Salmon fishing is and always has been a popular recreational sport here in Campbell River for several reasons.
The locals and tourists come for salmon fishing as there is a ferry service, and the airport is close by. Even a drive from Victoria or Nanaimo is easy for anyone. My first trip to Campbell River from Calgary was in the early 80s and times have certainly changed.
Back in the day, people were coming in campers and when fishing,g they would set up a canning system and take home salmon. Regulations have changed and times have changed. Guides were working at Painters Lodge and, at times, would skip school to take out customers. Guides would have a voucher and head over to Quadra Island to get live herring. If you had to catch your own herring, a rake would be used, and sometimes the customers would be entertained by watching the guides scoop up the herring.
When I first arrived in Campbell River, my first destination was Painters Lodge, which was owned by Bob Wright. Painters had a full guiding service for fishing and you could take a boat cruise and see Quadra Island. You could step into the Marine Centre and book any activity to get you out on the water. Since then, Painters Lodge has gone through various owners and times will change to accommodate guests that come to Campbell River to enjoy what we have here today.
Evergreen Hospitality Group has recently purchased Painters Lodge, and a new manager is in place. Painters has 95 rooms and 230 beds and will be open year-round to serve the needs of locals and visitors. Renovations are currently underway and this will be a good fit for guests and the community. The old days of fishing are well displayed in the lobby with pictures and displays of chinook salmon. The new manager gave me a tour of the property and the outside pool has gone through major renovations. Evergreen Hospitality is Canadian-owned owned based out of Burnaby and the manager has been in Campbell River for some years.
Fishing derbies to note: Winter Harbour May 30 to June 1, entry fee $150 per person and main prize is for the biggest salmon, halibut and lingcod; proceeds go to the Marble River volunteer fish hatchery - last year they raised $30.000.
Reel Obsession fifth annual hard-core derby is June 13 and 14, with the event location at the Zeballos Community Hall.
Plan to attend a fly tying session for beginners on June 1 at the Campbell River Lodge from 1 to 4 p.m. Fly tying tables will be set up in the lobby and it's free to attend. This is open to all and learn what fly tying is all about; it's hands-on for beginners. Draws will be made for books and fly material packages and you take home the fly patterns you make.
