Are You Ready for the Salmon Fishing Season in BC?
British Columbia is well-known for outdoor recreation including camping, hiking, skiing and hunting, but as any angler will tell you, it’s best unkept secret is the world class sportfishing for salmon. Even though BC has many salmon fishing regulations to protect the species, you can still catch your fill of salmon. Learning a little about the fishing calendar can help you time your trip during the year to catch the type of salmon you want to take home.
When is the Best Time to Catch Salmon?
The salmon fishing season in BC runs from April through November, but you won’t catch all types of salmon throughout the entire season. There are five different types of Pacific salmon, each with their own best time to catch them. Understanding the fishing calendar gives you the best opportunity to fish for your pleasure. You may even want to come back at different times during the year to really experience the different types of salmon available in the area.
Spring Fishing – April, May and June
Chinook or King Salmon start to migrate back to the streams in April. These fish are the prized trophies of the salmon varieties, not only because they taste so good when cooked, but because they are hard fighting and the largest type of salmon. You can easily catch a fish that is 13 kilograms or more.
July and August Fishing
Summer fishing offers even more varieties. Coho, Sockeye and Pink salmon all begin their migration back to the area and the Chinook continue to flood the local waters. Sockeyes are prized for their delicious meat. Although they are smaller than the Chinook, they are very sporting fish that will give even experienced anglers a run for their money with their acrobatics and speed. It can be just as challenging to catch the aggressive Coho salmon, which are a little larger than Sockeyes but not quite as big as the Chinook.
Fall Fishing – September, October and November
Just because the nights get cooler doesn’t mean the fish aren’t active during the day. September might be one of the peak months for salmon fishing in the BC area, because you can hook all five varieties of salmon, including the chum salmon. Chum, also called dog salmon, are considered a nuisance fish, largely because their meat isn’t as tasty as the other types of salmon. Still, they weigh up to 10 kilograms or more, so they are quite fun to catch, even if you only hook and release. The fishing season can last well into November, but you’ll want to bring warmer clothes for your time outdoors.
Visit Eagle Nook for Expertly Guided Salmon Fishing Charters in BC
Make your fishing plans now for the upcoming fishing season. Eagle Nook Resort features world-class BC salmon fishing charters with luxurious accommodations in our private facility. We have beautiful boats with all the fishing gear you need to catch your limit of salmon.
Contact us for more information and to book your fishing package at Eagle Nook Resort.
