Full-Day Multi-Species Charter in French Creek
Private Trip
Fullday charter targets salmon, lingcod, crab and prawnsSmall group experience with maximum three guests aboardAccess productive Strait of Georgia fishing waters
Get ready for one of the best fishing experiences on Vancouver Island's east coast. This full-day charter launches from French Creek and puts you right in the heart of some of BC's most productive waters. You're looking at the Strait of Georgia and the renowned Nanaimo-Parksville fishing grounds – waters that consistently produce salmon, lingcod, rockfish, and when conditions line up right, we'll drop some prawn traps and crab gear too. With just three anglers max, you get the personal attention that makes all the difference between a good day and an epic one.
This isn't your typical one-trick fishing trip. We're talking about a true multi-species adventure that adapts to what's biting and what the conditions give us. You'll start the morning targeting salmon with proven trolling techniques, working the deeper channels and structure that hold feeding Chinook and Coho. As the day progresses, we shift gears to bottom fishing around the rocky reefs and drop-offs where lingcod and rockfish hang out. The beauty of French Creek's location means we can access different fishing zones without burning half the day getting there. When the regulations and conditions align, we'll set prawn traps early in the morning and pull crab gear throughout the day, giving you that full west coast fishing experience that locals have been enjoying for generations.
We run a mix of proven techniques that match what we're targeting. For salmon, we're trolling with downriggers, using everything from spoons and flasher-hoochie combos to plugs, depending on what's working that day. The captain knows these waters like the back of their hand and adjusts depths, speeds, and lure selection based on current conditions and fish behavior. When we switch to bottom fishing for lingcod and rockfish, we're talking heavy jigs, soft plastics, and sometimes live bait when we can get it. The rocky structure around here holds fantastic populations of lingcod, and the technique is all about getting your bait right down where these ambush predators are waiting. Prawn traps get set in designated areas early, and crab traps work throughout the day in spots that have been producing consistently. All gear is provided, but if you have favorite lures or tackle, bring them along – local knowledge combined with your go-to gear often produces the best results.
Chinook salmon are the kings of these waters, and for good reason. These powerful fish average 15-25 pounds in the Strait of Georgia, with the occasional monster pushing 30-plus pounds. Spring through early fall offers the best action, with fish moving through on their way to natal rivers. What makes Chinook special here isn't just their size – it's the fight they put up in the open water and the fact that you're often hooked up to a fish that's traveled thousands of ocean miles. Coho salmon bring a different energy to the day. These acrobatic fighters average 6-12 pounds and are absolute rockets when they hit your gear. Late summer into fall is prime time for Coho, and they're known for their spectacular jumps and long runs that test your drag settings.
Lingcod are the predators of the rocky bottom, and French Creek waters hold some beauties. These fish can range from keeper-sized 4-5 pounders up to legitimate 15-20 pound specimens that look like something prehistoric. They're ambush hunters that hit hard and fight dirty, using their knowledge of the bottom structure to try and break you off. Tiger rockfish and copper rockfish round out the target species list, and both are fantastic table fare. Tiger rockfish show off their distinctive banding pattern and typically range 2-5 pounds, while copper rockfish display their beautiful reddish-brown coloration and similar size range. Both species inhabit the same rocky areas as lingcod and provide consistent action when salmon fishing slows down.
This world-class multi-species charter gives you everything that makes BC fishing legendary – variety, quality fish, and waters that consistently produce. With only three spots available, you get the personalized experience that larger boats simply can't match. The combination of salmon trolling, bottom fishing, and the bonus opportunity for prawns and crab creates a day that covers all the bases of what west coast fishing is about. French Creek's location puts you in prime fishing grounds fast, meaning more time with lines in the water and less time traveling. Whether you're a local angler looking to experience these productive waters or visiting from out of province, this charter delivers the kind of fishing day that keeps people coming back season after season.
Step aboard this fully restored 21' Bayliner walkaround cabin cruiser, your ticket to French Creek's diverse fishing grounds. Powered by a dependable 150HP Suzuki engine, this versatile fishing platform cuts through the Strait of Georgia waters at up to 30 knots, getting you to the salmon runs and bottom fish structures quickly and efficiently. The boat's walkaround design gives you plenty of room to work the rods while targeting everything from hard-fighting Chinook salmon to table-fare lingcod. When you're trolling for coho in open water or dropping lines for rockfish around the reefs, the onboard fish finder helps locate the best spots while GPS navigation keeps you on productive fishing grounds. Between fishing sessions, grab cold drinks from the icebox or use the onboard facilities during those long days chasing multiple species. The wireless trolling motor comes in handy for quiet positioning over crab beds or prawn traps without spooking nearby fish. With space for up to three anglers, there's room to spread out whether you're battling salmon on the surface or hauling up crab traps from the depths.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook Salmon are the kings of our waters - literally. These are the biggest salmon you'll encounter, averaging 15-20 pounds but capable of reaching 40+ pounds in our area. They prefer deeper water and stay down in the 80-150 foot range during the day, making them light-sensitive compared to other salmon. What draws anglers to chinooks is the combination of size, fight, and that rich, buttery meat that's second to none on the table. We target them by trolling with downriggers, using spoons, plugs, and cut herring at various depths. Early morning and evening are prime times when they move up to feed. Spring through early fall offers the best action as they move through our waters. Here's something most guides won't tell you: chinooks are incredibly sensitive to boat noise and vibration. When we mark fish on the sounder, I'll often cut the engine and drift through the area rather than motor right over them. It makes a huge difference in hook-ups.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho Salmon, or silvers as we call them, are pure dynamite on the line. These acrobatic fish average 8-12 pounds but can jump clean out of the water when hooked - sometimes up to 6 feet high. You'll find them in open water during summer and fall, typically in the top 60 feet of the water column. What makes cohos so popular is their aggressive nature and the way they fight - lots of runs and jumps that'll get your heart pumping. The meat is outstanding too, with that bright orange-red flesh that's perfect for the dinner table. We target them by trolling with spoons, plugs, and flies in chartreuse, pink, and bright patterns. Early morning and evening tend to be best when they're actively feeding on baitfish. Here's a tip from years of guiding: when a coho jumps, don't try to horse it back down. Keep steady pressure but let them do their thing - fighting them too hard when they're airborne usually ends with a thrown hook.
Sebastes CaurinusCopper Rockfish are solid fish that average around 13 inches and make for great eating. These guys blend right into the rocky bottom with their copper-orange coloring, which is exactly where you'll find them - hugging structure between 30-150 feet. What guests love about coppers is they're not shy about biting, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. They'll hit just about anything you throw at them. You can catch them year-round, but December through March during spawning season tends to be most productive. They don't migrate much, so once you find a good spot, you can usually count on them being there. The key is getting your bait right down to the bottom where they live. My local trick: drop your jig to the bottom, then lift it a couple feet and work it up and down in that zone. These fish rarely venture far from the rocks, so keep your gear close to structure.
Ophiodon ElongatusLingcod are the bulldogs of our local waters - ugly as sin but built like tanks. Despite the name, they're not actually cod but rather the largest member of the greenling family. These aggressive predators can grow massive, with females often reaching 20+ pounds while males stay smaller around 10-15 pounds. You'll find them on rocky bottom structure from 30-200 feet, where they ambush anything that swims by with those massive teeth. What guests love is the fight - lingcod don't run, they just dig down hard and try to get back to their rocky home. The white, flaky meat is some of the best eating you'll find too. We target them year-round using heavy jigs bounced right on bottom around reefs and structure. They'll eat almost anything - live bait, dead bait, or lures. Pro tip: once you hook one, get it up and away from the rocks fast. These fish know every crevice down there and will try to wrap you up if you give them the chance.
Sebastes NigrocinctusTiger Rockfish are one of the more unique catches you'll encounter around our local reefs. These deep-bodied fish typically run 11-18 inches and pack some serious meat on them. You'll find them tucked into rocky crevices and ledges, usually between 50-200 feet down. They're pretty territorial and will put up a solid fight when hooked. What makes them special is those distinctive black vertical stripes against their pinkish body - that's where the "tiger" name comes from. Be careful handling them though, as they've got some sharp spines that'll cut you if you're not paying attention. These fish are most active during low-light periods, so early morning or late afternoon tend to produce better results. My tip: when jigging for them, work your lure right along the bottom structure and give it plenty of time - they're not in a hurry to leave their hiding spots.
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