Salmon Fishing in Port Hardy

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.

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 habitat, endanger aquatic life and reduce water quality.