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Campbell River: Still the Salmon Fishing Capital!

Visitors and locals alike enjoy this exciting and (sometimes) peaceful activity on local waters
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Campbell River’s Discovery Pier attracts thousands of visitors every year for recreational fishing, locals and visitors alike. Photo by Bluetree Photography

Everyone involved in the fishing industry in Campbell River – from sport and casual anglers to supporting hospitality businesses – knows the impact salmon fishing has on the economic prosperity of the area.

After all, the city didn’t come by the “Salmon Fishing Capital of the World” nickname by accident, and the incredible fishing this year has done much to enhance that reputation. Since the early season catch-and-release restriction on chinook salmon ended in mid-July, the fishing has been excellent in and around Discovery Passage.

Ocean fishing, as well as freshwater fishing on area lakes and rivers, is expected to be exceptional through the fall months, too.

“It’s exciting to be able to welcome avid and less-experienced anglers to the Campbell River area beyond the peak months of summer and know they will have a memorable fishing experience,” says Carly Pereboom with Destination Campbell River, the city’s destination marketing organization. “Getting out on the water here, whether you are fishing or observing the catch, is a bucket-list experience for locals and visitors.”

Looking to make the most of your fishing experience? Here are a few good tips from local anglers:

Discovery Pier a great starting point

Not everyone is able to put a boat in the water, but many anglers of all ages catch salmon year-round by casting their lines off the Discovery Pier. This iconic Campbell River recreation venue was built more than 30 years ago to provide shore-based fishing opportunities. You may know it as the place you taught your kids or grandkids to fish, or the spot with the best soft ice cream in town!

Hire A Fishing Guide: get the goods

With an experienced, professional guide who knows all about the tides, tackle and tricks, your fishing experience is bound to be a good one. Find more information and a list of guides and charter companies here.

Join or follow the Tyee Club: big fish fun

Members of the legendary Tyee Club of British Columbia fished for chinook salmon between July 15 and Sept. 15 this year, under club’s strict criteria. This year, 13 qualifying fish of 30 pounds or more were caught in Discovery Passage, including a 36-pounder brought in by John Woodward, as guided and rowed by R.D. Berger.

ALSO READ: Stakeholder Q&A – Coastal Wilderness Adventures

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Destination Think was contracted by the City of Campbell River in 2017 to handle tourism-related functions including destination marketing, visitor experience management, product development, travel media relations, content creation and other important functions of a DMO. Operating locally as Destination Campbell River, it strives to align local ambassadors and tourism industry stakeholders to ensure how the community is represented to visitors (in person and online) is consistent with the brand promise: that we are a city nestled in nature, with all the comforts of home. Campbell River offers accessible wilderness opportunities, immersive art and cultural experiences, and warm, welcoming locals who work together to increase the awareness and desirability of this incredible region.

To learn more about your tourism-related business becoming a Destination Campbell River stakeholder, register online, email campbellriver@destinationthink.com or call the Visitor Centre at 250-286-6901.

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A day on the water can be a truly memorable experience, for the viewscapes, the camaraderie, and, for those fortunate enough to get a bite on, the exhilration of catching a fish. Photo by Tyler M. Cave