3 Day Guided Salmon Fishing Trip In Port Renfrew
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Three days targeting Chinook, Coho, and halibut offshoreAll meals, lodging, and airport transportation includedProfessional guides with licenses and catch processing provided
Port Renfrew is hands down one of the best salmon fishing destinations on the West Coast, and this three-day package with Tyee Tom's puts you right in the thick of it. We're talking about 24 hours of fishing time spread across three full days, targeting the big boys – Chinook, Coho, and even some bonus halibut if conditions are right. This isn't just a day trip where you're rushing back to shore; you get four nights of comfortable lodging right near the dock, all your meals taken care of by Chef Ian, and everything you need to focus on what matters most – getting fish in the boat.
Each morning, you'll roll out of bed and walk just a few steps to meet your guide at the dock. No long drives, no stress – just coffee in hand and ready to fish. We launch early to hit the prime feeding times when salmon are most active, usually around dawn when the baitfish are moving and the big fish are hunting. Port Renfrew's waters offer incredible variety, from the protected inlets where Coho love to chase herring, to the deeper offshore grounds where massive Chinook cruise the drop-offs. Your guide knows these waters like the back of his hand and will adjust the game plan based on what's biting, current conditions, and seasonal patterns. The boat's equipped with all the downriggers, tackle, and electronics you need, plus your fishing license is included so there's zero hassle on your end.
We primarily troll these waters using downriggers to get your bait and lures down to where the salmon are feeding. Depending on the time of year and what we're seeing on the fish finder, we might be working anywhere from 30 feet down to 200 feet or more. The classic setup here is spoons and flashers – think Coho Killers, Army Trucks, and Gibbs Delta flashers paired with the right bait. Fresh herring is king when it comes to Chinook, especially the big springs that Port Renfrew is famous for. We'll also run some hootchies and spoons for Coho, which love the flash and action. Your guide will handle all the technical stuff – setting the downriggers, adjusting depths based on what the sonar shows, and swapping out gear as conditions change. All you need to do is hold the rod when it starts screaming and follow instructions when that fish of a lifetime decides to make a run for it.
The Chinook salmon here are absolute monsters, and Port Renfrew consistently produces some of the biggest springs on Vancouver Island. These fish commonly run 20-30 pounds, with 40-pounders caught regularly and the occasional true giant pushing 50 pounds or more. Chinook are available year-round but peak during summer months when they're feeding heavily before their spawning runs. They're powerful, stubborn fighters that will test your arms and your patience – expect long, bulldogging runs and plenty of head shaking. What makes catching a big Chinook so special is the combination of their size, fight, and the fact that they're incredibly good eating when fresh from these cold waters.
Coho salmon bring a completely different energy to the fight – they're aerial acrobats that will jump, twist, and put on a show that'll have you whooping and hollering. These silver bullets typically range from 8-15 pounds in these waters, with some larger fish pushing 20 pounds during peak runs. Coho are most active from late summer through fall, and they love to feed in the upper water column, making them perfect targets for our trolling setup. They hit hard, fight dirty, and never give up until they're in the net. The bonus is that Coho are fantastic table fare – their bright red meat is perfect for grilling, smoking, or making into salmon burgers.
Sockeye salmon are the wild card in Port Renfrew waters. While not as common as Chinook and Coho, when the sockeye runs are strong, these fish provide some of the most exciting fishing you'll experience. They're smaller than Chinook, typically 6-10 pounds, but they fight with incredible intensity and their meat is absolutely premium – the bright red flesh that restaurants pay top dollar for. Sockeye runs are highly seasonal and somewhat unpredictable, but when you connect with one, you'll understand why they're considered the gold standard of Pacific salmon.
This package takes all the guesswork out of planning a serious fishing trip to Port Renfrew. You get three full days of guided fishing, comfortable accommodations, all your meals, catch processing, and even transportation from the airport – everything's handled so you can focus entirely on fishing. With only two guests per trip, you get personalized attention from your guide and plenty of room to fish comfortably. The fact that Chef Ian is handling all the meals means you're eating well after long days on the water, and having your catch processed and packed for travel means you're taking home a cooler full of the best salmon on the West Coast. Port Renfrew's salmon fishing is world-class, and this three-day package is the perfect way to experience everything these waters have to offer.
Step aboard our purpose-built fishing boat, engineered for serious salmon hunters targeting the productive waters around Port Renfrew. This reliable motorboat cuts through West Coast swells with confidence, powered by a dependable outboard that gets you to the fishing grounds quickly and brings you back safely. The spacious deck gives you plenty of room to fight those hard-pulling Chinook and acrobatic Coho, while modern fish finders and GPS help locate schools of salmon and bottom-hugging halibut. Safety equipment and comfortable seating ensure you stay focused on what matters most – landing your limit. With room for just two anglers, you'll have personalized attention from your guide and space to work the rods without crowding. Whether you're trolling for spring salmon or dropping jigs for halibut, this boat delivers the performance and comfort needed for three full days of productive fishing in some of BC's most abundant waters.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaThe kings of the salmon world, Chinooks are what most anglers dream about when they think Pacific salmon. These bruisers average 15-20 pounds but can push well over 30 in our waters. They're deep swimmers, usually hanging 80-150 feet down along drop-offs and underwater shelves. Spring through early fall gives you the best shot at hooking one. What makes them special? Pure power - they'll test your drag and your patience with long, stubborn runs. Plus, that rich, buttery meat is tough to beat on the dinner table. Pro tip: when you're trolling deep, slow down your speed more than you think. Chinooks like a lazy presentation, and patience usually pays off with these giants.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCohos are the acrobats of the salmon family - they'll jump, twist, and give you a show once hooked. Running 8-12 pounds on average, they're smaller than Chinooks but make up for it with attitude. You'll find them cruising shallower waters, often 20-60 feet down near baitfish schools. Late summer into fall is prime time when they're staging near river mouths. What guests love most is the aerial display - these silver bullets will launch themselves clear out of the water multiple times during a fight. The bright orange meat makes for great eating too. Here's a local secret: when cohos are being picky, try switching to a smaller spoon and varying your trolling speed every few minutes. That erratic action often triggers strikes.
Oncorhynchus NerkaSockeyes might be the smallest salmon we target at 4-8 pounds, but don't let size fool you - they're scrappy fighters with some serious table value. These fish travel in schools and stick to specific migration routes, usually found 40-100 feet down. Summer months bring the best action when they're moving through our area. What sets sockeyes apart is that deep red meat - it's oilier and more flavorful than other salmon, perfect for grilling. They're also the trickiest to hook since they primarily feed on plankton, not baitfish. The key is getting your lure right at mouth level as they swim with mouths slightly open. Small, bright flies or tiny spoons work best, and patience is everything with these guys.
Port Renfrew