Campbell River - All Species

Halibut are fast becoming the most sought after game fish of the Pacific. Although Not being noted for Halibut the Campbell River - Courtenay stretch of water once teamed with these great tasting fish. Each year they are making more and more of a comeback

Sept and October bring the mighty Chums

By far the easiest to catch of the Pacific salmon is the Pinks or Humpbacks as they are sometimes called. Early fisheries estimates are 70 million fish.

I predict the best Chinook fishing will take place in the last three weeks of June as many runs will stop in the area to feed on this years abundance of Herring. The fish will average 15 to 25 pounds like the ones above.

Feeder or Winter Chinook (KINGS) All Year these fish average 8-12 pounds

Spawners (Larger Chinooks) May - Nov.

Prime Time Pinks & Sockeye

For the family fishing trip of a lifetime book between July 15th--- September 15th. This time of year has great weather and the salmon fishing is very strong. Pink or Sockeye salmon are flooding through at that time and the constant afternoon floods will have the weather very warm, with daytime highs mostly in the 70-80's. When Pink or Sockeye fishing mostly 4 rods are used and the action is fast and furious. This year 2,003 is predicted by the Fisheries and Oceans branch to be one of the heaviest Pink years ever with early estimates placed at around 70 million fish. Many doubles and triples happen each day. For those of you who would like larger fish "FEAR NOT".

Below is the typical timing for TYEE hunting. July days are split into two different types of Charters. The early morning is for the Chinook or TYEE Chinook ( salmon in excess of 30 lbs). This fishing takes place at the Cape Mudge Lighthouse or the Hump. In July and August it is very common to start the day with a catch of chinooks (as pictured below ) and then finish the daily limit on Pinks and Sockeyes.

The outgoing tide would start to subside around 10:00AM and it is time for breakfast. A short 5 minute boat trip back to the Hotel, and then a hearty breakie for everyone. Breakfast is over and the Flood has already started in points north. A short ride through the spectacular Seymour Narrows, brings you to the area's where the Pinks and Sockeyes gather before continuing their journey to the south. The afternoon will be full of fun fishing memories as literally thousands of Pinks and Sockeye migrate south. This is the fishery suited to MOM and the kids. Campbell River has something for everyone.

You've got questions - like, how do you get here ? This link complete with map, be patient while loading !

Actually this is a very good question, and quite frankly the choice is yours. We will however give you some choices. We were just designated the "Salmon Capital of the World" by not one but two well known outdoor writers in the millennium issue of the Outdoor Canada fishing mag. One of the criteria for voting is ease of access. Campbell River is your drive-in destination. Using Seattle Washington as a starting point you would drive north towards Vancouver British Columbia. The driving time would be around 3-5 hours depending on traffic. Once you arrive at Vancouver you would take either the Horseshoe bay to departure bay ferry or the Twawassen to Duke Point Ferry. Your ferry crossing would be to Nanaimo B.C, the only difference would be the Twawassen ferry would alleviate driving through the city. Once in Nanaimo you would follow the signs leading to Campbell River approximately a 1 1/2 to 2 hour drive North.

New - direct flights from Seattle to Campbell River via Helijet. Depart SeaTac Airport, arrive in Campbell River. Check out their website for more info www.helijet.com

New Airline Westjet Airlines now services Vancouver Island and provides great service for many locations east of Vancouver such as Edmonton, Winnipeg, Regina and Calgary. For fantastic rates for the summer of 2001 check their site www.westjet.com

The next method of choice would be by commercial airline. You can fly from Seattle or Portland into Vancouver and then connect for the short flight into Campbell River. The flight into Campbell River is approximately 45 minutes and is very scenic. As you head north you will notice the snow capped mountain peaks of the coast range looming in the distance. Some of these mountains will stretch up to 15,000 feet and higher. If you look out the window of the plane you will see the massive amounts of boat traffic. The Strait you will be following is Georgia Strait and this is where millions of migrating salmon will be moving through. In late summer you may even see huge schools of Sockeye salmon migrating through.

The next method you might choose is to fly in to Seattle by commercial aircraft such as Southwest Airlines and then fly with a float plane out of there. These are direct flights into Campbell River, and are approximately 2 hours in duration. Both Kenmore Air www.kenmoreair.com and Northwest Air fly this route into Campbell River on scheduled flights.

If time permits some of our guests cut their overall costs by flying into Seattle and then renting a car to come fishing. From Seattle into Campbell River can be driven in 8 hours as long as there are no waits at the ferries.

And why go out with King Jigger Charters:

What's in a name? The name King Jigger was given to me by my fellow guides but first a little background. My story starts when I was just a teenager. Not one to be too serious about what was taught in school, I did however live in the schools library. I read every book to do with fishing, and many of them I read time and again. My favorite author was Roderick Hague Brown, and I was glued to his books from the moment I opened them.

I dreamed of the day that I would be able to fish the "Salmon Capital of the World" Campbell River B.C and when I would start the career, I was born to follow. My first boat was a 16 foot aluminum boat, and a 25 HP motor.

While learning to fish the mighty salmon in Cowichan Bay B.C on Southern Vancouver Island, I honed the craft that is now known as vertical jigging. This craft was passed on to me by a man I will never forget, and the designer of the Championship Riptide Striker. During my teen years I read every book on "How to catch Salmon". There are more out now than there was back then, but one point was clear. Chinook Salmon could not be caught during the day, only in low light periods. The best method to catch them was with Herring Strip and Dodger trolled behind 1-2 pound weights. Imagine my horror when on a sunny day in May 1977 found me boating near Separation Point in Cowichan Bay B.C. I noticed a man standing in a blue and White Canaventure Boat, and in brief conversation I found out that the fish he was playing was not a cod as I thought but a chinook salmon of 18 lbs. This man was known as Hughie Reid and to a 17 year old he was my GOD AND MENTOR. He gave me an odd looking lure, and explained how to fish it. On my second pass a 12 pound chinook hammered my lure, and a "fishing nut" was born. Fishing is first my passion and it is a must for all the guide's I hire to be like minded. The same RIPTIDE LURES that lured me to fishing so many years ago, are the same lures that will bring fish to the boat when nothing else will. Each year well known Outdoor Writers both from USA and Canada try to check out our claim to fame and each year the writers find RIPTIDES WILL OUT FISH ALL OTHER'S.

When I started my guiding career in Campbell River I decided That I would not do as the Roman's do, but I would dare to be different. Different indeed, I stuck out like a sore thumb, but one thing was sure, I easily out fished all the competition. The Riptide worked as well in Campbell River as it did every where else. One thing that I had been taught in the books I read, "Catch and Release is a must" and so I released everything I caught sometimes numbering in the dozen's. It was because of this that the guides called me "King Jigger".

My boats have changed and so has the hairline, but this fact remains true when a chinook hits the jig tumbling in the currents I still get a great adrenaline rush. There is nothing like the feel when a salmon strikes your jig. Instantly you know something has happened, even if you are not sure what?

For the budget conscious there are many Hotel and Motels that are clean but affordable. Come to think of it if you are fishing all day then how much time will you spend in hotels? The average rate varies from $60 Cdn per night up to $150 per night. One consideration would be whether or not the accommodations had restaurants close by. The downtown Hotels would be more suitable to those with children, as you can walk to many restaurants and shops and enjoy beautiful foreshore parks and walks along the marinas.

For those who come for their vacation between July 15th and August 31st I highly recommend the River snorkel tours. It is a fantastic experience to be able to reach out and touch a salmon, while the gentle river glides you along. At this time of year the river will be loaded with Pink salmon and so KIDS should remember to bring their ultra light rods. There will be Cutthroat Trout fishing all along the waterfront and beaches.

Any other things to do? Stock Car Races, Snorkeling with the salmon, Zodiac Bear Tours, Bike Rentals ,Kayak Rentals, Jet Ski Rentals, Beachcombing, Fishing Pier(2), Trout Fishing ( 365 lakes in the area, numerous rivers, ocean beach Cutthroats), Pink salmon fishing in river after July 15th, Helicopter Glacier Tours, Float Plane Sightseeing Trips, Craft Shops, Museums, Native Culture, Return to the River 2000 Special month long salmon festival.

Golfing

Any golfers out there? Did we mention that there are 5 golf courses within a half hour drive. There is a course for every level of golfer. The signature course is called Stories Creek and this is rated as one of B.C's hardest courses. The next course that you might want to try is called Sequoia Springs, and this is not easy by any stretch. After this would be the Saratoga Beach golf course that is narrow but forgiving. As you can see perfect for a three day trip. One golf course a day.

While dad is off golfing Mom and Kids can walk the miles of beach, at either Saratoga Beach or at Miracle Beach. Both these beaches are within 5 minutes of the Golf course.


A typical July day would start as early as 5:00AM at the CAPE MUDGE LIGHTHOUSE or the area known as the HUMP. It is here that your day would start by fishing for chinook salmon as pictured at right.		For the family this is sometimes when MOM and the kids want to sleep in, and DAD gets to go after BUBBA. Even in JULY the morning can be very cold, and is best suited for those with a passion to fish.

Campbell River - All Species

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