Vancouver Saltwater Salmon Fishing Report
The fishing off West Van from Point Atkinson down to the Cap Mouth continues to be productive with a mix of chinook, coho and pinks. We have also had some good success off the Bell Buoy for pinks and the occasional coho. A reminder that fishing for chinook off the Bell (Area 28-7) is closed, and by that I mean it says “no fishing for chinook” so you can’t be targeting that species.
What is opening in 28-7 is sockeye, albeit for a limited time.
“Subject: FN0810-RECREATIONAL – Salmon – Sockeye – Areas 11 to 15, 17 to 20, 111, 121, 123 to 127, and Subareas 16-1, 16-19 to 16-21, 28-1, 28-2, 28-7 – Opening – Effective August 16, 2025
Effective 00:01 hours August 16, 2025, until 23:59 August 24, 2025, the daily limit of Sockeye salmon is four (4) in the following waters:
– Areas 11 to 15;
– Subareas 16-1 and 16-19 to 16-21;
– Areas 17 to 20;
– Subareas 28-1, 28-2 and 28-7;
– Areas 111 and 121, 123 to 127.
Effective 00:01 hours August 25, 2025, the daily limit for Sockeye salmon reverts back to zero (0) per day in all waters listed above.
Variation Orders: 2025-RFQ-317 in effect.”
I am not sure how good the sockeye fishing will be for those who choose to put on the pink hootchies. There are definitely some around, but it remains to be seen if the schools will be sufficient for consistent success. There is only one way to find out, get out there and give it a try. We may see area 29-3 open for sockeye if the late run component forecast can get above 700,000 fish. More data is coming in next week, so hopefully we will some big test sets and get a late season opening.
Meanwhile there are plenty of pinks, coho, and chinook around to keep us busy in local waters and over in the Gulf Islands in Area 17.
A nice catch of pinks, coho, and chinook from the West Van shoreline earlier this week.
See you in the shop or on the water,
Jason Tonelli