Quadra Island Fishing Trips
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Protected waters near Campbell River offer consistent salmon fishingSmall group charter accommodates up to four guests maximumInshore trips feature calm conditions ideal for family outings
Just a short boat ride from Campbell River, Quadra Island's protected waters offer some of the most consistent salmon fishing on Vancouver Island's coast. These calm inshore waters are perfect for anglers who want great fishing without the rough seas—ideal for families with kids, couples looking for a peaceful day out, or anyone who prefers their fishing adventure without the seasickness. With Fishing Storie Charters, you'll spend your day working prime salmon grounds while taking in the stunning coastline and watching for marine wildlife that calls these waters home.
Your day starts with a quick run from Campbell River to the sheltered side of Quadra Island, where the fishing grounds are just minutes away. These protected waters stay calm even when the outside waters get choppy, making it a go-to spot for guides when conditions elsewhere turn rough. The boat accommodates up to 4 guests, so you'll have plenty of room to spread out and fish comfortably. Most of the action happens within sight of the rugged shoreline, where you can watch eagles soar overhead and seals pop up to check out your boat. The combination of consistent fish and beautiful scenery makes this trip a customer favorite, especially for those who want productive fishing without the long runs to offshore grounds.
The fishing here revolves around trolling with downriggers, covering the underwater structure and current breaks where salmon love to hang out. Your guide will set up multiple lines at different depths, using spoons, flashers with bait, and plugs that have proven effective in these specific waters. The depth here ranges from 60 to 200 feet, and the fish often hold tight to the bottom structure or suspend in the water column following baitfish schools. You'll learn to read your rod tips for that telltale bounce that signals a fish, and the protected waters mean you can focus on fishing instead of fighting seasickness. The tackle is all provided, but if you have a favorite setup, most guides are happy to let you run your own gear alongside theirs.
Chinook Salmon are the heavyweight champions of these waters, and Quadra Island's inshore areas consistently produce fish in the 15-30 pound range, with the occasional monster pushing 40 pounds or more. These kings are here year-round but peak from June through September when they stage before heading to their spawning rivers. They fight hard and deep, making long runs that'll test your drag and your arms. What makes catching chinook here special is the calm water—you can actually enjoy the fight without getting tossed around by waves.
Pink Salmon show up in massive numbers during odd-numbered years, turning the waters around Quadra Island into a pink salmon playground from July through September. These scrappy 3-6 pound fish might be smaller than chinook, but they make up for it with sheer numbers and aggressive strikes. When the pinks are running, it's not unusual to hook doubles or even triples, keeping everyone on the boat busy. They're perfect for kids and novice anglers since they fight hard but won't break your back reeling them in.
Coho Salmon are the acrobats of the salmon world, and the ones around Quadra Island put on quite a show when hooked. These silver bullets typically run 6-12 pounds and are famous for their jumping, tail-walking fights that'll get your heart pumping. Coho fishing peaks from August through October, and they often feed aggressively near the surface, making for visual and exciting fishing. They're also excellent table fare, with firm, flavorful meat that's perfect for the barbecue.
If you're looking for top-rated salmon fishing without the rough water ride, Quadra Island's inshore grounds deliver consistent action in comfortable conditions. The protected waters, diverse salmon runs, and stunning West Coast scenery make this a world-class fishing experience that works for everyone from seasoned anglers to first-timers. With only 4 spots available per trip, these charters fill up quickly during peak salmon season. Don't wait—book your Quadra Island fishing adventure with Fishing Storie Charters and discover why local guides consider these some of the best fishing waters in Campbell River.
Jump aboard this solid 27' Boston Whaler and get ready for some serious salmon fishing around Quadra Island's protected waters. Twin 225HP Yamahas push this sportfisher to 45 knots, getting you to the fish fast and back to dock comfortably. The boat handles beautifully in these inshore waters, perfect for up to 4 anglers who want room to fish without bumping elbows. Downriggers are set up and ready, while the fish finder helps locate schools holding in the depths. GPS keeps you on productive spots, and radar ensures safe running when the coastal fog rolls in. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold, plus there's a head onboard for convenience during longer fishing days. Just minutes from Campbell River, you'll be working the salmon runs where the mountains meet the sea.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaThe king of Pacific salmon, Chinooks are what serious anglers dream about. These massive fish average 12-20 pounds but can easily hit 30+ pounds in our waters. They're silver with distinctive black spots and that telltale black mouth. Kings stay deep most of the day, so we'll be running downriggers and targeting 60-150 feet where they cruise along drop-offs and kelp lines. Early morning and evening are prime time when they move up to feed. The fight is legendary - powerful runs that'll test your gear and patience. Plus, that rich orange meat is restaurant-quality. Pro tip: when you feel that first heavy pull, don't rush it. Keep steady pressure and let the fish tire itself out on longer runs.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCohos are the acrobats of salmon fishing - these silver rockets will jump clean out of the water and put on a show you won't forget. Running 8-12 pounds typically, they're built for speed with that classic silver body and dark blue-green back. You'll find them in 20-80 feet, often near structure like reefs and kelp beds where they ambush baitfish. Late summer through fall is prime time as they stage before spawning runs. What makes cohos special is their aerial show - they'll leap repeatedly, trying to throw the hook. The bright orange meat is excellent eating too. Here's a local secret: when cohos are being picky, try a small spoon behind a flasher at varying speeds. Change your trolling speed every few minutes until you find what triggers them.
Oncorhynchus GorbuschaPinks are the scrappy underdogs of the salmon world, averaging 4-5 pounds with their signature humped backs during spawning season. They show up in huge numbers every odd year, making for fast action in shallow bays and creek mouths around the island. These fish love cold water and stay close to shore, often just 10-30 feet down. They're perfect for families since they hit hard but won't break your arm fighting them. The meat is lighter than other salmon but still tasty on the grill. Best fishing happens late summer when they school up thick. My go-to trick is using bright pink or orange jigs tipped with a bit of herring - seems to trigger their aggressive strikes when nothing else works.
Campbell River