Peak Chinook Hammering Hard in Discovery Passage

Campbell River Fishing Report — Saturday, June 27

Good morning from Fishing Storie Charters! We're looking at a beautiful day on the water out of Campbell River. The thermometer is sitting at a comfortable 12°C with partly cloudy skies and barely a breath of wind — just a light NW breeze at 4 km/h. We've got a morning slack building into the flood, and that tide change is exactly when these fish come alive. Conditions don't get much better than this for putting a bend in the rod.

Peak Chinook Are Here

This is the season we wait all year for. Peak Chinook are pouring through Discovery Passage right now, and they are hitting hard. We're seeing solid 12–16 lb fish on a consistent basis, with a very real shot at a trophy 30–35 pounder for the lucky angler. When one of those big slabs grabs your gear and peels line into the current, you'll understand why folks travel from all over for this fishery.

A quick but important note: Chinook is catch and release only until July 15 per DFO regulation. That doesn't take a thing away from the experience — the fight is every bit as electric, and there's something special about watching a healthy trophy swim away strong. Mark your calendars, because the July 15 Chinook retention opener is a major event, and the boats fill up fast.

Technique & What to Expect

We're running anchovies in glow teaser heads and flashers down in that 60–120 foot zone, working the tide lines and bait balls where the Chinook are staging. Trolling speed and depth matter this time of year, so let your guide dial it in — these fish can be picky one hour and aggressive the next. Early Coho are also starting to show on the edges, giving us some bonus action when the Chinook bite slows.

Expect plenty of rod-bending opportunities this week. With the steady stream of fish moving through Discovery Passage and into Johnstone Strait, there's no shortage of targets, and the calm weather makes for an easy, enjoyable day on the water.

Book Your Trip Now

The catch-and-release Chinook action is firing right now, and the July 15 retention opener is just around the corner. These prime-season dates go quickly, so don't wait. Give us a call and let's get you on the water for some of the best Chinook fishing the BC coast has to offer!

Ready to experience world-class fishing in Campbell River? Book your charter trip with Fishing Storie Charters today. Captain Jason and the crew are ready to put you on fish.