lbs possible. The largest halibut in BC can exceed 300 lbs.
How We Fish for Halibut
Halibut fishing requires different techniques than salmon. We anchor or drift over productive bottom structure in 150-300 feet of water, using heavy tackle and large baits. Expect:
Heavy Tackle
Stout rods, large reels with plenty of line capacity, and 40-80 lb test for hauling up big flatties from the depths.
Bottom Structure
We target underwater plateaus, drop-offs, and sandy/gravel bottoms where halibut ambush prey.
Fresh Bait
Herring, octopus, and salmon bellies work best for enticing hungry halibut to bite.
Combo Trips
Often combine halibut with salmon fishing — hit bottom fish first, then target salmon on the way back.
Multi-Species Bottom Fishing
When you're fishing the bottom for halibut, you'll likely encounter other delicious species as well. Our bottom fishing trips regularly produce:
Lingcod
Aggressive predators with excellent white meat. Often caught alongside halibut in 100-200 foot depths.
Rockfish
Various species including yelloweye (red snapper), quillback, and copper rockfish. Great table fare.
Cabezon
Ugly but tasty! These sculpin-like fish are a bonus catch on many bottom fishing trips.
Halibut Regulations
Halibut fishing in BC is subject to DFO regulations including daily limits, size restrictions, and seasonal closures. Our captains stay current on all regulations and ensure your trip is fully compliant. View current regulations.
Book a Bottom Fishing Charter
Want to target halibut and other bottom fish? Our full-day charters provide enough time to fish both bottom species and salmon, giving you the ultimate multi-species experience. Let us know you're interested in halibut when booking and we'll plan accordingly.
What to Bring
- - Valid BC Tidal Water Fishing License (use FishingBC App)
- - Weather-appropriate clothing
- - Snacks and drinks
- - Sunscreen and sunglasses
- - Camera for photos
What You'll Catch
- Pacific Halibut
- Lingcod
- Rockfish
- Plus salmon on combo trips
Best Time for Halibut
Ready for Halibut Fishing?
Book a full-day charter and target halibut along with salmon for the ultimate multi-species experience.
