There are so many reasons to plan for a Port Hardy fishing trip; Port Hardy is Surrounded by the rich water of Queen Charlotte Strait; saltwater salmon fishing in this pristine water is so popular among anglers all over British Colombia.
The bay is mostly protected from heavy winds, but even with unfavorable weather, you will find a productive and fishable spot.
All salmon species travel through Port Hardy on their journey to Alaska, the massive Fraser River system in British Columbia, Canada, or the Columbia River system in the United States. Chinook salmon, which are known as king salmon and Coho salmon, are the most popular salmon species off Port Hardy, as you can catch them year-round. The local rivers of Port Hardy are also known for their trout and steelhead. The species varieties and abundance around Port Hardy and the availability of offshore and inshore fishing make for exciting days of destination fishing that you would associate with northern BC or even Alaska.
Summer is generally regarded as the finest season for fishing on Vancouver Island, especially in Port Hardy.
Traditionally, as the spring close to the summer, the Chinook salmon populations improve, and the fish become larger, with the giant Tyee Salmon (large species of chinook salmon) arriving in mid-August, September, and early October. This is the time of year that you can catch a Tyee salmon, a Chinook fish over 30 pounds, and 50 pounds.
Coho salmon arrive in enormous numbers from the middle of June to early July and are caught by anglers weighing 6-10 pounds. August is the month that you can find the largest Coho in Port Hardy; they are about 8-12 pounds, while Northern Coho salmon can weigh up to 25 pounds in September. You can also check the best fishing times for each salmon species here.
Getting to Port Hardy, The Great Salmon Fishing Location
Port Hardy is located the north of Vancouver Island, BC, it just needs about a three-hour scenic drive from Campbell River to reach here, and because of the short distance between these two amazing fishing areas, you can also fish in Campbell River; If you prefer airplane can take a 45-minute flight from Vancouver Air Port to get Port Hardy.
Salmon Fishing Rates in Port Hardy
Vanisle Fishers offers some of the best fishing trip packages, from A short trip of a few hours to a Long journey of several days, so you can choose the best that fits you.
Our fishing trip rates start from $165 per hour, so if you do not have much time, you can still experience an amazing fishing trip in Port Hardy.
Port Hardy Fishing Regulations
Effective fishing regulations can be a key factor component of healthful fisheries.
It contains information about open seasons, recreational fishing licences, fishing methods and, catch limits, as well as up-to-date fishing regulations for diverse fishing areas. All anglers interested in salmon should check the Management of Salmon Fisheries in B.C for bait selection, gear selection, required licences and any other regulations for salmon fishing. Before planning your fishing trip, you must check the updated information and know the limited fishing areas.
• Using a fishing line to which more than one artificial fly is attached (i.e., to use “dropper flies”) is forbbiden.
• Using light in any way to attract fish except the light is submerged and attached to the fishing line within 1 m of the hook is unlawful.
• It is forbidden to fish with nets, including minnow nets, dip nets, cast nets, or gill nets.
• Using barbed hooks or any hook with more than one point in all rivers, streams, creeks, or sloughs in B.C is prohibited. (Although the use of barbed hooks in lakes is allowed except the one noted in the Regional Water-Specific Tables).
Port Hardy Salmon Fishing Tips
• Keep boat launch areas clear to give all boaters equal access. Prepare your boat for launching away from the ramp to avoid creating unnecessary delays.
• Don’t try boating and alcohol. You will need your complete reflexes to keep you, your boat, and other stream users safe. It’s unlawful to operate a boat while impaired.
• Limit your speed (particularly when getting into corners) to keep away from collisions with other boaters, anglers, swimmers, and hidden obstacles. Respect the Universal Shoreline Speed Restriction of 10 k.ph within 30 metres of the shore.
• Be careful when boating at dawn and dusk and in other conditions of limited light or visibility.
• Refrain from running your boat through water being fished by way of others. Go slowly or drift by anglers along the shoreline. Be considerate of others.
• Avoid sensitive habitats such as spawning areas, shallow water, and wildlife nesting or foraging areas.
• Give animals crossing the river the space and time to do so. It’s unlawful to harass wildlife with a boat.
• Pack out your garbage. Old fishing lines, litter, fuel, and oil damage fish habitat, endanger aquatic life and reduce water quality.
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Sand flats off the Port Hardy Airport, Taylor Bank, Backside of Malcolm Island, and Morgan Shoal are the local fishing spots in Port Hardy. Quatsino Sound and areas near Cains Island, which are great for salmon fishing, too, are located off Port Hardy.
What kinds of licences do I need for salmon fishing in Port Hardy?
If you are more than 16, you must have a tidal-water licence to fish in Port Hardy, Vancouver Island, BC.
How much do fishing trips in Port Hardy cost?
Our fishing trip rates in Port Hardy start from $165 per hour, so if you do not have much time, you can still experience an amazing fishing trip in Port Hardy.
Where is the best time for salmon fishing in Port hardy?
Although you can enjoy salmon fishing year-round but summer is the peak season for catching salmon.
What kinds of salmon species can be found in Port Hardy?
The good news is that you can find all five species of salmon, from chinook and chum to pink and sockeye salmon, in Port Hardy.
How many salmon can I catch in Port Hardy?
It depends on the salmon species you like to catch, but the minimum number starts from 2 for chinook and coho in Port Hardy. You can check the general fishing regulations for salmon fishing on Vancouver Island.
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