Vancouver Saltwater Fishing Report
August 8th and that means we are only 3 weeks away from the Fraser Mouth area opening for 2 chinook a day. It will be here fast, but in the meantime, there is a LOT of amazing fishing going on right now! So much to talk about, so let’s get to it.
Sockeye and pink salmon numbers have been a hot topic lately, so I devoted an entire section to it in this week’s report. Make sure you check that out. There is some great news on the early component of the sockeye run and the pinks are already thick of South Bowen and West Van, with millions more on the way.
Locally we have been fishing Point Atkinson and E of that in Area 28-6 as this area is open for 1 chinook a day 62-80 cm slot limit as well as hatchery coho and pink salmon. The fishing has been great with chinook encounters on most days and plenty of coho and pinks to keep you busy.
Tripled up off Point Atkinson!
We have also been doing very well around South Bowen for pinks and some coho, although the pinks are vastly outnumbering coho lately. All the pinks make for some very fun and active fishing, which is great if you are new to ocean fishing for salmon, are visiting, or have some kids on the boat.
On our longer trips we have been heading over to Gabriola Island when winds allow. The fishing has been fantastic with lots of chinook, coho, and lingcod. This fishery will continue all of August and into early September and is truly some of the best fishing on the coast. The sheer number of chinook around is outstanding and this bodes very well for the Fraser Mouth later in the summer and the coming winter fishery.
Another excellent day at Gabriola with chinook, coho, and lingcod for the summer BBQ sessions!
As you can see, the fishing locally and in the Gulf Islands has been fantastic and should continue all of August. We will roll off these August highs right into some great chinook fishing off the Fraser Mouth in September and perhaps even a sockeye opening. Not much to complain about these days, so get out there and enjoy the amazing fishing.
See you in the shop or on the water,
Jason Tonelli