Tyee Fishing

The wealth of the salmon fishery in Discovery Passage between Campbell River and Quadra Island is so legendary that a special ritual has grown up around it over the past century. Called Tyee fishing, this method has stringent requirements, but success buys instant membership in the exclusive Tyee Club, B.C.'s oldest and most prestigious fishing fraternity.

"Tyee" is the Native name to given a Chinook (king) salmon when its weight meets or exceeds 30 pounds (13.5 kg). Anglers must abide by regulations that stipulate a minimum catch weight of 30 pounds, hooked with an artificial single-hook lure fastened to a maximum 20-pound (9-kg) test line. Oh, and you have to be in a rowboat. (Considering the size of an average tyee, make sure it's a big rowboat.) The official weigh-in station is at the Tyee Club House beside the boat launch on Tyee Spit, east of Hwy 19 on Spit Road in Campbell River.

Saltwater Fishing

The closer you get to Campbell River, the better the salmon fishing becomes. Tidal flows in Discovery Passage churn up clouds of nutrients that sustain a complex food chain, which includes, near the top, tasty salmon. You'll find a boat launch at Pacific Playgrounds Resorts marina in Campbell River, at Saratoga Beach in the town of Black Creek to the south, and another at aptly named Salmon Point in Black Creek.

The Quinsam River flows into the Campbell River just inland from the Strait of Georgia. As it meets the ocean at the north end of town, the Campbell broadens into an intertidal estuary. The fishing calendar here has a summer steelhead run scheduled from June to October, with a winter run between November and April. Chinook (king) salmon are in residence year-round in Discovery Passage, which also hosts successive runs of coho (June to September), tyee (July to September), sockeye (August), pink (August and September), and finally chum (September to November).

Almost as many salmon are caught off Discovery Pier that juts out into Discovery Passage as farther offshore. Local ritual requires that at the cry of 'fish on,' all other anglers reel in and stand aside as the lucky soul manoeuvres the salmon ashore.

Freshwater Fishing

Dozens of small, freshwater lakes are scattered throughout the north island. Many lakes can be reached only by the logging or gravel roads that lead off east and west from Hwy 19. Stop at one of the many tackle shops and marinas in Campbell River for advice on where the fish are biting. You'll find good trout and char fishing at Morton Lake Provincial Park (Morton and Mohun Lakes). Roberts Lake, 20 miles (32 km) north of Campbell River, also has good fishing close to Hwy 19. Car-top boats can be launched from its sandy beach, a short walk from the road on a Forest Service trail. Many small fishing lakes such as McCreight Lake feature rustic Forest Service campsites and the occasional boat launch.



Discovery Pier
Downtown Campbell River (250) 286-6199

Canada’s first salt water fishing pier is located next to the Government Wharf downtown Campbell River. The Pier extends 150 feet from the shore, is 600 feet long and the pier provides access to high quality recreational fishing. Equipment rentals for $3.00 per hour or $6.00 for half day. Everyone fishing must have a valid fishing license. Ideal setting for sightseeing and evening strolls. Open 24 hours a day, the pier is fully lit and has built-in rod holders, bait stands, fish cleaning tables, covered areas, picnic tables and benches. The concession is open 7:00am - dusk May to October, provides rod and tackle rentals, licenses and snacks. They are famous among the local residents for their ice cream cones! HINT: The best time to fish at the Discovery Pier are the last two hours of a flood tide and the first two hours of an ebb tide. We are wheelchair accessible.