The Where & When To Fish!
Seasonal Salmon Fishing in Howe Sound & the Salish Sea
January – March 31
Feeder Springs
Chinook/King salmon (feeders) are abundant in Howe Sound and the Salish Sea during the winter months. These hard-fighting fish feed aggressively on anchovies and herring, growing rapidly as they fatten up for migration.
Hot spots: The Hole in the Wall, Hutt Island, Tunstall Bay, and Defence Islands.
Depth: 80’–150′, depending on location.
Best gear: 3.5″ spoons, hootchies, and 4″ plugs — with or without flashers — are highly effective.
April 1 – June 30
Coho Arrivals
In recent years, strong returns of Coho (Silvers) have made spring an exciting time for anglers. These fish are beginning their migration back to spawning rivers and streams around the Salish Sea. While typically smaller than Chinook (averaging around 7 lbs), Coho are acrobatic fighters, often leaping and twisting during the battle.
You may also encounter mature or feeder Chinook during this period, though retention due to regulations has been limited in recent seasons.
Hot spots: Cowan Point, Point Atkinson, The Hole in the Wall, and West Vancouver.
July 1 – September 30
Summer Variety
Summer in southern BC brings incredible salmon diversity. On any given day, anglers might hook Chinook, Coho, Pink, or Sockeye salmon.
- Consistent species: Chinook and Coho
- Pink salmon: Run on odd years (2025, 2027…)
- Sockeye: Return on a four-year cycle (2025, 2029…)
Hot spots: Cowan Point, Bell Buoy & QA Marker, T-10, and the West Vancouver shoreline. As the summer progresses, anchovies and whole herring become key bait for late-season hookups. For Coho, small spoons and hootchies work best in shallow water off Point Atkinson and West Vancouver.
October 1 – December 31
Fall Runs
When fall weather remains dry, Coho and Chinook may delay entering the rivers, offering excellent late-season fishing opportunities.
Chum salmon (often called “dogs”) also begin their migration from late September through October, heading to spawn in the Fraser tributaries and Squamish River system. These fish provide a thrilling fight on a crisp autumn day.
As winter approaches, feeder Chinook fishing begins again — a great way to close out the year.
Hot spots: The Hole in the Wall, Hutt Island, Tunstall Bay, and Defence Islands.
Depth: 80’–150′.
Best gear: 3.5″ spoons, hootchies, and 4″ plugs with or without flashers.