Chinook Salmon Fishing Tips for a Great Catch
According to the National Wildlife Foundation, the Chinook salmon is a keystone species of the Pacific Northwest. The Chinook is the largest Pacific salmon species, averaging 0.9 meters and 13 kilograms, but some Chinook grow to over 1.5 meters and 50 kilograms. These salmon are recognized by their blue-green hues on the head and back with silver sides. The tails, back and upper fins will have black spots or markings. Chinook salmon are born in freshwater streams, migrate to the ocean, then return to their birth site when they reach maturity to mate and produce young ones. Chinook salmon are worthy competitors for anglers of every level. To earn one of these trophies, we have some Chinook salmon fishing tips.
Chinook Salmon Are Highly Regulated
Salmon fishing has some different elements from fishing in your local lake. Chinook are strong fish with a thick jawline. You will want to be prepared with high quality gear. At Eagle Nook Resort, our salmon fishing charters are equipped with everything you need to catch Chinook. When planning your adventure, keep in mind that peak season for Chinook is from June to August.
Our guides know the current regulations for catching and retaining Chinook according to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) guidelines, so we help you make sure you’re following the rules. The DFO limits the number of Chinook that anglers are allowed to keep. This number changes annually, based on current salmon populations. There are also limits on size and daily possession.
Salmon Fishing Techniques
When you charter a fishing trip with Eagle Nook, you’ll be able to take advantage of our experienced guides who have been salmon fishing for years with us. Here are some things we’ve learned, that can help you enjoy a successful Chinook salmon experience:
- Use a razor-sharp hook.
- Choose the right bait. Live bait, such as roe, or cut bait, is usually successful, but flashtrap spinners can also work well. Salmon live in low lighting conditions, so it can help to have something flashy on the bait to attract the salmon in the deeper waters.
- Overcast days are often better fishing weather than bright and sunny days. Fishing in the morning or at dusk are better times to fish than in the afternoon, because there tends to be less light.
- When you’re fishing on the open water, go with the tide’s flow. Salmon face into the incoming tide flow and they will see your bait better.
- Peak fish times are one hour before and after high or low tide. Be ready to fish when it’s a good time for the fish, not necessarily for you!
- Use red line because it will dissipate in the water. Don’t use warm colors as your lures because these colors turn gray in darker water. Choose cool colors that will stand out in the deeper waters.
Book Your Guided Salmon Fishing Charter in BC for the Coming Season
Eagle Nook Resort offers private salmon fishing charters as part of our packages for a world class fishing experience. Book your vacation with us. We guarantee your experience will be unforgettable. Contact us to get started!
