Vancouver Saltwater Salmon Fishing Report
Wow, August 1st already. That happened quickly, didn’t it? Looking back at July, no complaints at all as we had phenomenal local coho fishing. When we went across to Area 17 it never disappointed with plenty of chinook, coho, and lingcod. Overall, fishing in July was as good as I’ve ever seen it before and the red-hot fishing for chinook, coho and lings will continue all of August in area 17 for our boats on full day trips.
Some nice chinook from Gabriola Island in Area 17!
So, what to expect in August locally? Well, the pinks have shown up in force off South Bowen and that has changed the fishing in a big way these past 3 days. These fish are likely destined for the Squamish River as the Fraser River pinks are still on their way. All indications are the run will be strong for both systems, especially for the Fraser, as it has a forecast of 25,000,000 fish. Yes 25 million. There are still some coho around, but with all the pinks starting to show up the coho are getting harder to find but expect some fun and double-digit days for pinks.
The pinks are here! We have been having some epic fishing for them the past few days with millions more to come!
A reminder you can keep 4 salmon a day in total. So that could be 4 pinks, or you could have 2 hatchery coho in the mix, and if you are in an area where you can keep chinook, you could have one chinook between 62-80 cm. Regardless of your catch, your total salmon per day is 4 combined. It is not 4 pinks, 2 hatchery coho, and a chinook.
As of August 1st, Area 28-6 is now open for 1 chinook a day from 62-80cm, and you will find some coho and pinks in this area as well. 28-9 opens August 12th for one chinook a day, no slot limit (min size 62cm). This is a big news for the local fishers in smaller boats that don’t often venture outside of the harbour.
Looking out to September, we will be back to 2 chinook per day, no slot limit (min size 62cm) and fishing off the Fraser Mouth will be the place to be as usual. So, we have a lot going on right now and a lot to look forward to. Chinook and coho fishing have been excellent, millions of pinks are on the way, even the sockeye test sets are very high and well above forecast.
Things are looking good going forward, so get out there on your boat now or book a trip and experience some of the best salmon fishing on the coast, right here in Vancouver!
If you’re thinking about booking a charter, now is the time to go. Give us a call at 778-788-8582 to check availability or ask any questions.
See you in the shop or on the water,
Jason Tonelli