Chinook & Coho Salmon Fishing Charter in Barkley Sound
Private Trip
River Fishing
Fullday charter targets Chinook and Coho salmon in Barkley SoundEighthour guided trips run June through August in productive watersSmall group experience accommodates maximum two guests per charter
If you're looking for some of the best salmon fishing on Vancouver Island, this 8-hour charter in Barkley Sound is exactly what you've been searching for. From June through August, these waters come alive with both Chinook and Coho salmon, and there's nothing quite like the rush of hooking into a big spring salmon or watching a silver flash through the water. Port Alberni sits right at the gateway to some of British Columbia's most productive salmon waters, and this full-day trip puts you right in the thick of the action. With just two anglers on board, you're guaranteed plenty of personalized attention and prime fishing spots without the crowds you'll find on bigger boats.
This charter runs from dawn to dusk, giving you maximum time to work the best salmon holding areas in Barkley Sound. The morning usually starts early – around 5:30 AM – when the fish are most active and the water is calm. Your guide knows these waters like the back of their hand, from the productive kelp beds near Tzartus Island to the deeper channels where the big Chinooks cruise. The sound offers incredible variety, with protected bays for when the weather kicks up and open water structure that holds fish consistently throughout the summer. You'll cover a lot of ground during your 8 hours, moving between spots based on tides, bait movements, and where the fish are showing. Don't worry about bringing anything except your fishing license – everything else is provided, though you're welcome to bring your own gear if you prefer. The intimate setting with just two anglers means you won't be fighting for rod space or waiting your turn to get your lines in the water.
Salmon fishing in Barkley Sound is all about trolling, and your guide will have you set up with downriggers to get your gear down to where the fish are holding. Depending on conditions and what the fish are hitting, you'll be running everything from spoons and hootchies to bait rigs with herring or anchovies. The key here is covering water and staying in the strike zone – usually anywhere from 40 to 120 feet down, though it varies with the season and water temperature. Your captain will be watching the sounder constantly, looking for bait balls and marking fish, then adjusting your spread accordingly. The gear is all top-notch stuff – quality rods that can handle a big Chinook but still have the sensitivity to feel a Coho bite, and reels with smooth drags that won't let you down when a fish makes its run. You'll learn to read the rods, watch for that telltale bounce that means fish on, and how to work a salmon to the boat without losing it. The tackle changes throughout the day based on what's working – maybe green and white spoons in the morning, switching to purple haze or blue and silver as conditions change.
The Chinook salmon in Barkley Sound are the real deal – these are the fish that dreams are made of. Most of the springs you'll encounter range from 15 to 25 pounds, but don't be surprised if you hook into something much bigger. These fish have been feeding in the rich Pacific waters for years, building up their strength for the spawning run, and they'll test every bit of your tackle and technique. June and July are prime time for the larger Chinook, when they're moving through in good numbers and feeding aggressively. The Coho action really heats up in late July and August, with bright silver fish that fight like they're twice their size. A 12-pound Coho will give you a battle you won't forget, jumping and running with an attitude that's pure adrenaline. The best part about this fishery is the variety – you never know if that next bite is going to be a chunky spring salmon or an acrobatic Coho. Both species are excellent eating, and your guide can point you toward the best spots to get your fish processed in Port Alberni if you want to take some home.
Chinook salmon are the kings of the Pacific for good reason. These powerful fish can live up to seven years, growing massive on a diet of herring, anchovies, and other baitfish. In Barkley Sound, the peak season runs from June through July, when mature fish are staging before their spawning runs. What makes Chinooks so special is their incredible strength and stamina – a big spring salmon will take long, powerful runs that test your drag settings and make your arms burn. They're not jumpers like Coho, but they're bulldogs that use their weight and the current to their advantage. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for the smoker or BBQ, with those distinctive white fat lines that salmon lovers crave. These fish have a prehistoric look to them, especially the big males with their hooked jaws and massive shoulders.
Coho salmon bring a completely different energy to your fishing day. These silver rockets typically range from 6 to 15 pounds in Barkley Sound, but what they lack in size compared to Chinooks, they make up for in pure fighting spirit. Coho are famous for their aerial displays – expect multiple jumps and tail-walking that'll have you scrambling to keep tension on the line. They peak in late July and August when they're bright chrome and full of fight. Coho are also more aggressive than Chinooks, often hitting lures with vicious strikes that'll snap your rod tip down hard. They school up more than springs, so when you find them, you can often catch several in the same area. The meat is excellent – firm, pink flesh that's perfect for grilling or baking. Coho adapt quickly to changing conditions, so your guide might switch up tactics several times during the day to stay on them.
This charter books up fast during peak
Your salmon fishing adventure runs aboard our reliable 2007 Pursuit 25-footer, a proven cuddy cabin cruiser that handles Barkley Sound's waters with confidence. The single 350HP Suzuki gets you to the fishing grounds quickly and quietly, while the stable hull design keeps everyone comfortable during those long battles with big Chinook. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools and structure where salmon hold, and GPS ensures we hit the most productive spots consistently. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the full 8-hour day on the water. The cuddy cabin provides shelter when weather shifts, which is always appreciated on these coastal waters. Built for serious fishing, this boat gives you the platform needed to target both Chinook and Coho effectively. Whether you're trolling the deeper channels for kings or working the shallower areas for silvers, the Pursuit handles it all. The 25-foot length provides plenty of room for multiple anglers to fish comfortably without getting tangled up, and the reliable Suzuki power means more time fishing and less time worrying about getting back to port.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaChinook salmon, or "Kings," are the heavyweights of Barkley Sound and what most anglers dream about hooking. These bruisers typically run 12-20 pounds here, though 30+ pounders show up regularly. They cruise deeper waters, usually 40-100 feet down, which is why we run downriggers and weighted lines. Kings are light-sensitive, so they stay deep during bright days and move shallower at dawn and dusk. What makes them special? That bulldogging fight combined with the best table fare you'll find – rich, firm, orange-red meat. They're also smart fish that'll test your drag system. Local tip: when a King hits, don't horse it. Let your drag work and keep steady pressure. These fish have soft mouths, and too much pressure early will pull the hook.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon are pure dynamite on the line – they're the acrobats of the salmon world. Running 8-12 pounds on average, these silver bullets will jump clean out of the water when hooked, sometimes 6 feet high. They cruise shallower than Chinooks, often 20-60 feet down in Barkley Sound, making them easier to locate. Cohos love structure and current breaks where baitfish gather. Their bright silver sides and aggressive nature make them a favorite for both new and seasoned anglers. The meat is fantastic – bright orange and flavorful. What sets them apart is their aerial show; no other salmon jumps like a Coho. Here's a local trick: when they start jumping, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them. It keeps tension without breaking your line during those wild leaps.
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