Campbell River Half Day Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing charter accommodates up to 4 guestsProfessional guides provide topnotch equipment and local expertiseExtended fishing hours available at competitive hourly rates
Campbell River has earned its reputation as the "Salmon Capital of the World" for good reason. These waters consistently deliver some of the best inshore fishing on the Pacific Coast, and our half-day charters put you right in the action. You'll fish the legendary waters where massive salmon runs meet diverse bottom fish populations, creating opportunities that keep anglers coming back year after year. With just four guests max, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to fight fish without bumping elbows.
Your morning starts early – we're talking first light when the fish are most active. Campbell River's inshore waters offer incredible diversity within just a few miles of the marina. One minute you're trolling for salmon in 60 feet of water, the next you're dropping lines down 200 feet for lingcod and rockfish. The scenery doesn't hurt either – snow-capped mountains, dense forests, and crystal-clear water make this one of BC's most beautiful fishing destinations. Our experienced guides know exactly where to position the boat based on tides, weather, and recent fish activity. They'll handle navigation while you focus on what matters: getting fish in the boat. The $849 base price covers your four-hour trip, and if the bite is hot, you can extend for $170 per hour. Trust me, when you're into fish, those extra hours are worth every penny.
We run a fully equipped operation with top-tier rods, reels, and tackle specifically chosen for Campbell River conditions. For salmon, we primarily troll with downriggers and divers, running everything from spoons and plugs to fresh herring. The guides will set the spread and adjust depths based on what the fish finder shows. When we switch to bottom fishing, you'll use heavier tackle to handle the bigger lingcod and halibut. Circle hooks and quality leaders are standard – we don't mess around with cheap gear that costs you fish. All bait, tackle, and equipment are included, though you're welcome to bring your favorite rods if you prefer. We provide rain gear, but dress in layers since mornings can be chilly even in summer. The guides will clean and fillet your catch, so you leave with restaurant-quality fillets ready for the freezer or tonight's dinner.
Campbell River's salmon runs are legendary, and for good reason. Coho salmon arrive in strong numbers from July through September, averaging 8-12 pounds with plenty of larger fish mixed in. These chrome-bright fighters jump repeatedly and make screaming runs that test your tackle and skills. They're aggressive feeders, often hitting spoons and plugs with authority. Chinook salmon represent the ultimate prize here – these kings can exceed 30 pounds and provide battles you'll remember for years. Peak season runs from June through August, though fish are present much longer. Their size and power make every hookup special.
Atlantic halibut might seem out of place, but these transplanted flatfish have thrived in local waters. They lurk near bottom structure, ambushing bait with surprising speed for such large fish. Specimens over 100 pounds are caught regularly, though most range 20-60 pounds. Their white meat is prized by chefs and anglers alike. Vermilion rockfish add consistent action throughout the trip. These bright red beauties school near rocky bottoms and provide steady bites when salmon fishing slows. They're excellent table fare and beautiful fish for photos.
Lingcod are the apex predators of these reefs. These prehistoric-looking fish have massive mouths full of sharp teeth and attitudes to match. They'll eat anything that fits in their mouth, including other lingcod. Summer months produce the largest specimens, with 20-30 pound fish common and larger ones always possible. Their firm, white meat rivals halibut for quality, making them highly sought after by serious anglers.
Campbell River fishing doesn't happen by accident – it takes local knowledge, quality equipment, and being on the water when conditions align. Our half-day charters maximize your time on productive water while fitting busy schedules. Whether you're targeting salmon for the smoker or bottom fish for tonight's dinner, these waters deliver consistently. The four-person limit ensures everyone gets plenty of fishing time and personal attention from experienced guides who live and breathe these waters. Book early, especially during peak salmon season, because the best dates fill up fast with returning customers who know what Campbell River fishing is all about.
Our restored 23' Grady White is built for serious fishing in Campbell River's legendary waters. This classic sportfishing boat packs twin 150HP Yamahas that'll get you to the hot spots fast, cruising at 36 knots when the salmon are running. The 2017 restoration brought modern fish-finding electronics and radar, perfect for those foggy BC mornings when the chinook are biting close to shore. With space for 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to work the rods without bumping elbows. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long battles with trophy fish. When you need a break between bites, grab some shade or use the head. The GPS keeps us on productive reefs and kelp beds where the rockfish and lingcod hide. Whether you're targeting salmon in the tide lines or dropping down for halibut, this boat handles Campbell River's inshore waters like a champ. At $849 for half a day, you get everything needed to fish these productive waters where the mountains meet the sea.
Hippoglossus HippoglossusAtlantic halibut are the giants of the flatfish world, averaging around 30 pounds but capable of reaching massive sizes over 200 pounds. These diamond-shaped fighters live on the bottom in 160-650 feet of water, preferring rocky areas and drop-offs. They're brown with distinctive white and black spots, and they're incredibly strong swimmers despite living on the seafloor. Spring through summer offers the best action when they move to shallower feeding areas. What draws anglers is the sheer power - they'll test your gear and endurance with long, stubborn fights. Plus, the white, flaky meat is restaurant-quality. My go-to technique: drift heavy jigs near bottom structure and be patient. When one grabs your bait, tire it out completely before trying to bring it up - these fish have broken more than a few rods from eager anglers.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon, the kings of the Pacific, are what every angler dreams about. These silver-sided giants with blue-green backs average 15-30 pounds but can grow much larger in our waters. They're light-sensitive fish that prefer deeper water during the day, following baitfish along drop-offs and current lines. Early morning and evening are prime times, with summer through early fall being peak season. What makes kings special is their incredible power and the quality of their orange-pink meat - nothing beats fresh king salmon. They're smart fish that require finesse and patience. My local trick: troll deeper than you think you need to, and when using downriggers, stay close to structure where they ambush prey. These fish will test your drag system, so make sure everything's properly set before you hook into one of these beauties.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or silvers as we call them, are absolute acrobats that'll jump six feet out of the water when hooked. These beauties run 8-12 pounds typically, with their bright silver sides and dark backs making them easy to spot. They love the calmer waters around structure and debris, moving between fresh and saltwater throughout their lives. Summer through early fall is prime time when they're feeding heavily before spawning. What makes cohos special is their aggressive fight - they'll put on a show with multiple jumps and strong runs. The orange-red meat is top quality eating too. Here's a local tip: when you're fighting one, keep steady pressure but don't horse them - let them tire themselves out with those spectacular jumps, then work them in gradually.
Ophiodon ElongatusLingcod are the ugly monsters everyone loves to catch - big heads, massive teeth, and attitudes to match. Despite the name, they're actually greenlings, not cod. These ambush predators lurk in rocky lairs 30-300 feet deep, using their mottled green and brown coloring to blend in perfectly. Females grow much larger than males, often over two feet, and they're catchable year-round. What makes lingcod special is they won't run when hooked - they'll fight you tooth and nail right where they are. The white, flaky meat is excellent eating too. They're aggressive feeders that'll grab almost anything, from live bait to metal jigs. Here's the key: once you hook one, pull hard immediately to get them away from their rocky home. Use heavy braided line because they'll try to wrap you up in the structure every time.
Sebastes MiniatusVermilion rockfish are the bright red beauties you'll find hanging around rocky reefs and boulder fields, typically in 100-500 feet of water. They average 14-22 inches and can hit 15 pounds, with that brilliant red color and black mottling making them unmistakable. These fish are homebodies - some stay in the same area for years, which makes them reliable targets once you find good structure. Year-round fishing is possible, but summer months tend to be most productive. What guests love is their scrappy fight for their size, plus they're fantastic table fare with firm white meat. The younger ones hang in shallower kelp beds while adults prefer deeper rocky bottoms. Pro tip: use a simple two-hook rig with squid strips and fish it right on the bottom - no need to get fancy, just get your bait down to where they live.
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