Campbell River Wildlife & Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour combo trip featuring salmon fishing and wildlife watchingSpot whales, sea lions, and eagles along BC's coastlineFamilyfriendly experience accommodating up to four guests
Campbell River's legendary waters deliver the perfect combo for anglers who want more than just fish on the line. This top-rated 5-hour trip with Fishing Storie Charters gives you the best of both worlds — productive salmon fishing paired with world-class wildlife watching along BC's stunning coastline. Whether you're bringing the family, introducing someone to fishing, or just want to maximize your time on the water, this customer favorite delivers an experience that keeps guests talking long after they're back on the dock.
Your day starts with serious salmon fishing in Campbell River's renowned waters, where Chinook and Coho run thick during peak season. The first half focuses on putting fish in the boat, working the productive zones where salmon stage before their upstream journey. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, positioning you over structure and current breaks where the big ones hold. After working the fishing grounds, the adventure shifts gears to wildlife watching — scanning for orcas, humpback whales, Steller sea lions hauled out on rocky outcrops, and bald eagles perched along the shoreline. The boat accommodates up to 4 guests comfortably, making it perfect for small groups who want personalized attention and flexibility to follow the action wherever it leads.
Campbell River salmon fishing means serious trolling with downriggers and diving planers to get your gear down to where the fish are holding. The crew runs a mix of spoons, flasher and hoochie combos, and cut herring depending on what the salmon are hitting that day. Downriggers let you fish multiple depths simultaneously, covering everything from surface feeders to fish hugging bottom in 80-100 feet of water. When the bite's on, you'll be pulling gear through tide rips and current edges where baitfish get pushed around and salmon come to feed. All fishing gear, tackle, and safety equipment is provided, so you just need to bring yourself and maybe some rain gear if weather looks questionable. The wildlife portion uses the same boat but shifts focus to areas where marine mammals congregate — kelp beds, seal rookeries, and feeding zones where whales work bait balls.
Campbell River Chinook salmon are the crown jewel of BC fishing, with fish ranging from scrappy 15-pounders up to massive 40+ pound tyees that'll test your drag system and patience. These kings feed heavily in the saltwater before spawning, bulking up on herring, anchovies, and needlefish. Summer runs peak from June through August, with the biggest fish typically showing up in July and early August. Chinook fight deep and bulldogged, making long powerful runs that can strip line off your reel in seconds. What makes them special here is the combination of size and numbers — Campbell River consistently produces both quantity and quality.
Coho salmon bring a completely different fight to the table, jumping and tail-walking across the surface when hooked. These acrobatic silver bullets typically run 8-15 pounds but make up for smaller size with pure attitude and aerial displays. Coho are surface oriented feeders, often found in the top 30 feet of water chasing bait schools. They hit lures aggressively and fight dirty, using every trick in the book to throw your hooks. Peak Coho action runs from late July through September, with fish staging in large schools before heading to their natal streams. The visual excitement of watching a hooked Coho cartwheel through the air never gets old.
While salmon steal the spotlight, Campbell River's wildlife viewing adds another dimension that many guests find equally rewarding. Orcas frequent these waters throughout summer, often in family pods that put on spectacular displays. Humpback whales show up to feed on herring and krill, sometimes approaching the boat out of curiosity. Steller sea lions haul out on rocky islands and kelp beds, while harbor seals pop their heads up around the boat. Bald eagles are practically guaranteed sightings, with multiple birds visible on most trips as they patrol shorelines looking for fish scraps and salmon carcasses.
This wildlife and fishing combo represents serious value for anyone wanting to experience Campbell River's best in a single outing. You get productive salmon fishing during prime time, plus wildlife encounters that create lasting memories for the whole family. The 5-hour duration gives enough time to work both angles without feeling rushed, and the small group size means personalized service and flexibility to adapt as conditions change. Campbell River's summer season books up fast, especially for trips that deliver this kind of variety and quality. Whether you're after your first salmon or want to introduce someone special to what makes BC fishing legendary, this trip delivers on all fronts. Contact Fishing Storie Charters to secure your dates and get ready for a day on the water that showcases why Campbell River remains Canada's premier salmon fishing destination.
This 27-foot Boston Whaler is your ticket to Campbell River's best salmon fishing and wildlife watching. Twin 225HP Yamaha engines get you to the hotspots fast, hitting 45 knots when needed. The boat handles beautifully in these coastal waters, giving you a stable platform whether you're battling a chinook or watching orcas surface nearby. Downriggers and fish finders help you dial in on salmon, while the spacious deck gives all four anglers room to work. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 5-hour combo trip. GPS and radar keep you on course, plus there's a head onboard for comfort. Built tough for BC waters, this sportfisher delivers the gear and performance you need for serious fishing plus the smooth ride that makes wildlife viewing a pleasure. Perfect setup for families wanting to experience both sides of what makes Campbell River fishing so special.
Campbell River