Full-Day Multi-Species Charter in French Creek
Private Trip
Full-day charter targets salmon, lingcod, crab and prawnsSmall group capacity of three guests maximumOperates from French Creek with Strait of Georgia access
French Creek sits right in the sweet spot where some of BC's most productive salmon and bottom fish waters meet. This full-day charter gives you the best of both worlds – open water trolling for salmon and precise bottom fishing around the rocky structure that lingcod and rockfish call home. With only three anglers on board, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of room to work your gear without bumping elbows. When conditions line up right, we'll also drop prawn traps and crab pots to round out what could be one heck of a seafood haul.
Your day starts early at the French Creek marina, where you'll meet your guide and get the lowdown on what species are biting and where we're headed first. The beauty of this multi-species approach is that we're not locked into one fishing style or location – we adapt to what the water's giving us. Early morning might find us trolling spoons and flashers in 80 to 200 feet of water, working the tide lines where baitfish stack up and salmon cruise through for breakfast. As the day progresses, we'll shift gears and move to the rocky reefs and underwater pinnacles where lingcod hang out, waiting to ambush anything that swims by. The Strait of Georgia waters here are known for their clarity and strong tidal movements, which keeps the ecosystem healthy and the fishing consistently good throughout the season.
We run a mix of techniques depending on what we're targeting. For salmon, it's all about trolling with downriggers, covering water at different depths until we find where they're holding. We'll run a spread of gear – flashers with bait, spoons, and plugs – adjusting our speed and depth based on what the fish finder shows us. When we switch to bottom fishing, out come the heavy jigs and live bait rigs. Lingcod fishing requires a different mindset – these ambush predators want something that looks injured or easy to catch, so we'll work big jigs and soft plastics right along the bottom structure. The prawning and crabbing gear gets deployed in designated areas where regulations allow, adding another dimension to your day on the water. All tackle and gear are included, though you're welcome to bring your favorite rods if you prefer fishing with familiar equipment.
Chinook salmon are the crown jewel of these waters, and French Creek provides excellent access to their migration routes. These powerful fish can range from 15 to 40 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing even bigger. Spring through early fall offers the best action, with fish moving through in distinct waves depending on which river system they're heading to spawn in. What makes catching a Chinook special isn't just the size – it's the way they fight, making long runs and testing every knot in your terminal tackle. Coho salmon bring a different kind of excitement to the table. These acrobatic fighters love to jump and make blistering runs on light tackle. They're typically smaller than Chinook, running 8 to 15 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in pure athleticism. Late summer and fall are prime time for Coho, when they're feeding aggressively before heading to spawn.
Lingcod are the bullies of the bottom, and landing one always gets the adrenaline pumping. These prehistoric-looking predators can reach impressive sizes – 20 to 30 pounds isn't uncommon, and the occasional 40-pounder shows up to make your day. They're available year-round, but spring and fall tend to produce the biggest fish. What's exciting about lingcod fishing is the bite itself – they hit hard and immediately try to get back to their rocky hideout, so you need to muscle them up quick. Tiger rockfish add beautiful color to your catch, with their distinctive orange and black stripes making them one of the most photogenic species you'll encounter. They're typically smaller, running 2 to 8 pounds, but they're excellent table fare and fight surprisingly hard for their size. Copper rockfish round out the bottom species mix, offering consistent action when you find a good school. They're curious fish that often travel in groups, so finding one usually means there are more around.
This multi-species approach gives you the best shot at bringing home a variety of seafood while experiencing different fishing techniques in some of BC's most productive waters. The small group size means you'll get hands-on instruction and plenty of opportunities to work different gear and learn new techniques. Whether you're after that trophy Chinook photo or just want to fill the cooler with fresh seafood, this charter adapts to what you're hoping to accomplish. French Creek's location puts you right in the middle of some world-class fishing, and with a guide who knows these waters inside and out, you're set up for success from the moment you leave the dock.
This fully restored 21' Bayliner walkaround is your fishing headquarters for targeting salmon, lingcod, crab, and prawns in the productive waters around French Creek. The reliable 150HP Suzuki gets you out to the fishing grounds quickly, while the stable hull handles both nearshore structure fishing and open-water trolling with ease. The fish finder helps locate schools and bottom structure, while the wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over productive spots without spooking fish. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during long fishing sessions. The enclosed cabin provides shelter when weather picks up, and there's even a toilet for those extended days on the water. With GPS navigation, you can efficiently move between salmon trolling areas, lingcod reefs, and crab/prawn spots to maximize your multi-species fishing opportunities in the Strait of Georgia.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook are the kings of our waters - the largest Pacific salmon and what most guests dream about landing. These silver-backed giants average 15-20 pounds but can push 30+ in our productive Strait of Georgia waters. We troll for them in open water, typically 40-120 feet down where they hunt herring and other baitfish. Prime time runs June through September, with early morning and evening producing best results since they avoid bright light. What makes Chinook special is their incredible table fare - that rich, red meat is unmatched. The fight is more of a strong, steady pull than the acrobatics of Coho. We use downriggers with spoons, plugs, or herring to get down where they live. Pro tip: when you hook a big one, keep steady pressure and be patient - they'll make long, powerful runs that test both your drag and nerves.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho are the acrobats of our salmon runs - known for their spectacular jumps and aggressive fights that keep anglers on their toes. These silver-sided beauties typically range 12-30 inches and 8-12 pounds with that prized orange-red meat everyone loves. We target them trolling in open waters of the Strait of Georgia, usually in the top 50 feet where they chase baitfish. Summer through early fall brings the best action as they move through our area. What makes Coho special is their unpredictability - they'll hit spoons, plugs, or flies with equal enthusiasm. The fight is what guests remember most - they'll jump, run, and test your drag repeatedly. Pro tip: keep your drag smooth and rod tip up when they go airborne. Bright lures like chartreuse and pink work well in our waters, especially early morning or evening sessions.
Sebastes CaurinusCopper Rockfish are perfect for anglers wanting steady action - they're not bait-shy and there's plenty of them around our rocky areas. These copper-colored beauties average 13 inches and 3 pounds, though some reach 26 inches. They stick close to rocky bottoms, jetties, and structure between 30-150 feet year-round, preferring our cooler BC waters. What guests love is their willingness to bite almost anything and their decent table quality. December through March during spawning season tends to be most productive. We target them with bottom rigs, dropping baits right into the rocks then lifting a few feet and dropping again. Best part about coppers is they stay put once they find a good spot - no long migrations. My tip: use circle hooks with squid or shrimp, and don't be afraid to get close to structure.
Ophiodon ElongatusLingcod are the monsters lurking in our rocky reefs - ugly as sin but fantastic eating and a serious fight once hooked. Despite the name, they're actually large greenlings with massive heads full of razor teeth. Females can reach 30+ inches while males stay smaller. We find them on rocky bottoms from 30-300 feet, often lying motionless until something edible swims by. They're available year-round, though spring brings the most aggressive fish moving into shallower spawning areas. What guests love is the pure power - these fish don't run, they just pull straight down with surprising strength. They'll eat almost anything, making them great targets for beginners. Metal jigs work best, bounced right off the bottom near structure. My tip: use heavy tackle and keep steady pressure - they'll try to wrap you around rocks if given slack.
Sebastes NigrocinctusTiger Rockfish are one of our more unique catches - distinctive pink bodies with bold black stripes that give them their name. These deep-bodied fish typically run 11-18 inches and pack some serious spines, so handle with care. They're homebodies that stick to rocky reefs and crevices between 30-800 feet, often emerging around dusk. What makes them special is their age - some live over 100 years. They're territorial and surprisingly aggressive when disturbed. Best caught using jigging motions near rocky structure to mimic the crabs and shrimp they love. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action when weather conditions allow us to work the deeper reefs. Pro tip: once you hook one, keep steady pressure - they'll try to duck back into their rocky hideout.
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