Campbell River Fishing Charters
Fishing Charters in Campbell River — the Salmon Capital of the World
At 50 North Adventures, we specialize in unforgettable fishing trips for all experience levels. Whether you’re planning your first time on the water or you’re a seasoned fisherman chasing big Chinook, our fishing charters put you right in the action.
We provide professional-grade gear for your salmon fishing adventure, along with expert local guidance and hands-on instruction.
Why Fish With 50 North Adventures
Owner and guide Dean Parsonage brings over 25 years of marine tourism experience to every charter. With a perfect 5.0-star rating across 134 Google reviews and 55 TripAdvisor reviews, 50 North Adventures is one of the highest-rated fishing charter operations on Vancouver Island. Our Grady White 265 Express is Transport Canada approved, fully insured, and commercially registered — with a government permit allowing us to view orca at 200 metres (half the standard distance). Every charter is private to your group, with a maximum of six guests and all professional fishing equipment supplied.
What to Expect on Your Campbell River Fishing Charter
Your fishing day starts at Discovery Harbour Marina in Campbell River. We troll artificial lures at depth through the famous fishing grounds of Discovery Passage and the Salish Sea — waters that host all five species of wild Pacific salmon. No fishing experience is needed. Dean provides hands-on instruction for beginners and knows exactly where the fish are running based on the season, tides, and conditions. The protected inland waters of the Salish Sea mean a comfortable ride with no open ocean swells — ideal for families and first-time anglers. You may also spot humpback whales, orca, sea lions, bald eagles, and other marine wildlife during your fishing trip. If you want to turn those wildlife sightings into a full experience, ask about our whale watching tours in Campbell River.
Flexible Options for the Perfect Fishing Trip
At 50 North Adventures, we offer flexible Campbell River fishing charters to match your schedule and the tides.
Our minimum trip is a 4-hour fishing charter, with the option to extend to 5 or 6 hours if available (please call to enquire).
Looking for a full 8-hour fishing charter? No problem — we have that covered. You also have the unique option to split your full day into two blocks of 4 hours for the day.
By doing this, you get to fish the morning and evening tides, and you also get time for a break — grab lunch, relax, or even have a quick nap before you get back out on the water.
For larger groups or multi-day options, please call us to discuss your best-fit charter plan.
We even offer Fishing and Whale watching combined tours for the ultimate west coast wildlife experience!
Comfortable & Protected Vancouver Island Fishing Waters
Our inland waters are protected from the Pacific Ocean swells of the west coast, making for a comfortable and safe ocean fishing experience — ideal for anyone looking for fishing charters on Vancouver Island with a smoother ride.
Salmon Fishing in Campbell River, BC
The waters off Campbell River host five species of wild Pacific salmon as they pass through on their migration back to the local rivers where they were spawned years before. This is why salmon fishing on Vancouver Island is one of the top experiences for visitors to the area.
Types of Salmon
- Chinook Salmon (AKA Spring or King) can be caught all year round, but are most plentiful from June through late August as they move down Discovery Passage and the Salish Sea to feed on Pacific herring and krill.
- Pink Salmon arrive in July, followed by Sockeye Salmon in August — and it’s game on until mid-September.
- As the summer run wraps up, northern Coho and Chum Salmon take over and are commonly fished well into October.
- From there, it’s back to winter “feeder” Chinook until the following spring.
Bottom Fishing
Bottom fishing is always a fun add-on to your day, with chances to catch Lingcod — a beautiful table fish and a perfect reward after any day on the water.
If you’re staying somewhere and don’t have the facilities to cook, no problem. There are a few restaurants in town that will cook your fresh catch for you (fees apply and availability may vary).
BC Fishing License Requirements
Everyone fishing on a fishing charter requires a valid BC Tidal/Saltwater Fishing License, plus a Salmon Conservation Stamp if you want to keep your catch.
- Your BC tidal fishing license MUST be purchased online before you arrive.
- Please make sure your license is dated for the day of your fishing charter.
- Please remember to bring your license with you on the day of your trip.
- Your license can be downloaded and stored on your phone or email, but you must have it accessible while fishing in BC.
Fish Processing & Shipping
Fish processing and shipping of your catch can be arranged locally here in Campbell River if you require it. Just let us know and we’ll help point you in the right direction.
2026 Fishing Charter Rates
$165 per hour with a minimum of 4 hours Canadian Dollars – $CA
(not including taxes)
Taxes 15% (GST & Fuel Levy)
Based on the boat per hour not per person per hour!
Maximum of 6 people
Beautiful covered boat with open cockpit and deck spaces
(Grady White 265 Express Sport Fish)
Full wash room & toilet facilities
Forward cabin for young kids to play in
Professional & traditional fishing equipment supplied
Islander TR3 & MR3 combinations – Left & Right handed
Fish cleaned & bagged to take with you
Complete fish processing and shipping can be arranged here in Campbell River
(High Tide Seafoods or Saint Jeans – 5min from the marina)
8 Hour charter option can be split into 2 blocks of 4 hrs – Offering different tide times to fish
We can cater for larger groups by using our preferred professional partners with similar boats and standards
Ability to extend beyond the 4 hours at the hourly rates – If available on the day. Please contact us for more information.
All Prices in Canadian dollars – $CA
2026 – Tidal Waters Sport Fishing License fees in B.C
(GST not included)
| Type of License | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Adult annual (16 – 64 years of age) | $21.85 | $105.07 |
| Senior (65+) | $11.44 | $105.07 |
| 5 Day | $16.65 | $32.25 |
| 3 Day | $11.44 | $19.77 |
| 1 Day | $5.47 | $7.28 |
| Salmon Conservation Stamp | $6.24 | $6.24 |
| Juvenile (Under 16 years of age) | FREE | FREE |
News & Events
Types of Salmon in BC
British Columbia is home to five species of wild Pacific salmon. Every year, millions of salmon return from the open ocean to the rivers and streams where they were born, completing one of nature's most extraordinary life cycles. If you are planning a fishing trip to...
The Ultimate Guide to Whale Watching in Campbell River
Campbell River is known around the world for salmon fishing. But what many visitors quickly discover is this: The whale watching here is just as unforgettable. These waters are part of the rich Salish Sea ecosystem — one of the most active marine wildlife corridors on...
When Is the Best Time for Fishing in Campbell River?
If you are planning a fishing trip to Vancouver Island, one question always comes up: When is the best time for fishing in Campbell River? The good news is simple. 50 North Adventures runs its fishing charters from April 1st to October 1st, and there is consistent...