Campbell River Salmon Fishing
Top-rated Campbell River fishing charter in the Salmon Capital of the World โ catch all five Pacific salmon species with expert local guides
Campbell River Fishing Guide: The Salmon Capital of the World
Campbell River salmon fishing has been world-renowned for over a century. Our Campbell River fishing charters operate on the east coast of Vancouver Island, where waters sit at the crossroads of major Pacific salmon migration routes through Discovery Passage, making it one of the most productive fishing grounds in British Columbia.
With 128+ combined years of local fishing experience, our Campbell River fishing guides know exactly where and when the salmon are running. Whether you're chasing trophy Chinook, acrobatic Coho, or all five Pacific species, our Campbell River fishing charters deliver world-class salmon fishing from May through October. Check our detailed fishing calendar or learn about the best time to fish Campbell River. Review our comprehensive salmon species guide to identify your catch.
All Five Pacific Salmon Species
Campbell River is one of the few places where you can catch all five species of Pacific salmon.
Chinook Salmon
King Salmon, Spring Salmon, Tyee • 10-40+ lbs
The largest and most prized of all Pacific salmon. Chinook are known for their powerful fights and excellent table fare. Campbell River is world-famous for Tyee Chinook over 30 lbs.
Coho Salmon
Silver Salmon, Silvers • 6-15 lbs
Known for their acrobatic jumps and aggressive strikes. Coho are incredibly fun to catch and provide excellent eating. They fight hard and often leap clear of the water.
Sockeye Salmon
Red Salmon, Blueback • 5-8 lbs
Prized for their rich, red flesh and exceptional flavor. Sockeye are the most commercially valuable salmon species. They turn bright red when spawning.
Pink Salmon
Humpies, Humpback Salmon • 3-6 lbs
The most abundant Pacific salmon, returning in large numbers during odd-numbered years. Great for beginners and families, they provide fast action and good sport.
Chum Salmon
Dog Salmon, Keta Salmon, Silverbrite • 8-15 lbs
The second largest Pacific salmon after Chinook. Chum are powerful fighters and excellent for smoking. They develop distinctive tiger stripes when spawning.
When to Go Salmon Fishing
| Species | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinook | ✓ | ✓ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ✓ |
| Coho | ✓ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ||
| Sockeye | ✓ | ★ | ★ | ★ | ✓ | |
| Pink | ✓ | ★ | ★ | ✓ | ||
| Chum | ✓ | ★ | ★ | ★ |
★ = Peak season • ✓ = Good fishing • Pink salmon run in odd-numbered years only
How We Catch Salmon in Campbell River
Downrigger Trolling
Our primary technique for Chinook salmon. We use electric downriggers to present bait and lures at precise depths โ typically 60-180 feet โ where salmon feed along underwater structure in Discovery Passage. Flashers paired with herring or anchovy are the go-to setup.
Surface Trolling
Coho salmon and Pink salmon often feed near the surface, especially during late summer. We troll spoons, hoochies, and cut-plug herring in the top 30 feet. This technique also produces exciting strikes as fish hit close to the boat.
Mooching & Drift Fishing
A traditional Campbell River technique where we drift with the tide using weighted herring. Incredibly effective during slack tides when salmon are actively feeding. This is the method used by the legendary Tyee Club for 30+ lb Chinook.
Reading Tides & Structure
Our guides read tide tables, current breaks, and underwater structure to position the boat where salmon are feeding. Campbell River's Discovery Passage has strong tidal currents that concentrate baitfish โ and the salmon follow. See our full techniques guide.
What to Expect on Your Salmon Charter
Meet at Discovery Harbour Marina
Arrive at K Dock (in front of Riptide Pub) 15 minutes before departure. Free parking at Discovery Harbour Shopping Centre. Your captain will greet you, review safety procedures, and get you set up.
Head Out to the Fishing Grounds
We're fishing within minutes of leaving the dock. Discovery Passage is right at our doorstep โ no long runs to reach productive water. Your guide reads the conditions and heads to where the fish are.
Fish With Expert Guidance
Your captain sets the lines at optimal depths and speeds. When a rod goes off, they coach you through the fight โ from hookset to net. No experience needed. We provide all fishing equipment including premium rods, reels, tackle, and bait.
Photos, Fish Cleaning & Memories
We take photos of every catch so you have memories to keep. Back at the dock, your catch is professionally cleaned, filleted, vacuum-sealed, and bagged for travel. Need to ship fish home? We can help arrange that too.
What's Included in Every Charter
All Fishing Gear
Premium rods, reels, tackle, bait, and downriggers
Fish Cleaning & Packaging
Filleted, vacuum-sealed, and bagged for travel
Rain Gear & Safety Equipment
Life jackets, rain jackets, and all safety gear provided
Expert Guide
SVOP-certified captain with local expertise
Catch Photos
Trophy photos of every fish you catch
Snacks & Beverages
Water, coffee, and light snacks on board
Just bring your fishing license, sunglasses, and a sense of adventure. See our full what to bring checklist.
Salmon Fishing Charter Options
From quick introductory trips to multi-day expeditions, we have a salmon charter for every angler.
4-Hour Introductory Trip
From $440
Perfect for families and first-time salmon anglers. Get a taste of Campbell River fishing.
Learn More โHalf-Day Salmon Charter
$840
5 hours of productive fishing. Great balance of time on the water and value.
Learn More โFull-Day Salmon Charter
$1,680
8 hours targeting all salmon species. Fish Catch Guarantee included.
Learn More โChinook Salmon Charter
$1,680
Dedicated trophy Chinook fishing. Target the kings of the Pacific.
Learn More โGuided Tyee Fishing
From $440
Chase legendary 30+ lb Chinook using traditional rod-and-reel methods.
Learn More โMulti-Day Fishing Trip
From $3,360
2-5 day expeditions for the ultimate salmon fishing adventure.
Learn More โWhy Fish With Us
128+ Years Combined Experience
Our SVOP-certified captains know every fishing hole in Discovery Passage.
Premium Boston Whaler Fleet
27' Conquest with heated cabin, washroom, and Starlink WiFi plus three 17' Montauks.
Fish Catch Guarantee
No fish on your full-day charter? Your next trip is 50% off. We back our expertise.
Discovery Harbour Marina
Centrally located with easy access to the best salmon fishing grounds.
What Our Guests Say
"Best fishing charter I've ever been on. Captain Jason put us on Chinook within 20 minutes of leaving the dock. Caught our limits by noon and had an amazing day on the water."
โ Mike T., Alberta
"We brought our two kids (ages 8 and 12) and they both caught salmon! The captain was so patient and made it fun for the whole family. Already planning our return trip."
โ Sarah K., Washington
"Third year in a row with Fishing Storie. Nobody else comes close for Chinook fishing in Campbell River. The Conquest is the best charter boat we've been on โ heated cabin, washroom, the works."
โ Dave R., Ontario
Getting Here
Discovery Harbour Marina
1374 Island Hwy, K Dock
Campbell River, BC V9W 8C9
- ✓ Free parking at Discovery Harbour Shopping Centre
- ✓ 2.5 hours from Nanaimo, 4.5 hours from Vancouver (including ferry)
- ✓ Campbell River Airport (YBL) โ 15-minute drive with daily flights from Vancouver
- ✓ Meet at K Dock, in front of Riptide Pub
Staying Overnight?
Campbell River has excellent accommodation options from waterfront hotels to cozy B&Bs, many within minutes of the marina.
View Lodging OptionsVisiting from the US?
We welcome American visitors! Check our US visitors guide for border crossing tips, currency info, and travel planning.
Salmon Fishing FAQ
What salmon species can I catch in Campbell River?
Campbell River offers all five Pacific salmon species: Chinook (King) salmon available year-round with peak season July-September, Coho (Silver) salmon peaking August-October, Sockeye (Red) salmon from June-August, Pink salmon in August-September of odd-numbered years, and Chum (Dog) salmon from August-October.
When is the best time for salmon fishing in Campbell River?
The best salmon fishing in Campbell River runs from May through October. Peak Chinook season is July-September, with the famous Tyee season (30+ lb Chinook) in August. Coho fishing peaks August-October. For the widest variety of species, visit in August when all five species may be available.
How much does a salmon fishing charter cost in Campbell River?
Salmon fishing charter prices range from $440 for a 4-hour introductory trip to $1,680 for a full-day 8-hour charter. Half-day charters (5 hours) are $840. Multi-day trips start at $3,360 for 2 days. All prices include professional guides, premium fishing gear, bait, and fish cleaning.
Do I need a fishing license for salmon fishing in Campbell River?
Yes, you need a BC tidal waters fishing license, which you can purchase online from DFO (Department of Fisheries and Oceans) before your trip. A salmon conservation stamp is also required. Your guide will help ensure you have the proper licenses before departure.
What size salmon can I expect to catch?
Chinook salmon average 15-25 lbs with trophy fish exceeding 30 lbs (Tyee). Coho salmon run 6-15 lbs, Sockeye 5-8 lbs, Chum 8-15 lbs, and Pink salmon 3-6 lbs. Campbell River is world-famous for producing trophy-sized Chinook salmon.
What fishing techniques are used for salmon?
Our guides primarily use trolling with downriggers, flashers, and bait (herring or anchovies) for Chinook. Coho respond well to trolling with spoons and casting. We adjust techniques based on conditions, tide, and which species are most active that day.
Why is Campbell River called the Salmon Capital of the World?
Campbell River earned this title due to its unique location at the confluence of major salmon migration routes through Discovery Passage. The nutrient-rich waters create ideal feeding conditions, attracting massive runs of all five Pacific salmon species. The Tyee Club, established in 1924, has been documenting trophy catches for over 100 years.
Ready to Go Salmon Fishing?
Book your Campbell River salmon charter and experience the Salmon Capital of the World
