Salmon Fishing in Barkley Sound

The salmon sportfishing season in Barkley Sound and the inshore waters of Ucluelet has been consistently good. August will offer spectacular salmon fishing on Vancouver Island’s west coast, Barkley Sound, and the Alberni Inlet. August will be the first month in the year that anglers will have a chance to sport fish in the calm, pristine waters of the Alberni Inlet. August, however, is the time when the mature local fish begin swimming to their natal rivers and streams to complete their lifecycle. June is another wonderful month for salmon fishing in Barkley Sound, and, most years in the Sound, salmon fishing has been consistent during the spring months. Anglers have targeted transient Chinook headed toward the big watersheds to the south, as well as more local feeder Chinook. Starting in late July and right into September, migrating Chinook and coho swim through the waters of Barkley Sound, where they stop and feed heavily before completing their long journey into the Alberni Inlet and finally into the Somass River system. Most of the salmon that were retained in June and July have been migrating to the big watersheds of the Pacific Northwest.

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).

• 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 habitats, endanger aquatic life and reduce water quality.