Tag Archive for: salmon fishing charters

You are here: / salmon fishing charters

Posts

salmon fishing gear

How to Gear Up for Your Salmon Fishing Trip in BC

/in /by

People from around the world visit British Columbia for its world-class fishing adventures. Salmon fishing charters are a great way to experience the adventure and excitement of catching prized Chinook salmon. If you’re planning on fishing for salmon, the rod and reel you use at your local lake may not be sturdy enough for salmon fishing in BC. Your all-inclusive package with us here at Eagle Nook has you covered. In your package, we’ve included fishing equipment such as high-end quality rods and reels, a fully guided fishing experience on our 25ft fully appointed boats, rain gear, dining and full use of all our resort amenities. We’ve got all you need to make your escape to the wilderness for some much deserved R&R.    

salmon fishing

Salmon Fishing Gear  

Fishing is more than knowing where you drop your line. You have to know what kind of fish you’re catching to have the correct equipment and tackle. Salmon are prized trophies in the angling world. They have tough jaws and put up a fight before being caught. Your rod, line and hook need to stand up to their strength. If you’re fishing in saltwater, you’ll want gear that doesn’t corrode. At Eagle Nook, we will ensure your hook and lure combinations are permitted and up to date with regulations.

For catching salmon in BC, we recommend the following fishing tackle:

  • Choose a salmon fishing rod and reel designed for the type of fishing you are doing. Islander reels are one of the best but if you’re fishing in tidal waters, Downriggor trolling equipment like Scotty Products are recommended. For freshwater fishing, you’ll probably be float fishing or drift fishing.  
  • Use quality fishing line like Seaguar Fluorocarbon as these types of lines are most durable in salt water conditions.
  • Bring larger fishing weights in the 15 to 20 pound weight range and make sure your down rigger can handle it. Here at Eagle Nook Resort, we use the Scotty HP series on all our guide boats.    
  • Use only barbless hooks for salmon fishing. That’s not our rule, that’s the law.  
  • You can use bait or lures. If you’re using lures, bring as much variety as you can. Feel free to check in with us at Eagle Nook before you arrive and we can recommend what is most suitable for the time of year you are heading our way.

salmon fishing gear

 

  • You must have a fishing license with a salmon conservation stamp. If you have any questions about your license, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Eagle Nook and we will gladly help you out, as well as arrange all your licensing for you.  
  • Don’t forget your fishing cooler, ice and packing material to take your catch home. If you are staying with us at our lodge at Eagle Nook resort, we will fillet, vacuum pack and freeze your catch for easy transport home. Guided fishing includes airline-approved coolers to take home your catch so you can feast for months to come. If you have your own home, we are happy to supply you ice if needed.    

At Eagle Nook resort, you’re welcome to bring your own fishing gear, but we also have everything you need for your fishing excursion on our boats. We want you to enjoy your vacation both during and after, so we even fillet, portion and pack your catch in airline approved travel coolers.  

What to Bring to Eagle Nook Resort  

For salmon fishing charters at Eagle Nook Resort, you’ll need to pack your essentials. Pack clothing that can be layered, because the mornings and evenings can get cool while the afternoon can be warm and muggy. In addition, you should bring:  

  • Hiking boots, if you plan to hike  
  • Swimsuit
  • Personal medications and toiletries  

Our resort provides towels for swimming, the hot tub and personal use, as well as terry bathrobes, soap, shampoo, and blow dryers. We also have rain gear and rubber boots, so you can go ahead and pack lightly for your trip.  

Luxury Salmon Fishing Charters from Our West Coast Lodge in BC

Salmon fishing trips in BC at Eagle Nook Resort are hassle-free from packing the necessities to taking your catch home, because we believe that you deserve a luxurious resort with fine dining while you let our friendly staff deal with details. Contact us now to book your BC salmon fishing trip and enjoy our unrivalled hospitality.

fishing season

Your Guide to Different Types of Salmon in BC

/in /by

Salmon are one of the most popular game fish in North America. The fish are fighters and worthy opponents for any angler. Salmon are members of the Salmonidae family, which include trout, whitefish, and chars. Atlantic salmon belong to the genus Salmo and are more closely related to trout than the Pacific varieties of salmon. There are five types of salmon species found off   the west coast of British Columbia. When you come north for the best salmon fishing in Canada, you’ll want to know how to identify the different types.  

Different Types of Salmon in BC

Types of Pacific Salmon  

Pacific salmon are anadromous. The fish are born in freshwater, then they migrate to the ocean. They will live in the ocean for their adult life before returning to the stream where they were born, to reproduce. These are the types of salmon we see on our salmon fishing charters, with Chinook/King and Coho/Silver being the main type of salmon we catch.      

1. Chinook or King Salmon  

Chinook salmon are the prized fish for anglers because they are more difficult to catch due to their size and strength. The average size of Chinook salmon is about 17 kilograms, but these fish can get up to 50 kilograms or more. The Chinook is blue-green, red, or purple on the back, with black spots on its tail. You can catch Chinook from April to September, but the largest ones are typically caught in July and August.  

2. Coho or Silver Salmon  

Coho salmon are the other main salmon we catch. Characterized by silver sides with dark-blue backs, they may darken when they move to their spawning grounds. Although they are a bit smaller than Chinook, weighing a modest 16 kilograms on average, they can be more difficult to catch because they can be aggressive and acrobatic. The season for Coho starts in July, but they are best caught in late fall, October, and November, when they are bigger.

3. Pink Salmon – AKA Humpies  

Pink salmon are the smallest of the Pacific salmon. They average around 2.2 kilograms but can get as large as 6 kilograms. Mature pink salmon have a large, humped back, hence their nickname. They have a V-shaped tail fin without any silver. They’re a great sport fish that even children can reel in and their fishing season is from July to September.  

4. Chum or Dog Salmon  

Chum salmon have a dark horizontal stripe on each side. They also have canine-like teeth, large pupils, and a forked tail. They’re silvery blue-green when they live in the ocean, but when they return to freshwater, they take on a dark olive-green hue. Chum are the second largest salmon, weighing between 4.4 to 10 kilograms. There is an abundance of chum salmon. They are strong and will be a worthy catch, but seafood lovers say their meat isn’t as tasty as Chinook or Sockeye. The cooler months are the best times to catch chum.  

5. Red Salmon AKA Sockeyes

Sockeye salmon are recognizable by the lack of spots on their tail and back and the long gill rakers. When they are found in the ocean, they will be blue and silver, but when they return to the spawning stream, they turn red with green heads. They weigh between 2 to 7 kilograms and the best season for sockeyes is from July to September.  

Experience the Best Salmon Fishing in Canada this Summer

For a true summer adventure in the Pacific Northwest, book your retreat at one of the best BC salmon fishing lodges. Eagle Nook Resort in Barkley Sound offers luxurious accommodations, private fishing charters and fine dining, set in a remote location surrounded by natural beauty. Get more information on booking your stay for the fishing season.  

fishing season

 

 

chinook salmon

Chinook Salmon Fishing Tips for a Great Catch

/in /by

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

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:  

  1. Use a razor-sharp hook.  
  2. 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.  
  3. 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.  
  4. 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.  
  5. 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!
  6. 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!    

© Copyright Eagle Nook Resort