Vancouver Saltwater Salmon & Bottom Fishing Report
Welcome to May! This means we can now fish for and retain lingcod and rockfish. Although there are no retention opportunities for these fish right in Vancouver waters of Area 28 & 29, a quick run across the Strait of Georgia over to Area 17 and we are in retention waters.
The limit for lingcod is one a day with a min size of 65cm, no max size. We do recommend releasing the larger fish as these are generally females and it’s a good idea to let them go so they can spawn. These fish are also older, and you are better off keeping a lingcod in that 10–15-pound range for eating and letting anything bigger than 20 pounds go to keep the population stable and growing.
The limit for rockfish is 1 per day, all species combined, no min or max size limits. Remember to let your yelloweye go as they are endangered and closed to retention. Always make sure you use a descending device to release your fish. You must have a descending device onboard, ready to go, and know how to use it. Failure to have one on the boat will result in a hefty fine.
If you want to get setup for bottom fishing, come by the shop to check out our awesome selection of rods, reels, and lures for lingcod, rockfish and halibut. You can also shop online for in store pick up or we can ship it to you.
We are fully stocked for all your bottom fishing needs!
This is a great time to book a charter as we can fish for lingcod, rockfish, catch and release chinook (C&R fishing for them is open and red hot in Area 17) as well as drop crab traps and prawn traps. It’s a great day when you come home with lings, rockfish, crabs, prawns, and some great chinook memories!
Looking ahead, coho open June 1 and we are expecting another great coho season, so stay tuned for more info on that as things progress.
See you in the shop or on the water,
Jason Tonelli