Home / Fishing Reports / Vancouver Salmon Fishing Report: April 23, 2021

Vancouver Salmon Fishing Report: April 23, 2021

Gibbs, Gold Strip, Big Shooter, and Kingfisher fishing lures.

Vancouver Saltwater Fishing Report 

Well, right on cue, mid-April, the chinook fishing picked up dramatically in our local waters.  We have been out in the few locations where you can fish for chinook, non-retention, like further up Howe Sound and over around Gabriola and up to Nanaimo.   

Unfortunately, we have not heard from the Fisheries Minister, which is extremely frustrating, as this time of year we always have excellent local chinook fishing and a good number of hatchery fish.  Will we get an announcement this afternoon?  Nobody really knows, but DFO does like to make announcements late on Friday afternoon and then run for cover.  If they don’t open it they will be ducking for cover from the public fishery and marine sector.  If they do have some sort of opening you can bet First Nations and the NGOs will be making a few calls.   

If you do want to head out for non-retention and have some calmer seas, I would recommend heading over to Thrasher and fishing from there up to Entrance on the “highway” in 350-1000 feet of water, 90-200 on the riggers.  Productive depth varies dramatically depending on water colour and sunlight.   

Saltwater_fishing_Vancouver_terminal tackle

Can’t go wrong with any of these choices 

Generally, you can’t go wrong with a Salty Dawg or similar flasher with a chartreuse splatter back hootchy or your favorite spoon, like an Irish Cream or Trailhead. 

See you in the shop or on the water, 

Jason Tonelli