For the people who live and work in Campbell River, sports fishing is a big part of what they do.
A lot of the time it's a family affair, especially when anglers go and explore other areas of the island.
There are groups of contractors who work in the area, and they organize a drive north and head to Winter Harbour. In early summer when there is non-retention for chinook here locally, they head to the north and can book a lodge, go camping, take their own boat. They can bring home salmon, halibut, and ling cod. Up in the north country, the tides are different and at times fishing a new territory can be a change of scenery, But good fishing is on their radar.
Last month the chinook and coho were inshore and fishing was fantastic. Boats taken to the area ranged in size and the use of small spoons were producing. In general, larger spoons and hoochies continued to bring in fish. For those wishing a halibut the humps and reefs were explored with good results. If you don't know the area, there are a number of operators and calling ahead is recommended. Anglers without guides were catching fish in 100 feet of water. Anglers in the area were picking up on ling cod and halibut.
There are families that live in Campbell River who make a trip every year. Teresa Robinson made her first trip to Winter Harbour this year, and she mentioned it's a long ride in but is well worth the time to get there. Her trip was made in mid July. To get there, take Hwy 19 from Campbell River for 238 km then take the turnoff before reaching Port Hardy. It's 60 km further along a rough road.
The pinks are getting darker in the Campbell River but as of August 26 a few chrome fish are still arriving and with the rain, expect a few more weeks of fishing for pinks. I had a chance to fish beside anglers from France and they showed me the fly pattern they were using to target chinook and the fish were released with ease with little stress on the fish.
Next week, we will concentrate on beach fishing for coho and dates will be announced at the Library and Seniors Centre for fly tying for beginners.
