Tofino Fish Guides

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2020 Fishing in Tofino British Columbia

We have been on the water this past week, Feb 14th, to kick off the 2020 fishing season with some quality prawning and crabbing and have been fortunate enough to catch a nice winter Chinook salmon, and see Killer Whales take down a Sea lion. The following is an overview of the opportunity we will have this coming season.

Chinook Salmon - Year round with the best fishing coming from June - early September. During 2019 we enjoyed consistent fishing from mid June through August along the rock piles on the outside of Clayoquot Sound. This area was open to full limits all season as Fraser River stocks of concern are not present in this fishery. We have good Chinook options in August although most areas with in Clayoquot Sound go to Chinook non-retention of close to protect local stocks of concern. This has been the case for the past decade.

Spot Prawns - February to early May. Although open all year in Clayoquot Sound our prime prawn season is prior to the opening of the commercial season in early May. Prawns are a great fishery for all ages and experiences. It is a scenic calm water fishery, there is opportunity to be involved with hauling the gear and they are great eating, fresh or frozen.

Dungeness Crab - Year round, best in winter, the Tofino Harbour has some of the best crab fishing in the area. A great way to start of finish the trip.

Halibut - The 2020 season will have the same regulation and timing structure as 2019. Open Mar 1 - Dec 31, your choice of 1 per day 1 in possession 91 - 126cm (60 ish pounds max) or 1 per day 2 in possession 90cm (18 pounds) max. Our best Halibut fishing is typically from May - June. It can be good before and after that period too, halibut fishing typically does slow a little as the season progresses.

Lingcod & Rockfish - Good fishing April 1 - November 15 providing sea conditions are decent.

Coho salmon - July - September, Coho provide us with a great inshore fishery during the summer months, lots of fun on fly gear or light tackle. Perfect BBQ size too.

Past Tofino Fishing Reports

February - April

Spring is a terrific time to head to the west coast for a fishing adventure.

July and August represent peak season on the west coast of Vancouver Island, the halibut are up on the shelf, the salmon are moving through

March - April 2022

Spring is a fantastic time to head to the west coast for a fishing adventure. Clayoquot Sound cook up a feast of fresh spot prawns and crab for dinner.

Late summer offers visiting fishers a range of options on the West coast of Vancouver Island. September is a great month to cruse the protected inlets of Clayoquot Sound

Spring 2020 Fishing in Tofino

Join us for a great day on the water this spring. Spot prawns, Crab, salmon, and bottom fish. Wildlife, scenery and calm water options await.

2020 Fishing overview Tofino, British Columbia

A quick look at species and timing. Tofino fishing options for the coming season, Chinook Salmon, Halibut, Prawns and Crab.

August - September 2019

August is historically one of the best times to fish on the west coast of Vancouver Island as it is during this time that large runs of Chinook

June - July 2019

As spring turns to summer in the North Eastern Pacific Ocean we begin to welcome back salmon to some of the most productive feeding grounds in the world's oceans.

April - May 2019

As near-shore Westcoast Vancouver Island fisheries were shown to have zero impact on early run Fraser River Chinook by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) modeling, Area 24 (Tofino - Clayoquot Sound) up to 1 nautical mile offshore will remain open.

February - April 2018

Salmon, Prawns, Crab and Steelhead, there is no need to wait for summer to get our and enjoy a day on the water. Catch a fresh seafood dinner, view the whales as they return to the north and maybe even hit the local hot springs for a soak.

September - October 2017

September is arguably the best weather month of the year in the Tofino. The summer fog and westerly winds dissipate while the North Pacific winter low pressure system has yet to grip the region.

The fog is in and so are the Chinook Salmon (Kings). Your best chance at a 'Tyee', a 30 pound plus Chinook, is almost certainly during the month of August.

May - June 2017

Take advantage of the early summer season this year. Salmon begin running past Tofino in numbers during April, often pausing their migration to feed on the plentiful needle fish and herring on the banks of the

February - April 2017

Early Spring is a great time to get out on the water, get some fresh seafood for dinner, view the whales as they return to the north and maybe even hit the local hot springs for a soak. Winter 'Feeder' Chinook (Kings) mix with mature early run salmon presenting good options for the Tofino Angler.

September Outlook 2016

Pending regulation changes will allow us near shore access to West Coast Vancouver Island Chinook traveling towards Robertson Creek and the Nitinat River for the first time in close to a decade. DFO stock scientists are estimating a run of WCVI Chinook of around 250,000 returning this August and September. Local areas such as Wilf Rock and Wya Point will be open to allow recreational anglers access to these sizable Chinook (King) salmon.

May - June 2016

Early summer can be a rewarding time to fish and enjoy the amenities Tofino has to offer prior to the rush July and August.

Winter 2016 Fishing Report

November through April is a great time to head out into the fiord inlets of Clayoquot Sound near Tofino and pull the prawn traps. Spot prawns are fantastic table fare.

June - July 2015

The prime time to fish Tofino is upon us once again. There is fun to be had this time of year no matter your experience or timeline, whether you choose to fish an afternoon or multiple days

March - May 2015

If the large Herring spawns that we have been witnessing in Clayoquot Sound this spring are any indication of the season to come, spirits should be high.

September/October 2013

Late summer offers anglers an array of fishing options to choose from. Fish Coho on the fly, target Halibut, Lingcod and Rockfish in the offshore waters, drift the river for Trout...

Tofino Fish Guides looks forward to providing a fantastic fishing experience for you and your crew during the 2013 fishing season. We are excited to announce the arrival of the RED SKY

Tofino Fish Guides looks forward to providing a fantastic fishing experience for you and your crew during the 2013 fishing season.