The Chinook salmon — also known as the King salmon — is the most prized catch in British Columbia. It is the largest of the five Pacific salmon species and is known for its powerful runs and exceptional table quality. Chinook salmon are available in BC waters throughout much of the year, making them the number one target on most of our fishing charters near Vancouver.
Year-round, with peak fishing from April through September in the Vancouver and Howe Sound area.
8 to 20 kg, with trophy fish exceeding 30 kg.
Chinook are powerful fighters that make long, deep runs. Landing a trophy Chinook salmon on a BC fishing charter is a bucket-list experience for anglers from across Canada and around the world.
Trolling with flashers and hoochies, mooching with cut herring, and jigging in deeper water.
Coho salmon are one of the most exciting sport fish in British Columbia. Known for their acrobatic jumps and aggressive strikes, Coho provide heart-pounding action on light tackle. They are a favourite among both beginner anglers and seasoned fishers on our BC salmon charters.
Late July through October, with the peak typically in August and September near Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast.
3 to 7 kg, with larger fish occasionally exceeding 10 kg.
Coho are aggressive surface feeders that hit hard and jump repeatedly when hooked. Their rich, flavourful flesh also makes them one of the best eating fish in BC.
Trolling with spoons and hoochies near the surface, and casting with spinners and jigs around kelp beds.
Pink salmon are the most abundant Pacific salmon species and run in enormous numbers during odd-numbered years along the BC coast. While they may not get as much attention as Chinook or Coho, Pink salmon provide fantastic light-tackle action and are a great option for families and first-time anglers on our half day and 3/4 day fishing charters.
July through September during odd-numbered years (e.g. 2025, 2027).
1.5 to 3 kg.
Pink salmon are abundant, willing biters, and great fun on light gear. They are perfect for introducing kids and beginners to salmon fishing in BC.
Lingcod are one of the most sought-after bottom fish in British Columbia. They are aggressive predators that live on rocky reef structure and are known for their ferocious strikes and strong fights. Targeting lingcod is a highlight of our full day and 3/4 day charters in BC, particularly around Bowen Island and Howe Sound.
Year-round, with the best lingcod fishing typically from June through October.
3 to 10 kg, with large females occasionally exceeding 20 kg.
Lingcod are powerful fighters and absolutely delicious. Their firm white flesh is considered some of the best eating of any fish in BC, making them a highly prized catch on our British Columbia fishing charters.
Jigging with large soft plastics and metal jigs over rocky reef structure at depths of 15 to 60 metres.
BC waters are home to numerous species of rockfish, including Yelloweye, Black, and Copper rockfish. These colourful bottom dwellers are found along rocky shorelines and reefs throughout the coast. Rockfish are a great target during our extended charters when we venture to more remote BC fishing grounds.
Year-round.
1 to 4 kg.
Rockfish are excellent eating and provide consistent action for anglers during slower salmon periods. Their striking colours also make for great photos.
Dungeness crab are one of BC’s most beloved shellfish and a bonus catch on many of our fishing charters. We drop crab traps during the fishing day and pull them up at the end of the trip for a fun added experience. Few things beat the combination of fresh BC salmon and Dungeness crab from the same trip.
Late fall through spring, subject to DFO regulations and area openings.
Crab trapping is added to select half day, 3/4 day, and full day charters when in season. Ask us about availability when booking.
BC spot prawns are considered the finest prawns in the world and are a prized bonus catch available on select charters. We set prawn traps in deep water during the trip and pull them at the end for an unforgettable fresh-off-the-boat experience. BC spot prawns are sweet, firm, and unlike anything you will find at a grocery store.
May through June during the commercial prawn season opening, subject to DFO regulations.
Ready to target any of these incredible BC fish species? Premier Fishing Adventures & Tours offers half day, 3/4 day, and full day guided fishing charters departing from Vancouver, British Columbia. All gear is provided. No experience needed.
Call us at 604-868-4566 or email info@pfat.ca to book your trip today.
