Peak Chinook Hitting Hard in Discovery Passage

Conditions on the Water

Sunday, June 28th is shaping up to be a beauty out here in Campbell River. We've got 14°C, partly cloudy skies, and light NW winds at just 8 km/h keeping the water flat — wave heights are sitting around 0.2m, which is about as calm as Discovery Passage gets. We're working the morning slack into the flood tide, and that transition is exactly when these big Chinook switch on. If you've been waiting for prime conditions to get on the water, this is it.

What's Running and Why

We are smack in the middle of peak Chinook season, and these fish are not playing shy. The bread-and-butter class is coming in at a solid 12 to 16 pounds, and they're hitting hard. The real excitement is the very real chance at a trophy — we're seeing fish in the 30 to 35 pound range moving through Discovery Passage as they stage along their migration routes. Just a heads up: Chinook is catch and release only until July 15 per DFO regulation, so right now it's all about the fight, the photos, and the memories. On top of the Chinook, early Coho are starting to show on the edges, adding a nice bit of variety to the day.

Technique Hints

With the slack-to-flood window working in our favor, we're running anchovies in glow teaser heads and flashing spoons down deep where the big Chinook are holding. Trolling tight to the structure and current seams along the Passage has been the ticket. For the early Coho showing higher in the water column, lighter gear and a faster troll up top will get you into them. Our team knows exactly where these fish are stacking, and we'll put you right on them.

What to Expect This Week

Expect steady catch-and-release Chinook action with screaming reels and the kind of fights that leave your arms sore in the best way. With the calm conditions holding and fish moving through Johnstone Strait and Discovery Passage, this is a fantastic week to be out. The Coho bite should only build as we roll deeper into the season.

Book Now — July 15 Opener Is Coming

Here's the big one: Chinook retention opens July 15, and that's a major event on our calendar. Boats are filling up fast for opener week, so if you want to be on the water when retention kicks in, now is the time to lock in your date. Call Fishing Storie Charters and let's get you out there.

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.