Vancouver Saltwater Salmon Fishing Report: October 20, 2023
As we enter the third week of October, with more rain in the forecast mid-week, it’s safe to say the last of the migratory summer salmon will be heading up the rivers to spawn. I’m happy to see the rain as the rivers really need it and the river fisherman are rejoicing on what is fast becoming an exceptional fall river fishing season. We certainly had our fair share of amazing saltwater salmon fishing this year, so glad to see the river anglers enjoying the strong returns of coho and chinook as well.
We have officially switched gears into “winter season” and by that, I mean we are focusing on chinook salmon that are actively feeding. These chinook (springs) are called feeder chinook, winter chinook, or just plain feeders, as that is what they are doing all winter long. They are constantly on the hunt for herring and anchovies, they are wolf packs that are here one day and gone the next. This makes them fun to hunt for each day, and once you find them the action can be very good as they are there to feed and that means lots of bites!
We have been out quite a bit already, and if you are a frequent reader of this report, you will know the winter fishing the past few years has been the best in many decades. All indications are this trend will continue for 2024.
We braved some of the recent rains and were rewarded with this awesome early season winter chinook!
As for fishing reports and tactics, stay tuned for some detailed reports and short videos this winter on how to make the most of the winter season.
See you in the shop or on the water,
Jason Tonelli