Fishing Report
Springs, where are they?
They are still around. Today we have had numerous reports of fish being caught of Neck Point and Entrance Island. Herring Aide Silver Knight Spoon and The Blue Meanie Hoochie are being productive 60ft to 220ft down on the rigger. Make sure your fishing close to...
Nanaimo Piranha Season
As many of you will know by now B.C. Conservation Officers have confirmed the catching of two Red Bellied Piranhas in Nanaimo's West Wood Lake. We at The Harbour Chandler we would like to assure local fishermen that we have all the tackle you might need to enjoy this...
Late Season Slabs and Tuna Time!
While many fishermen have hung up their gear for the season there are still opportunities out there. The recent rains did not end the Nanaimo Chinook Fisheries. I'm hearing good results around Hudson Rock and Pipers Lagoon Bluff for large Chinook. Jigging Pink/Chrome...
Pinks in the Bay
Just a quick area report. The Pinks are in Departure Bay. The standard small, single, barbless hook rule has been put in effect. All other salmon species must be released. We had a great batch of very large Chinook in our area. Pink Sink spoon, and anchovies were...
Big Springs and Small Pinks
Fishing has been mixed around Nanaimo lately. Some days are great, some are slower. Most of the Chinook are fairly deep with best catches coming from 200 ft down, on the North side of Entrance Island. There are some shallower local fish holding around Five Fingers and...
Chinook Opening Monday
We have been eagerly counting down the days until Chinook opens for retention this Monday July 15. Sadly we have just learned there will be a slot size imposed, with a Chinook maximum size of 80 cms. This notwithstanding Chinook fishing is excellent. I've never seen...
Best Chinook Year Since the 1980’s
Just a quick update: Nanaimo fishing and all of Georgia Straight is incredible fishing this year. Fishermen are reporting catching more than 30 legal Chinook in an afternoon. Five Fingers and Thrasher Rock have been best for Chinook. Everything is working, from spoons...
Boat loads of Salmom
Just a quick up date before the weekend. Chinook fishing is incredible right now. Catching 30 legal fish a trip is a possibility, with one local charter guide saying he had 53 to the boat. Average fish is mid teens, with some much larger fish starting to show. There...
Finally, fish on the BBQ!
Coho has opened and Georgia Straight fishermen are finally able to retain salmon! The current limit is 2 hatchery Coho, 12 inches are larger. The only issue is there are so many big Chinook also in our area that you may have trouble getting your gear past them. There...
Coho Opening
Local catch and release fishermen are doing very well off Nanaimo. There are loads of mid-sized Chinook passing by right now. They are not too deep and closer to shore now. Try Five Fingers instead of heading all the way out to Spoil Grounds or Double Bumps. Best lure...
Coho Show
I've had several fishermen report Coho showing up Off Five Finger Island, Entrance Island and down at Porlier Pass. While not yet open for retention, this is still a great sign for us. The Chinook run is incredibly good right now, with 20 fish trips very possible. The...
Lingcod Opening
Just a heads up that Lingcod and Rockfish are scheduled to open May 1st. Last year was a great year for Lings and I'm sure this year will be too. Swim-baits are your best bet for hooking your fish and chips supply for the year. Remember you now must have a Rockfish...
The Harbour Chandler Fishing Report
Current Fishery Notices for the Pacific Region
Find current openings and closures information from the Fisheries and Oceans Canada website.