Full Day Campbell River Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday inshore fishing adventure in Campbell River watersExpert guides and premium equipment included in packageSmall group experience with maximum four guests aboard
Campbell River isn't called the "Salmon Capital of the World" for nothing. When you step aboard with Coastal Elements Charters for a full day on these legendary waters, you're getting access to some of the most productive fishing grounds on the entire Pacific coast. At $1,295 plus GST for up to four anglers, this isn't just another fishing trip – it's your chance to experience world-class angling in waters that consistently produce trophy fish year after year.
Your full day starts early, because that's when the fish are most active and the best spots are wide open. We're talking about 8-10 hours of prime fishing time in waters where Coho and Chinook salmon stack up thick during their runs, and where bottom fish like halibut and lingcod grow to impressive sizes. The inshore waters around Campbell River offer incredible variety – you might be pulling in a screaming Coho one minute and fighting a barn door halibut the next. Our guides know these waters like the back of their hand, from the shallow rocky reefs where rockfish cluster to the deeper channels where the big salmon cruise. Weather can change quickly out here, but that's part of the authentic Pacific Northwest experience. We provide all the premium gear you'll need, from quality rods and reels to the right weights and lures for whatever we're targeting that day. If you're loving the action and want to extend your time, additional hours run $170 each – and trust me, when the bite is hot, you won't want to head back to the dock.
Campbell River fishing is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. We'll be running a mix of techniques depending on what we're after and where the fish are holding. For salmon, we're primarily trolling with downriggers, running cut-plug herring, spoons, and hootchies at various depths. The key here is speed control and getting your bait in the strike zone – sometimes that's 40 feet down, sometimes it's 120 feet. For bottom fishing, we'll anchor up or drift over productive structure, dropping heavy jigs and live or cut bait down to where the halibut and lingcod live. The rockfish are usually somewhere in between, hanging around kelp beds and rocky outcrops where they can ambush smaller fish. Our tackle is sized appropriately for what we're targeting – medium-heavy salmon gear that can handle a 30-pound Chinook, and heavier bottom fishing setups that won't give up when a big halibut decides to head for the depths. The guides will handle all the technical stuff like rigger settings and bait presentation, but they'll also teach you the local tricks that make Campbell River fishing so productive.
Coho Salmon are the acrobats of Campbell River, and they're absolutely electric when they hit your line. These silver rockets typically run 8-12 pounds but fight way above their weight class, jumping clear out of the water and making blistering runs that'll test your drag settings. Peak season runs from July through September, and when they're in thick, you can expect multiple hookups and non-stop action. What makes Coho special here is they feed aggressively right in the inshore waters, so you don't need to run far offshore to find them. They love bright spoons and will absolutely hammer a properly presented cut-plug herring.
Chinook Salmon are the kings of Campbell River for good reason – these are the fish that put this place on the map. We're talking about salmon that regularly hit 20-30 pounds, with trophy fish pushing 40 pounds or more. They're available year-round but peak from June through September. Chinook fight deep and strong, using their bulk and the current to their advantage. Landing a big Campbell River Chinook is something anglers travel from around the world to experience, and the meat quality is absolutely top-notch. These fish respond well to larger baits and lures, and they'll often hit right at boat-side when you least expect it.
Atlantic Halibut might seem like an odd name for Pacific waters, but these flatfish are prized catches that can range from "chicken" halibut around 10-15 pounds up to genuine barn doors pushing 100 pounds or more. They're ambush predators that lie buried in sandy or muddy bottoms, waiting to engulf whatever swims by. Halibut fishing is available year-round but really picks up from May through September. The fight is all about power – they'll use their flat profile to plane in the current and make your arms burn. Plus, there's no better eating fish in these waters.
Vermilion Rockfish are the colorful characters of Campbell River's rocky reefs, with their bright red and orange coloration making them a favorite with photographers. They're excellent eating and put up a scrappy fight for their size, typically running 2-5 pounds. These fish school up around structure and kelp beds, and once you find them, you can usually catch several before they wise up. They're available year-round but most active during the warmer months. Rockfish are perfect for anglers who want consistent action between the bigger game fish.
Lingcod are the underwater dinosaurs of Campbell River – ugly, toothy predators that can grow massive and fight like bulldogs. A big lingcod can hit 20-30 pounds and will use every rock, kelp strand, and crevice to try to break you off. They're ambush feeders that respond well to large jigs and live bait, and they're most active from spring through fall. What makes lingcod exciting is you never know when you'll hook into a genuine monster, and their prehistoric looks make for great photos. The meat is excellent too – firm, white, and perfect for the grill.
Campbell River's reputation as a top-rated fishing destination isn't h
Get ready to hit the productive waters of Campbell River aboard our restored 23' Grady White sportfisher. This classic 1994 vessel got a complete makeover in 2017 and packs twin 150HP Yamaha outboards that'll cruise you to the fishing grounds at 36 knots. Perfect for up to 4 anglers, she's loaded with everything you need for a successful day on the water - GPS and radar keep you on course, while the fish finder helps locate schools of salmon and bottom fish. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold, plus there's a comfortable cabin with bed and head for longer trips. Campbell River's renowned fishing waters are calling, and this well-equipped boat puts you right in the action whether you're targeting chinook, coho, or halibut.
Hippoglossus HippoglossusAtlantic halibut are the giants of the flatfish world, averaging around 30 pounds but capable of reaching massive sizes - we're talking 100+ pounders if you're lucky. These diamond-shaped fish live on the bottom in 150-500 feet of water around rocky structure and sandy bottoms. They're ambush predators that hit hard and fight like bulldogs once hooked. The meat is white, flaky, and considered a real delicacy. Best fishing happens during spring and summer when they move into shallower feeding areas. They'll eat just about anything - cod, squid, even seabirds. Here's the key: use the drift method with heavy tackle, let the boat and current do the work, and once you hook one, be patient. These fish have serious power and will test your gear.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon - the kings of Campbell River - are what many anglers dream about. These are the largest Pacific salmon, commonly running 15-30 pounds with some real giants pushing 40+. They prefer deeper, colder water and are light-sensitive, so they often stay down during the day. What makes them special is that incredible fight combined with that rich, red meat that's perfect for the table. Summer through fall is prime time when they're moving through our waters. Kings are more methodical than cohos but incredibly powerful once hooked. They'll test your drag and your patience. Local tip: get your gear deep with downriggers or weighted lines early morning or evening, and use herring or spoons. When you hook one, stay calm and let your equipment do the work.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, also called silvers, are one of the most acrobatic fish you'll hook in these waters. They typically run 8-12 pounds and put on quite a show with their jumps - they can leap up to 6 feet out of the water. You'll find them in the calmer areas around debris and structure, especially during their summer and fall runs. What makes cohos special is their aggressive strike and incredible fight once hooked. The meat has that bright orange-red color and tastes fantastic. They're lighter than chinook but make up for it with pure energy. Here's a local tip: when you see one jump, keep steady pressure but don't horse them - let them tire themselves out with those aerial displays, then work them in gradually.
Ophiodon ElongatusLingcod are the monsters with attitude that everyone wants to tangle with. Despite the name, they're actually greenlings with massive heads, wicked teeth, and can reach 20+ pounds around here. These ambush predators live in rocky lairs from 30-300 feet, using their mottled coloring to blend in perfectly. What makes them special is their aggressive nature - they'd rather fight than flee, making for exciting battles. The white, flaky meat is excellent eating too. You can target them year-round, but they're most active in spring and summer. They'll hit almost anything that moves - live bait, dead bait, jigs. My advice: use at least 30lb braided line because of all that rocky structure, and work metal jigs right along the bottom where they're waiting.
Sebastes MiniatusVermilion rockfish are those bright red beauties you'll find hanging around rocky bottoms between 100-500 feet deep. They average 14-22 inches and can live for decades in the same area - some rockfish hit 100 years old. What guests love is their willingness to bite and that excellent table fare. They're not the strongest fighters, but they're reliable and make great eating. You'll often find them mixed in with other rockfish around boulder piles and reef structure. They feed on small fish, squid, and krill, so they're pretty opportunistic. Summer and fall tend to be best when they're more active. Pro tip: use light tackle with a two-hook rig and a strip of squid - and fish right on the bottom where they spend most of their time.
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