The fishing in Port McNeill on the backside of Malcolm Island has been excellent for salmon fishing all season.
The scenery in Port McNeill steals the breath; Chinook salmon, the largest of BC's salmon species, migrate through Port McNeill's crystal clear waters year-round.
Because there is a lot of needlefish in this area, bottom fishing is one of the best methods that you could try for salmon fishing here, and at the same time, You may find giant halibut and lingcod, which are treasures of the depths. Crabbing and prawning further diversify the burgeoning catch. What else do you want from Port McNeill?
Several excellent fishing spots surround Port McNeill, and you can easily catch popular Chinook, coho, and sockeye, with plenty of larger Chinook.
Baronet Pass or Flower Island, Sointula Island, and Wells Pass frequently produce the area's largest Chinook of the year. If you catch a Chinook of 30 pounds or more, it won't be a surprise.
In May, there are a lot of fantastic places to fish around Port McNeill, and you won't have to travel far to catch particular ones. Salmon fishing has been quite productive at Port McNeill, where spring salmon typically weigh between 16 and 19 lbs. and Chinook salmon occasionally weigh up to 23 lbs.
September offers numerous excellent fishing opportunities in Port McNeill for northern coho and the end of the Chinook run at Port McNeill.
Getting to Port McNeil, The City of Trophy Size Salmon
BC Ferries are available from Vancouver to Nanaimo from Tsawwassen or Horseshoe Bay. And then you can drive from the beautiful road of Nanaimo to Port McNeill, which takes about 4 hours.
Also, you can use Wilderness Seaplanes, which offers charter services between Vancouver and Port McNeill.
Salmon Fishing Rates in Port McNeil
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 McNeill.
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).
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 habitats, endanger aquatic life and reduce water quality.
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There are many hot spots in and around Port McNeill; Up north, Castle Rock and Masterman Islands are great spots for salmon fishing, especially during tide changes.
Where is the best salmon fishing in Port McNeil?
The backside of Malcolm is the best place where you can try salmon fishing, and when you drop your lines, you just need to relax and let the rod do the work.
What months is the best for salmon fishing in Port McNeil?
September is the most productive month of Port McNeill; the chinook salmon during this period is so large, with great schools of coho and pink salmon.
How many salmon can I catch in Port McNeil?
It depends on the salmon species you like to catch, but the minimum number starts from 2 for chinook and coho in Port McNeill, Vancouver Island, BC.
Can you catch salmon from shore in Port McNeil?
Yes, you may not succeed in catching all salmon species from shore, but the opportunity is there.
What is the best bait to catch salmon in Port McNeil?
Salmon eggs and shrimps are the two popular baits for salmon fishing among anglers and fishing lovers.