Vancouver Salmon Fishing Report: October Coho, Chinook & Chum Outlook
October has arrived in Vancouver, bringing the first Fall rains and a fresh shift in the local salmon fishery. The rain is great news for river anglers and welcome relief for rivers that had been running low and clear. Most fall salmon have now moved into the Fraser River, its tributaries, and other Lower Mainland rivers, but Vancouver saltwater salmon fishing is not finished yet. A few chinook remain, and strong pushes of coho should continue over the next two weeks, even though peak migration for both species has passed.
There is still plenty to get excited about. Anglers can continue to find excellent chinook and coho action off the Fraser River Mouth and Capilano River Mouth, and this year’s powerful chum return adds another reason to get on the water. The chum run is tracking among the top three of the past 30 years, a welcome boost after a disappointing sockeye returns this summer. Current regulations in Areas 29-1 to 29-5 and 29-8 allow 4 chum per day. I also expect chum openings in the Fraser River and its tributaries later this month, after the Interior Fraser steelhead window closure ends.
We are still catching plenty of nice chinook in local waters!
Recent Vancouver salmon fishing trips have delivered a lively mix of coho, chinook, and chum off the Fraser River Mouth and Capilano River Mouth. We have also started scouting our most productive winter chinook locations and the early results are already promising.
We are already catching winter chinook on some recent trips, and we expect another strong winter chinook season.
Vancouver is fortunate to offer year-round ocean salmon fishing. As the Fall migration winds down, the winter chinook season starts to heat up, giving anglers excellent October opportunities off the Fraser and Capilano river mouths and at proven winter chinook spots.
If you are new to this fishery, or ready to take your results to the next level, my focused winter chinook fishing course shares the techniques and insights used by top local anglers. The course sells out every year, so book early to secure your spot.
Reserve Your Spot in Jason Tonelli’s Winter Chinook Fishing Course
See you in the shop, on the water, or at the winter chinook course!
Jason Tonelli