Vancouver Saltwater Salmon Fishing Report
As we wrap up the second week of September, we are right in the middle of peak migration for the large “white springs” that are headed to the Vedder/Chilliwack River and Harrison River. These large chinook have white flesh instead of orange or red flesh. Here is an article explaining these fish in more detail. Island Fisherman Magazine “Red vs White Spring”
These are without a doubt the largest chinook that we fish for out of Vancouver. Every year there are fish in excess of 30 pounds caught in September and some have even hit the 40 or 50 pound mark. Those fish are here now!
A 32 pound white that hit the PA docks earlier this week!
We have seen some excellent returns in past seasons, with DFO goals being around 70,000 to the Harrison alone, but 110,000 coming back in the fall of 2024. This year we seem to be on track for another year in excess of that 70,000 goal for the Harrison. Personally, I prefer to harvest smaller chinook, usually under 20 pounds, as the fillet sizes are more consistent. However, if you do land a Tyee (a chinook over 30 pounds) and decide to keep it, you can do so with a clear conscious know that the local runs of white chinook are doing extremely well.
We are also seeing a lot of hatchery coho this week and some big ones! These are fish that are headed to the Vedder/Chilliwack and Chehalis Rivers, among others. You can retain 2 hatchery coho (no adipose fin) a day but wild coho should be released at the side of the boat.
We have been spending most of our time down at T-10 and Sandheads (South Arm) as these 2 spots are usually the most productive mid to late September. Closer to home there has been some success for anglers at the Bell Buoy and the Cap Mouth but if conditions and time allow, I recommend heading to T-10 and Sandheads. With no serious rain in the forecast, I suspect the Cap Mouth will pick up in coming weeks as more coho and chinook stack up off the river mouth.
There is lots of great fishing to be had the next few weeks and we will see you out there!
Jason Tonelli