Area 13 Fishing Limits
Campbell River, Quadra, Cortes & Sonora Islands - Current DFO Regulations
Always Verify Before Fishing
Regulations change frequently. Check the official DFO Area 13 page and Fishery Notices before your trip.
Area Closure - Subareas 13-3 & 13-5
Finfish closure in the section from Orange Point (50°04.392'N) south to Hidden Harbour breakwater (50°00.504'N). This covers the Campbell River waterfront area only, not all of Discovery Passage. Discovery Pier remains open within 50m of the pier structure.
Daily Limits Per Person
Area 13 - Campbell River & Surrounding Islands. Before your trip, review our fishing license requirements and fish cleaning services to ensure you're fully prepared.
Salmon Species
Chinook
(King Salmon)
catch & release only
Non-retention April 1 to July 14 (conservation closure)
Jul 15-Aug 31: 1/day, max 80cm
Sep 1-Mar 31: 2/day, no max
Min: 62cm | Annual: 10
Chum
(Dog Salmon)
per day*
Min Size: 30 cm
*Aggregate limit
* Aggregate Limit: You may retain a maximum of 4 salmon total per day (all species combined), with a trip possession limit of 8. Chinook has a separate limit of 2 within this aggregate.
Halibut
Pacific Halibut
(Flatfish)
per day
Max Size: 112 cm (head-on, 85 cm head-off)
Annual Limit: 10
Must record immediately
Key Fishing Requirements
Tidal Waters License
Required BC tidal waters sport fishing licence with valid Salmon Conservation Stamp to retain any salmon.
Barbless Hooks
Barbless hooks are mandatory when fishing for salmon in all BC tidal and non-tidal waters.
Record Your Catch
Halibut and Lingcod must be immediately recorded on your licence, NRLS log, or FishingBC app.
Mark-Selective Rules
Some areas require adipose fin-clipped (hatchery) fish only. Check current notices before fishing.
Official DFO Regulations
Live updates from Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Area 13 Tidal Waters
Campbell River, Quadra, Cortes & Sonora Islands - Complete regulations, openings, and closures.
View Official DFO Area 13 PageFishery Notices
Real-time notices for openings, closures, and regulation changes. Check before every trip!
View Current Fishery NoticesLatest DFO Notices for Area 13
Check the official DFO Fishery Notices for the most current openings, closures, and regulation changes before your trip.
View Area 13 Fishery NoticesOpens official DFO website in a new tab
Quick Reference Table
| Species | Daily Limit | Possession | Min Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chinook (King) | 0 now* | 0 | 62 cm (max 80cm Jul-Aug) | *Non-retention April 1 to July 14 (conservation); then 1/day Jul-Aug, 2/day Sep-Mar |
| Coho (Silver) | 2 | 4 | 30 cm | 2 hatchery; +1 wild Sep 1-30 |
| Sockeye (Red) | 0 | 0 | - | Non Retention |
| Chum (Dog) | 2* | 4 | 30 cm | *Aggregate with other salmon |
| Pink (Humpy) | 4* | 8 | 30 cm | *Aggregate with other salmon |
| Halibut | 1 | 1 | Max 112 cm (head-on) | 10/year; record immediately |
| Lingcod | 1 | 2 | 65 cm | 10/year; record immediately. Closes Sep 30 |
| Rockfish (all) | 1 | 2 | - | Combined limit all species. Closes Sep 30 |
| Yelloweye / Bocaccio | 0 | 0 | - | Must release |
Book Your Campbell River Fishing Charter
Our experienced captain knows these waters and regulations inside out. Fish with confidence!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the current fishing regulations in Campbell River?
Campbell River fishing regulations are set by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) and can change throughout the season based on stock assessments. Key rules typically cover daily catch limits, size restrictions, retention rules for hatchery versus wild salmon, and area closures. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always check the DFO Pacific Region website or call the DFO hotline before heading out. As your captain, staying current on local regulations is part of what we do to keep every trip legal, ethical, and focused on conservation.
What are the Area 13 fishing regulations for salmon in Campbell River?
Area 13 covers the waters around Campbell River and is managed by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), which sets annual retention limits, size restrictions, and open seasons that can change year to year. Currently, Chinook retention is subject to a daily limit with minimum size requirements, while coho regulations vary by stock status. Because Area 13 rules are updated regularly and can shift mid-season, we always recommend checking the current DFO tidal water sport fishing regulations before heading out. We stay current on all local rules and fish in full compliance on every trip.
