Half-day Chinook and Coho Salmon Charter
Private Trip
Halfday morning charter targeting Chinook and Coho salmonTrolling productive waters in Strait of Georgia near NanaimoSmall group experience with maximum three guests aboard
Get ready to experience some of the best salmon fishing on Vancouver Island's east coast. This morning charter launches from French Creek, your gateway to the productive waters where the Strait of Georgia meets some seriously active salmon runs. We're talking about a fishery that consistently delivers both trophy Chinook and scrappy Coho, all within easy reach of this well-positioned harbor. The crew at GA WestCoast Charters knows these waters like the back of their hand, and they'll put you right where the fish are feeding. With space for just three anglers, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work your lines without bumping elbows.
Your half-day starts early when the salmon are most active and the morning bite is typically strongest. French Creek puts you within minutes of prime trolling lanes where Chinook and Coho move through on their seasonal patterns. The captain will read the conditions – tide, current, bait presence – and position the boat accordingly. These aren't random spots; they're proven producers where local knowledge makes all the difference. You'll be working depths anywhere from 40 to 120 feet, following the thermocline and temperature breaks where salmon stage before making their runs. The Nanaimo-Parksville corridor is famous for its consistent action, especially during peak migration windows when both species are moving through in numbers. Expect to cover different zones as conditions change, always staying mobile to find the most active fish.
This is all about trolling – the most effective way to cover water and target salmon in these coastal waters. You'll be running proven setups with downriggers to get your offerings down to where the fish are holding. The crew provides top-quality rods, reels, and terminal tackle, all rigged with the flashers, spoons, and bait that work best in these specific waters. Herring, both whole and cut-plug, along with proven spoons like Coho Killers and Kingfishers in local color patterns. Speed control is critical here – typically 2 to 3 knots depending on conditions and what the fish are telling you. The boat's electronics help locate bait schools and structure, but it's the captain's experience reading these waters that puts you on fish. You'll learn how subtle changes in speed, depth, and presentation can make the difference between a slow morning and a fish box full of salmon.
French Creek consistently produces quality Chinook in the 15 to 25-pound range, with larger fish always possible during peak spring runs. The Coho action has been solid, especially during summer and early fall when these aggressive feeders are staging offshore. Local anglers know this area delivers because of the perfect combination of deep water access, strong tidal flow, and the natural funnel effect that concentrates baitfish. Recent trips have seen good numbers of both species, with the morning bite producing the most consistent action. The key is being on the water when conditions align – the right tide, good weather, and active bait. That's exactly what this charter targets, getting you out there during prime time when your chances are highest.
Chinook salmon are the main attraction here, and for good reason. These powerful fish, locally called Springs, average 15 to 25 pounds but can easily exceed 30 pounds during peak runs. They're most active during spring and early summer migrations, though you can find them year-round in these waters. What makes Chinook special is their fight – long, powerful runs that test your drag and your patience. They prefer deeper water and structure, making the French Creek area perfect habitat. When you hook into a big Spring, expect a battle that can last 15 minutes or more.
Coho salmon bring a completely different energy to your fishing day. These aggressive feeders are known for their aerial displays and never-give-up attitude. Averaging 8 to 12 pounds, they make up for size with pure determination. Coho are most active from late summer through fall, when they're feeding heavily before their spawning runs. They'll hit lures with authority and fight all the way to the net. What anglers love about Coho is their willingness to bite and their spectacular jumps – they'll come completely out of the water multiple times during the fight.
This half-day morning charter gives you the best of French Creek salmon fishing without eating up your entire day. You'll experience world-class fishing with expert guidance, all while targeting two of the Pacific's most prized salmon species. The small group size means personalized instruction and plenty of fishing time for everyone. Whether you're looking to land your first salmon or add to your collection of fishing memories, this trip delivers the goods. The combination of productive waters, proven techniques, and local expertise makes this a top-rated choice for salmon fishing on Vancouver Island's east coast.
Your salmon fishing adventure launches aboard a fully restored 21-foot Bayliner walkaround cabin cruiser, powered by a dependable 150HP Suzuki engine that gets you to the productive waters off French Creek with ease. This well-equipped fishing platform accommodates up to three anglers and cruises at 30 knots, making quick work of reaching those prime Chinook and Coho feeding zones in the Strait of Georgia. The boat's equipped with everything serious salmon trollers need - a fish finder to mark schools and structure, GPS navigation to hit those productive spots consistently, and a wireless trolling motor for silent approaches when working the fish. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those productive morning hours. The walkaround design gives everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up, while the cabin provides shelter from coastal weather and houses the head for convenience on longer runs. Built for the demanding conditions of BC's coastal salmon fishery, this Bayliner handles the swells and currents of French Creek's productive waters while providing the stability needed for effective trolling presentations.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaThe king of salmon and for good reason - these bruisers regularly hit 15-30 pounds in our waters, with some monsters pushing even bigger. Chinook love deeper water, usually 60-150 feet down where they cruise the feeding lanes following baitfish. They're built like silver torpedoes with distinctive black gums and spots scattered across their backs and tails. What makes them special is that pure power when they hit - no crazy jumps like coho, just raw strength that'll test your gear. The meat is rich and buttery, perfect for the barbecue. Spring through fall offers the best action here, especially during tide changes when they're actively feeding. Local trick: when trolling, slow your speed right down - chinook prefer a lazy presentation compared to other salmon.
Oncorhynchus KisutchPure acrobat of the salmon world. Coho average 8-12 pounds but what they lack in size compared to chinook, they make up for in attitude. These silver rockets will jump clean out of the water multiple times, putting on a show that gets everyone on the boat excited. You'll find them in the upper water column, usually 20-80 feet down, chasing schools of herring and needlefish. They've got that classic salmon silver with dark backs and just a few spots on their tails. The orange-red meat is top shelf eating. Summer into early fall is prime time when they're feeding heavily before their spawning runs. They're aggressive feeders, so bright lures work well. Pro tip: keep steady pressure but give them some line when they jump - trying to horse them down usually ends with a thrown hook.
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