Two Chrome Bright Winter Chinook on a Ra

Captain Bruce and the Boston Whaler Montauk proved again why Campbell River earns its reputation as the Salmon Capital of the World — even in the quiet months. Conditions were honest March fishing. Four degrees, light rain, an east wind barely stirring the surface. Seas stayed under a metre and the Montauk slipped through the chop without complaint. Visibility was low with overcast skies and rain, but Captain Bruce knows these waters by feel as much as by sight. The target was winter Chinook in Seymour Narrows, timing the approach around the 9:20 AM slack before flood. When the current in the Narrows drops from 7.5 knots to nothing, the bait suspends and the Chinook move in to feed. That is exactly what happened. Two chrome bright fish came to the boat, both in the 12 to 15 pound range — healthy, silver, and full of fight. Downriggers were set deep, 180 to 240 feet, where the cold water holds the feeders this time of year. Water temperature was 7.5°C. The solunar forecast rated the day as Good, with a major feeding period from 6:11 to 8:11 AM aligning nicely with the building tide change. The last quarter moon at 35 percent illumination kept conditions favorable. This was a 4-hour introductory trip — proof that you do not need a full day to get into fish when the captain knows where to be and when to be there. The Montauk is nimble, quick to the grounds, and perfect for an intimate fishing experience with one or two anglers. Spring Chinook fishing is underway in Campbell River. Spots are filling for March and April. Book your trip at **hidden content** and let Captain Bruce put you on the fish.