Campbell River BC, Canada

Fishing Reports for Campbell River & Surrounding Areas

Don’t forget to bookmark this page!

Fisherman keep the best fishing spots and techniques to themselves…even getting basic info out of a local fisherman can feel like pulling a hook through yer finger. And of course, guided fishing is big business here — what’s biting where are sometimes trade secrets.

Similarly, online fishing reports for Campbell River are not plentiful. But I’ve gathered the best links around:

Local outfitter Tyee Marine publishes detailed saltwater and freshwater fishing reports for Campbell River.

Fishing Regulations, Closures, and Licenses

Keep in mind that regulations & licenses for saltwater and freshwater are completely separate in BC.

Saltwater

Fisheries and Oceans Canada have a lot of handy info on their website including: 2009-2011 British Columbia Sport Fishing Guides, current regulations, limits, openings and closures, Finfish (other than salmon) – species and limits Table, and the Shellfish species and limits table.

We are “Area 13″ according to the DFO (map here).

Remember that fishing regulations change often, so check them immediately before going out. Also don’t forget to check out the DFO’s info about Red Tide Myths and saltwater recreational fishing licensing information.

Freshwater

Check here for freshwater fishing license info, and here for the
2009-2011 Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis. We are Region 1 – Vancouver Island.

I’ve received a few email requests for obituary info for Campbell River, here are the best resources I have collected:

For recent (2002-present) obituaries see the Mirror’s Obituary page.

Additionally, this is an alphabetical index of Obituaries, “In Memoriums” and “Thank You” notices related to deaths collected from local Campbell River newspapers. The majority includes: 1987 – present with gaps from 1992 – 1994.

You can also try the Campbell River Genealogy Society’s website.

Here is the list of radio stations you can hear in Campbell River:

Jetfm 98.9 from Courtney – “The Islands Best Rock”  http://www.jetfm.ca/

The Eagle 97.3 – “The Island’s Best Music Music Mix” http://www.973theeagle.com/

The River 99.7 – “Cool, Deep, Current”
http://www.997fm.ca/

Tourist Info Station 93.1

90.5 / 104.5 FM CBC Radio One

In Campbell River, we enjoy one of Canada’s mildest climates with temperatures usually between 0°C and 32°C year-round.

Current conditions, temperatures, radar and forecast for Campbell River:

Detailed forecasts can be found at: http://weatheroffice.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-19_metric_e.html

Tide Tables & Marine Info:

Monthly Tide Tables for Campbell River here: http://www.dairiki.org/tides/monthly.php/cam
And Daily Tide Tables are here: http://www.dairiki.org/tides/daily.php/cam

Current Marine conditions and forecast here for the Johnstone Strait.

Climate / Temperature Charts for Campbell River:

Check out Campbell River climate graphs, plus temperature, daylight charts, sunrise/sunsets, and other data from climate-charts.com

Campbell River Clear Sky Chart

The astronomer’s forecast of when Campbell River, BC, will have good weather for astronomical observing.

Campbell River Transit
If you need to look up local bus routes, fares and schedules for Campbell River, than this is the link you are looking for: Campbell River Transit .

You can contact them by phone at : (250) 287-7433

For HandyDART info call: (250) 286-3278

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Greyhound Canada

For Greyhound Canada bus scheduales and fares see:
the Greyhound.ca website

Or phone: (250) 287-7151

Why make Campbell River your next vacation destination? Why do the locals our piece of Vancouver Island so much?

Nature & Outdoors

Campbell River is truly a unique destination on Vancouver Island for sightseeing and outdoor recreational activities.

The ocean, rivers, lakes, mountains, trees and wildlife are a large part of local culture. Taking pride in our natural inheritance, we have the opportunity to share these wonders with visitors from around the world.

Just wandering around town you will see mountain and ocean landscapes that most people will never have the opportunity to experience in their lifetimes.

From camping, boating, whale watching, kayaking, hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, to fishing for numerous species or even shooting a few rounds of golf, there is an activity for everyone young and old.

Did we mention that Campbell River has long been known as “The Salmon Capital of the World” ?

Small-town Hospitality & Pride

Campbell River is known for its friendly and laid-back Vancouver Island atmosphere. Maybe that’s why celebrities choose to make our city a vacation choice.

We eat a little slower here, we drive slower, walk slower — and people often take the time to say “hi” or pull over on the side of the highway to see a pod of whales.

There is a great sense of community in Campbell River, so if your looking for advice on where to eat….or even where to fish, don’t be afraid to ask a local.

Most town folk in Campbell River (and visitors)  agree that we live in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Shopping Opportunities

One thing that you will find different about shopping in Campbell River than from other tourist destinations: quality shopping opportunities. Instead of shop after shop selling “trinkets” and unoriginal items aimed at tourists….you will find works of art from local artist and craftsman.

From stained glass, to wood carving, Aboriginal artwork and much more. There is something for all tastes at affordable prices.

Shoppers will also be interested in catching.

Dining and Restaurants

Fresh seafood served by award-winning chefs is reason alone to visit Campbell River. Try world-renown flavors and ingredients native only to Vancouver Island.

There is a huge selection of restaurants in Campbell River, ranging from Steak & Grill fare to family dining, boasting amazing Canadian & world flavors.

If you want to pretend to be a local, you can grab a burger from a local McDonald’s drive-through, drive a few minutes down the road to “The Spit” — where you can pull your car up to the ocean and enjoy your meal. When the tides are right you’ll see cruise ships on their way to and from Alaska. At certain times of the year you’ll see clumsy young Bald Eagles learning how to fish.

Like Sushi? At the time of publication, there are 4 Campbell River restaurants that specialize in Sushi / Japanese Cuisine — and they are all unique and amazing in their own rights!

You’ll find tons of Asian-inspired cuisines along other world flavors, and of course, some greasy-spoon local favorites.

Places to Go, Things to Do & See

Our annual drift wood carving event is a favorite of both locals and visitors. People from around the world come to view or participate in the competition.

Enjoy amazing exhibits on local First Nation’s history, at The Museum at Campbell River. Campbell River’s Public Art Gallery showcases contemporary works by local and visiting artists.

There is so much to do and see in Campbell River, we hope you enjoy our town as much we do.

Gateway to North Vancouver Island & the West Coast

Campbell River is the Vancouver Island’s  main hub for north island — being the gateway to Strathcona Provencial Park, Quadra Island, Gold River, Tofino and more.

In Campbell River, you either have some salmon in your freezer — or you like salmon.  Though, I’d bet there are folk who dislike salmon and have some in their freezer anyways… I dedicate these two yummy salmon recipes, along with this pointless introduction to you.

Recipe for Salmon Neptune

Ingredients:

• 2 Salmon Fillets
• 1 package of cream cheese – 1 pound (454 grams)
• 1 cup of small shrimp (peeled and de-veined)
• 1 can of crab meat (drained)
• 1 lemon
• fresh garlic or garlic powder to taste
• salt and pepper to taste
• a dash of paprika

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine all of the ingredients except for the Salmon Fillets and Lemon. This will be your Neptune stuffing mix.

Take one Salmon Fillet and place half of the neptune mix in the center of the Fillet. Roll the ends of the Salmon fillet around the mix and tie with cooking string. Repeat procedure for the second Salmon fillet.

Place the stuffed fillets into covered pan and bake for approximately 30-40 minutes. Season with lemon.

This recipe also works well with Red Snapper Fillets also. Experiment and have fun!

Recipe for Smoked Salmon Candy

Ingredients:

• Salmon Fillets (see bottom of recipe for slicing info)
• Kosher Salt – 1 cup
• Dark Brown Sugar – 1 and a half pounds
• 1 Gallon of water
• Half a cup of Honey
• Apple, cherry, or maple wood chips (or a combination of any of them)

Combine the 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of salt, and 1 pound of the brown sugar in a large pot.
Place salmon fillet pieces into pot containing the above solution. Put pot into fridge and let the salmon marinate for at least 12 hours.

Remove fillets from marinade and place on towels. Cover the fillets with remaining brown sugar. Allow salmon to air dry for about 3-4 hours.

Place the salmon fillets into your smoker, and hot smoke for approximately 3 hours. Combine honey with a bit of water, and brush over the salmon while smoking (this is optional). After 3 hours worth of woodchips are used, allow the salmon to cook for an additional 5-9 hours in the smoker. Total time in smoker: 8-12 hours.

Near the end, check on the salmon every hour to half-hour, taste and decide how soft or hard you want your final product to be.

Notes:
# Optional ingredients to throw into the marinade: maple syrup, molasses, honey (feel free to experiment…I don’t know anyone who makes candy salmon the same way as anyone else).
# For “chewy” jerky like salmon – slice fillets into thinner strips (about 1 inch thick) or smoke for a longer period of time.
# This recipe used salmon fillets sliced into 4 inch thick pieces. Cooked for a total of 8 hours. The result was that the ends and outsides became slightly chewy, while the inside remained a bit softer. This produced a great snack, and middle was soft enough to place on top of crackers with some cream cheese….mmmmm….

Both these recipes are tried, true, and absolutely delicious.

Here is a fantastic local fly-tying pattern:

"Willly Fry-Fly"

Originated by local fisherman William Allen, the “Willly Fry-Fly” has proven to be at successful fly-pattern for Sea-Run Cutthroat off the beach in Campbell River and surrounding areas on Vancouver Island.

Tying Materials & Instructions

• Hook: Size 10, 3XL
• Thread: Black
• Tail: 6-8 Strands Golden Pheasant Breast Feather
• Body: Silver Tinsel Wrapped Tight
• Throat: Red Wool, Length Same as Hook Gap
• Wing: Two Strips of Teal to the End of the Tail
• Topping: 4-5 Strands of Olive Marabou Fiber
• Head: Black