Fresh Burrard Inlet Fishing Reports

Coho season has just opened in Nanaimo (June 1st) and the action has been fast and furious. This morning, on a short three hour trip, we could hardly keep them off our bait. We hooked 4 fish before we even had time to put the second line in the water. Most of the fish we were catching were around the 20 to 22 inch area with a few coming in at the 24 inch mark. In the mix there were a good number of hatchery fish as well..., good new for anglers as they are the ones we can keep. These fish are coveted by many sports anglers. They as super scrappy and like taking to air performing some amazing aerial acrobats. Another reason many people like catching Coho is because they taste so good. Looking for some great action from a hard fighting, good eating fish. Look no further than Reel Time Fishing Charters and Marine Tours. Book now knowing the 5% of each trip goes back into Salmon restoration projects through the Pacific Salmon Foundation. As we say at Reel Time, "Experience the Wonder, Invest in its Future."

Nanaimo’s reputation for producing consistent Lingcod catches each spring has certainly held true in 2023, as the “Ling are King” during the month of May. Full day charters have yeilded outstanding results, with guests regularly bringing home their limit of both Lingcod and Rockfish. That’s not all you can pull from the depths, however, as Nanaimo also boasts some of the best Spot Prawn and Dungeness Crab fishing on the entire BC coast, and Salmon City Charters know exactly where and how to target these tasty shellfish to make sure you go home with a seafood feast! Please note that Chinook and Coho salmon are currently non-retention in the Namaimo area, but are slated to re-open July 15th, so don’t delay in reserving your summer fishing trips soon as they book up fast. As always, keep those lines tight and rod tips up, and I’ll look forward to seeing you on the water. -Captain Neil

Over the past week, we've managed to get out on the water half a dozen times in search for the ultimate prize, Lingcod. With the exception of one trip, we've hooked lings on every outing. Most of our success has been trolling large squid patterns or swim baits close to the bottom or along ridges. Lingcod can be finicky and the bite can often be very subtle. But once hooked, they don't usually let go of the bait. These fish are scary looking but very tasty. Their meat color can also vary from a light tinge of blue or even green. But don't let that worry you. Once cooked, the meat turns white. And many prefer their meat over any other type of bottom fish. The fight from these fish is somewhat comparable to that of a halibut. When hooked, if often feels as if you are simply pulling in dead weight. Larger fish however, do take runs putting up a fairly impressive fight. Looking for some delicious fish-n-chips. Book a trip with us during the month of May, the season of the Lingcod. Five percent of every trip goes back into salmon restoration projects through the Pacific Salmon Foundation. As we say at Reel Time, Experience the Wonder, Invest in its Future.

Currently, the chinook fishing is exceptional. Although it is catch and release only we are having amazing catches of chinook salmon. Crab fishing has been decent. This is a great opportunity to create memories. Take some great photos and have a wonderful day perhaps doing something you’ve never done before.

Mike and Sarah had sturgeon fishing on their bucket list and decided on a spring trip to Vancouver to check it out with Fraser Legends fishing. They had a trip of a lifetime scoring the following. Landed 16 sturgeon and a huge 12 lb bull trout. Normally you might see one of the following but they saw all these in one day, blacktail deer, black bear, river otter, seals, bald eagles and of course some muscle wrenching sturgeon.....apparently the muscles started to soften up in the evening hot tub sessions at their hotel..... They helped tag 7 new sturgeon and register the health of 8 previously tagged fish Thanks for coming out Mike and Sarah.....see you again soon!

We’ve been having some very good chinook fishing the last month here in local waters around Vancouver. Trolling a variety of artificial spoons and squid patterns have been producing on the Tide changes. Crab fishing has been average and prawn fishing has been good.