Campbell River, often called the “Salmon Capital of the World,” boasts unique fishing experiences for both fresh and tidal waters.
This guide will help you find out the best times to fish and what kinds of fish you can catch each season, along with important reminders, events, and festivals.
Fishing Species & Seasons
Check out the table below for a quick reference on the best times to fish for each species, followed by a detailed month-by-month guide to help you plan your fishing trips.
| Species | Time of Year |
|---|---|
| Chinook Salmon (King) | Year Round |
| Tyee (Chinook) 30 lbs & up | July – September |
| Coho Salmon (Silvers) | July – October |
| Pink Salmon | July 15 – September |
| Sockeye Salmon | July 15 – August |
| Chum Salmon | September 15 – November |
| Steelhead | January – April & July – November |
| Halibut | June – September |
| Lingcod | May – September |
Fishing Event Calendar
Here’s a schedule of fishing-orientated events around Campbell River over the next few months and announcements important for anglers.
Salmonfest 2025: Salmon Festival
Nunns Creek Park 1465 16 Ave, Campbell River, BC, CanadaFeaturing children’ activities, entertainment, various booths plus Logger Sports & Highland Games.
Ladies Annual Fishing Derby
Anchor Inn and Suites 261 Island Hwy, Campbell River, BC, CanadaTwo days of fishing, prizes, food, and laughs await. Register to secure your spot.
Haig-Brown Festival 2025
Haig-Brown House 2250 Campbell River Road, Campbell River, BCThe Haig Brown Festival celebrates environmental conservation with activities, readings, artisan markets, and live music.
Month-by-Month Fishing Guide
Plan your Campbell River fishing trips using this seasonal guide for both saltwater and freshwater fishing.
January
What’s Biting: Chinook Salmon (offshore), Winter Steelhead (rivers)
Despite winter weather, Campbell River’s Chinook fishery remains active with salmon available offshore. Winter Steelhead season provides excellent freshwater fishing opportunities in local rivers and streams.
Dress warmly and be prepared for winter conditions, but don’t let the cold fool you – January can produce some quality fish.
February
Best Targets: Chinook Salmon (offshore), Winter Steelhead (rivers)
February continues the winter pattern with consistent Chinook fishing in saltwater and Winter Steelhead in freshwater.
This is typically the quietest month for fishing activity, but dedicated anglers can still find success.
The weather remains unpredictable, so check conditions before heading out.
March
In Season: Chinook Salmon (offshore), Winter Steelhead (rivers)
As spring approaches, Chinook salmon feeding intensifies. Expect catches weighing between 6-20 pounds.
The fishing becomes more dynamic as the season progresses and weather conditions improve.
Winter Steelhead season continues for those targeting freshwater.
April
Peak Species: Last chance for Winter Steelhead (rivers), Chinook (offshore)
Winter Steelhead season generally peaks in April, then concludes by May.
Chinook can be amazing, but many folks travel to fish Toba and Bute Inlet during this period, as local spring fishing is limited by regulations until picking up after July 15th.
May
Fish For: Chinook Salmon (closer to shore), Lingcod (rocky areas)
May brings fishing closer to shore as big Chinooks follow schools of herring and needlefish.
Big Chinook move closer to shore as they follow schools of herring and needlefish.
Lingcod season begins, adding another target species to the mix.
June
Best Targets: Chinook, Coho, Summer Steelhead
Mixed catches of Chinook and Coho salmon become available.
Summer Steelhead usually starts in June… a popular spot being on the Campbell River near John Hart Power Station. Cutthroat and Rainbows are also the Campbell River.
Weather conditions are generally excellent for fishing.
July
In Season: Tyee (30+ lb Chinook), Sockeye, Pink, Coho
The fishing season hits high gear in July. Most notably, this marks the start of Tyee season, with Chinook salmon over 30 lbs arriving in the famous Tyee pools.
Sockeye, Pink, and Coho salmon also make their debut. Pink salmon typically start entering the Campbell, Quinsam, and Oyster Rivers in mid-to-late July.
The Tyee pools see the return of these giants in mid-to-late July. Anglers looking to join the historic Tyee Club should check out the Tyee Club of BC.
In our area’s salt waters, larger baits such as plugs, large spoons, and 6″ anchovies are effective.
For lingcod, swimbaits and jigging on deep reefs during slack tides are key.
While prawn fishing may slow down, those secret spots can still yield good catches with fresh bait and weighted traps.
Coho fishing off the Discovery Pier is popular this time of year.
August
What’s Biting: Tyee (30+ lb Chinook), River salmon (Pink, Coho), Sockeye
August is popular among tourists due to its excellent fishing conditions and favorable weather.
Salmon should be in the local rivers by August unless it’s been a dry summer.
Pinks are generally the first salmon to start coming into the Campbell, Quinsam & Oyster Rivers. (in 2024 it started around July 26th)
Early August is generally prime time for pink salmon fly fishing on the rivers.
From August through September 15, the Tyee rowing season is in full swing, perfect for diehard sportfishing fans. Anglers looking to join the historic Tyee Club should check out the Tyee Club of BC.
Tidal fishing techniques in August involve dividing efforts between targeting mature and actively feeding Chinook. The Georgia Strait is a hotspot with its blend of immature feeders and mature migrators.
Deep water fishing is gaining popularity, but don’t neglect the shallow waters even in bright sunlight.
September
Active Species: Chum Salmon (strong fighters), Chinook (continuing), Coho (variable)
As the peak tourist season ends, September ushers in the prime time for Chum Salmon, renowned for their fierce fight despite their size.
Early September continues the Chinook focus, transitioning later in the month towards chum in the lower straits from Seymour Narrows onwards.
Coho Salmon may also make an appearance, with varying availability.
The shore and boat fisheries for large Chinook continue around the Campbell/Quinsam area. Anglers may experience greater or lesser Coho numbers, typically retaining hatchery origin fish.
October
Best Bets: Chum Salmon (best month), Late-season Coho
October is dominated by Chum salmon fishing. It’s a good time for a trip as accommodation costs are down with tourist season over.
Chum fishing lasts until late October, with vibrant red gear and dummy flashers recommended for attraction. These silvery fish are strong fighters!
November
Best Targets: Chinook (feeders), Winter Steelhead (starting)
By November, mature Salmon have migrated to spawning rivers, making it one of the quieter months for fishing.
Nevertheless, feeding Chinook can still be caught south of Campbell River, and Winter Steelhead season begins.
Echo Lake is a good place to take kids for fishing for trout using worms.
December
Best Fishing: Chinook (feeders), Winter Steelhead (rivers)
Winter in Campbell River offers unique fishing opportunities, including Winter Steelhead and small Chinook Salmon offshore.
Early December sees good-sized feeder Chinook around the top of the Strait of Georgia, kicking off the winter fishery.
In town, you’ll see locals at Discovery Pier catching sea perch.
Fishing Reports
Here’s the best places to find up-to-date fishing reports for Campbell River:
Campbell River Fishing Reports – Active Facebook group with timely updates
Tyee Marine – Facebook page of a local outfitter that publishes detailed reports including bait & gear recommendations in the peak season.
Campbell River Mirror – Columnist Don Daniels reports on the local fishing scene regularly.
Fishing BC App – DFO recommended app to display your license and get up to date regulations, and track your catches.
Remember:
Be sure to check current fishing regulations for Tidal Waters Area 13 or Freshwater Region 1 before heading out!