Types of Salmon on Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island is a paradise for fishermen and is quickly becoming a world-renown destination for both salt and freshwater fishing. The prize catch? Salmon. Five different types of salmon can be caught from various areas on Vancouver Island! Check out the types below, starting with the most popular of the five.
Chinook Salmon
Alternative Names: King salmon, Tyee (30+ lbs)
Appearance: Blue-green/purple on back, silver on sides, black spots on tail and upper half
Size: 18-40lbs
Where to Catch: Ucluelet, Tofino, North Island
Time to Catch: June, July, August, September
Typical Fishing Style: Trolling – strong fighter
Coho Salmon
Alternative Names: Silver salmon
Appearance: Dark blue backs, silver sides
Size: 10-20lbs
Where to Catch: Campbell River, South Island, Tofino, Ucluelet, Port Alberni, Bamfield
Time to Catch: late June, July, August, September
Fishing Style: Trolling, Casting – fast runner
Sockeye Salmon
Alternative Names: Kokanee salmon, red salmon
Appearance: blue/silver in the ocean, bright red with green heads when spawning
Size: 6-15lbs
Where to Catch: Alberni Inlet
Time to Catch: July – September
Fishing Style: Trolling – fast bite
Pink Salmon
Alternative Names: Humpback salmon
Appearance: Bright silver with oval spots on tail, humped back when spawning
Size: 3-10lbs
Where to Catch: East coast Vancouver Island
Time to Catch: July – September
Fishing Style: Trolling and Casting
Chum Salmon
Alternative Names: Fall salmon, Keta salmon, dog salmon
Appearance: Green/Blue on top, Silvery below, slender
Size: 10-20lbs
Where to Catch: Port Hardy, Campbell River, Qualicum River
Time to Catch: July – October
Fishing Style: Float fishing/jigging – hard fighter
No matter what type you catch, you can’t go wrong with a freezer full of fresh, Vancouver Island salmon. Each are good for different types of cooking and preparation, with tasty meat fit for a feast.
For more on salmon fishing on Vancouver Island, check out www.disocvervancouverisland.com/things-to-do/fishing
To book a charter on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, check out www.salmoneye.net
