July was exceptional on BC’s northwest coast. The reopening of Chinook retention on July 18 sparked strong action, offshore Coho fishing continued to improve throughout the month, and the season culminated with the largest salmon landed here in over 15 years
Chinook Salmon: Retention Returns and Two Standout Fish
The biggest development of the month came on July 18, when Chinook retention reopened after an extended period of catch-and-release fishing. The timing could not have been better. Chinook were already spread throughout the grounds we fish, creating consistent action from Dundas and Zayas to our local waters. Success came on the usual mix of flashers and hootchies, spoons, and plugs, with no single area or technique dominating. Anglers who stayed adaptable were rewarded throughout the month.
Two Chinook, however, stood above the rest. On July 23, one guest landed the first Chinook of his life, a remarkable 40.5-pound fish. Guided by Gabriel, who coached him through every run, it was an unforgettable introduction to salmon fishing on BC’s northwest coast. At the time, we thought it might be the fish of the season.
Just three days later, it was surpassed.
Fishing with guide Greg on July 26, a guest hooked an extraordinary Chinook at the Wall. After two blistering runs and a determined battle beneath the boat, the giant finally slid into the net 20 minutes later. The scale settled at 58.4 pounds. It is the largest salmon we have seen on this coast in more than 15 years and a powerful reminder of what these waters can produce. Fish of that calibre are exceptionally rare, even here.
Coho Salmon: Building Through the Month
Coho fishing remained strong throughout July, with the offshore fishery that began taking shape in June filling in nicely. Early standouts pushed just under 13 pounds, and by month’s end the average fish was settling into the 9 to 11-pound range. These hard-fighting Coho kept rods bending and anglers busy from first light to the final tide.
The largest fish continued to come from Dundas and Zayas, where healthy, aggressive Coho have been feeding heavily ahead of their return to coastal rivers this fall. With plenty of season still ahead, we expect both the numbers and average size to continue building into August.
These fish are every bit as rewarding on the table as they are on the line. Bright, chrome-sided and in prime condition, Coho have become a guest favourite, sending anglers back to the dock with full coolers and plenty of stories from the day.
If there was one challenge this month, it came in the form of pink salmon. By mid-July, their numbers had grown enough in some areas that getting a bait through to Chinook or Coho could be a challenge. While they occasionally tested anglers’ patience, their abundance is a healthy sign for the fishery and another reminder of the incredible volume of salmon moving through our waters this summer
Halibut and Bottom Fishing
Bottom fishing was excellent throughout July, sometimes almost too good. Halibut action was steady, with plenty of fish around retention size coming to the boat, perfect eating and a welcome addition to the freezer.
The bigger fish were a different story. Several oversized halibut were released after guides estimated them in the 250 to 300-pound range. These fish delivered the kind of arm-stretching battles that leave anglers grinning and sore at the same time. One guide moved locations because nearly every drop was turning up another oversized halibut. The action was incredible, but after wrestling giant fish all morning, the group was ready for a breather. Not a bad problem to have.
Wildlife
The humpbacks that first showed up in June are here in force now, and the Reef has been putting on quite a show. On most days, there are 20 or more whales working the area, herding bait and bubble-feeding. One even fed right in front of the lodge, close enough for guests to watch from the boom sticks.
Orcas made several appearances throughout the month, moving through the same waters and chasing the same Chinook our boats were targeting. Along the shoreline, bears were a common sight, and on one run out to Dundas, guests were treated to the rare sight of a pair of coastal wolves crossing the beach.
As good as the fishing has been, it’s only part of the experience. Every trip on the water brings the chance to see something memorable, and July delivered no shortage of wildlife encounters.
Looking Ahead
August should bring even bigger Coho as they continue to feed and put on weight before their fall river return. Chinook remain spread throughout the region, and the humpbacks are still putting on a show around the Reef. After a July packed with trophy fish and unforgettable wildlife encounters, August has a lot to live up to.
Tight lines,
Jonathan Beaty
Read more from The Eagles View, including past fishing reports and stories from the lodge.