Well the long awaited Chinook fishery that has been closed from April 1 - August 31 in our local waters is here and hasn't disappointed. Waves of these large Fraser River bound salmon are here and arriving daily. Thankfully, we have had no rain so the fish are slow to actually go up the Fraser. With the exception of a couple of days where both the resident and transient Killer Whales have migrated through making the Chinooks very scarce, hooking up with these hard running brutes has been very good. Places that are normally targeted is the North Arm of the Fraser from Iona Jetty and north to the Bell Buoy, T-10 and of course the very popular Sandheads or South Arm of the Fraser. All 3 areas have had great reports of multiple fish a day per boat with several hook ups and misses which is all part of fishing. We even been hampered by the ravenous seals and sea lions picking off easy meals after we have done all the hard work by getting the salmon almost to the boat. It's actually exciting to see a large mammal take your salmon and make long runs away and have a tug-a-war for several minutes, but once is enough. The salmon have been found at all depths from 35 feet down to over 100. Anchovy and herring with glow or multi-colored chrome style teaser heads matched with glow flashers have been very successful as well they have been out performing the hardware and hootchies rigs. Tides do play a role in this fishery as you will get more chances on the flood tide and high slack. There are many many boats out there and be courteous when others around you are playing fish and to pull up your downriggers if their fish is running at your boat. Remember to stay out of the shipping lanes when large freighters and tugs towing barges are entering or exiting the river systems. We have witnessed some very dangerous moments out there thus making it necessary for the Harbor Patrol to police the area and warn boaters of their errant ways of playing chicken with these ocean going vessels. There has also been some encouraging reports from fellow guides that returning salmon are starting to show at Capilano River. Within a week, this 3 week bonanza fishery will also be the place to target large Chinooks. So when the weather turns or winds kick up, head over to the West Vancouver waterfront. Drop your cannonsball just off the bottom for best success. New Port Authority regulations are in effect for boating safety and large vessel right of way. Do not troll past the green marker on Ambleside and troll in a counter clockwise direction meaning when heading east take the outside deep water tack and turn into shore and troll west. Have fun, be safe and good luck. "Lets Go Fishing!"

We are taking charters again as BC's Covid 19 restrictions have been eased. In accordance with WorkSafeBC and Provincial Health Authority guidelines, Amazing Fishing Charters is adopting the following procedures to reduce the likelihood of COVID-19 transmission during charter operations. The safety of our guests and crew is our top priority and we are continually monitoring health authority updates to ensure any changes are reviewed and implemented as applicable. For your safety and your guide, guests are requested to stay at home and not go on the charter if feeling ill. Guests will be provided a pre-trip briefing of COVID-19 protocols including the available sanitizing equipment and the benefits of frequent hand washing and personal protective equipment. The boat is thoroughly washed down following each charter and all contact surfaces are. sanitized prior to guests boarding the vessel. Charter frequency will be limited to one charter per day per vessel to provide sufficient time for cleaning and sanitation between charters. Guests and crew are required to wear a personal protective barrier covering both their mouth and nose while on board to help reduce the likelihood of virus transmission. Guests are requested to bring their own protective face covering for charters. Each vessel has a designated hand cleaning station for use by guests and crew. Cleaning stations consist of sanitizing wipes, and/or hand sanitizer. Now the fishing report: Yes there is still non-retention of all Chinook Salmon and wild Coho Salmon. There are plenty of opportunities for catch and release on each trip as we have found Chinook Salmon locally around Vancouver and over across towards the Gulf Islands. The water is pretty dirty due to the spring run off from the Fraser River so we have been using glow type flashers with a variety of glow spoons, hootchies and plugs. On some days, we have only used two rods as the action has been fast and furious. Recently there has been reports of retain-able hatchery coho showing up on the south side of Bowen Island. We were out yesterday and managed to find one in between numerous Chinooks. Coho can be found at all depths from 30 feet down to 120 feet on your riggers. Commercial prawning has started so we have shelved our traps for the time being. Crabbing remains strong but with the commercial crabbers starting, it will dry up pretty quick. It's time to go Fishing!

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans will regulate the Chinook Salmon fishery once again and have a non-retention period from April 1st to July 15th leaving fishermen only the remaining month of March to catch and retain a Chinook Salmon. We will be able to retain hatchery Coho Salmon. The prawning and crabbing remain strong so the bottom bounty is always welcome to anyone's day on the water. Come join Roy or myself for a beautiful day on the waters right in Vancouver's backyard.