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 BC, knowing which species you might encounter — and when — makes the experience that much better.
Here is your guide to the five types of salmon in British Columbia.
Chinook Salmon (Spring / King)
Chinook are the largest and most prized of all Pacific salmon species. Also known as Spring salmon or King salmon, a mature Chinook can weigh over 30 pounds, with some trophy fish exceeding 50. They are known for their rich, deep-red flesh and powerful fight on the line.
In Campbell River, Chinook can be caught through most of the season. They are most plentiful from June through late August as they move through Discovery Passage and the Salish Sea. Winter “feeder” Chinook are present from late fall through spring, giving anglers a year-round target in British Columbia.
Sockeye Salmon (Red Salmon)
Sockeye salmon are famous for their bright red colour when they return to fresh water to spawn. They are one of the most commercially valuable species in the BC salmon fishery and are prized for their firm, deep-red flesh.
Sockeye arrive in Campbell River waters in August. Their runs are shorter but intense — when the Sockeye are in, the fishing can be outstanding. Sockeye are also a key species in the Fraser River system, where some of the largest salmon runs in the world take place.
Coho Salmon (Silver)
Coho salmon are a favourite among sport fishing anglers. They are aggressive fighters that hit hard and run fast, making them one of the most exciting species to catch on a fishing charter.
In Campbell River, northern Coho start arriving in late summer and are commonly fished through September and into October. They are medium-sized — typically 8 to 15 pounds — with bright silver skin and excellent table quality. Coho are found throughout British Columbia’s coastal waters from Vancouver Island to the northern coast.
Pink Salmon (Humpy)
Pink salmon are the most abundant of the five Pacific salmon species in BC. They arrive in Campbell River in July on odd-numbered years (though some populations run annually) and provide fast, fun fishing when they are in the area.
Pinks are the smallest of the Pacific salmon, usually weighing 3 to 5 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers. When a Pink salmon run is on, you can have a rod-bending day on the water. They are easy to identify by the distinctive hump that males develop as they approach their spawning stream.
Chum Salmon (Dog / Keta)
Chum salmon are the last to arrive each season and are commonly fished in Campbell River from September into October. They are large — often 10 to 20 pounds — and put up a strong fight, making them a rewarding catch as the season winds down.
Chum are less well known among casual anglers, but experienced fishermen appreciate them for their size and power. Their flesh is lighter in colour than Chinook or Sockeye, and they are commonly used for smoking and curing.
Why Campbell River for Salmon Fishing in BC
Campbell River is known as the Salmon Capital of the World — and with good reason. It is one of the only places in British Columbia where you can realistically encounter all five species of wild Pacific salmon during a single season. The waters of Discovery Passage and the Salish Sea sit directly in the migration path of returning salmon, creating some of the most productive fishing grounds on Vancouver Island.
The protected inland waters mean comfortable conditions without the open ocean swells of the west coast — ideal for families and anglers of all experience levels. Whether you are chasing a trophy Chinook in July or hooking into Coho and Chum as the leaves turn in October, salmon fishing in BC does not get better than this.
Fish for All Five Species With 50 North Adventures
At 50 North Adventures, we run private Campbell River fishing charters from April 1 through October 1, covering every salmon run of the season. Owner and guide Dean Parsonage brings over 25 years of marine experience to every trip, with professional gear supplied and hands-on instruction for beginners. Maximum six guests, covered boat, and a perfect 5.0-star rating across Google and TripAdvisor.
Want more than just fishing? Our combined fishing and whale watching charter is the only tour in the area that lets you fish for salmon and watch humpback whales and orca on the same trip.
