Fishing Charters

Fishing Charters for Ucluelet BC

In the past 30 years, Ucluelet has transformed from a commercial fishing town to one of the top sports fishing destinations in BC. Possessing the largest amount of feeding areas along the coast of British Columbia, Ucluelet is consistent in its numbers of salmon and halibut. Not only does it have access to many feeding areas in Tofino to the north and Bamfield to the south, most boats stay close to the Ucluelet harbour, especially during 2022 and 2023.

Best salmon fishing in BC?

Ucluelet can be sonsidered one of the most consistent Chinook salmon fishing destinations on the coast of BC and Alaska.

It is good enough that one fishing charter here has a 50lbs a day guarantee.

Chinook Salmon Fishing

If you are looking for the most consistent Chinook salmon (King) fishing anywhere in BC or Alaska from May to September, Ucluelet could be voted as either the top or one of the top spots. If you don’t catch a Chinook salmon on your fishing charter from Ucluelet…well that isn’t likely if you choose a boat with experienced guides and top equipment.

Coho salmon and other salmon

Coho  (Americans call them Silvers) salmon fishing is best from July 1 to mid September. During July and early September Coho fishing is often good in protected water.

Other types of salmon are not common though you can catch Pink salmon here. Guides aren’t generally happy with Pinks because Ucluelet Chinook and Coho fishing is often very good.

Sockeye salmon can be caught inside Barkley Sound and up in the Port Alberni inlet but most customers come for the Chinook ,Coho and Halibut and other ground fish.

Halibut fishing

Ucluelet has good halibut fishing most of the summer. While it may not be considered the fastest action in BC or Alaska, its normal to get your limits during June 15 to Sept 1 on calm water days.

June and July the halibut fishing is often good just a few miles offshore and later summer better more than 10 miles off shore.

Ling cod fishing

While not a primary  targeted sport fish, Ling cod meat is in the famous Tacofino tacos and Ling cod are some of the tastiest white meat you can experience.

There are rockfish around too though guides aren’t generally crazy about cleaning these fish as they are older and don’t have as much meat.

Getting a saltwater fishing licence

Getting a saltwater license is both fairly cheap and easy – Canadian’s can purchase theirs online, as can Americans. Be aware though, that US Citizens who want to keep Halibut will need to purchase their licences in person in either Port Alberni or Tofino where available.

Fishing Charters and Guides

Ucluelet Fishing Charters – Salmon Eye

The only charter on the coast to do a 50lbs a day guarantee, Salmon Eye Charters does Salmon and Halibut fishing trips from Ucluelet starting in May and ending in September. We have heated 25-31 ft sport fishing boats that give you room and space that can comfortable seat 2-7 people under cover. Experienced guides will take you on into an ocean paradise. We mostly do 3 day salmon and halibut trips but also do 8 hour morning trips for salmon and halibut and salmon only on 4-6 hour afternoon trips.

FishingBC.net

Fishing trips for the west coast of Vancouver Island including Ucluelet. Fish with one of our boats for a day of fun for the whole family.

Arc Trips

Fishing charters for Ucluelet and Tofino with experienced guides, great boats and transparent booking process.

Other Details

What should you bring?

Most fishing charters will provide all of the necessary fishing gear, but you may want to ask about whether or not there is rain gear on board. Plan ahead to get your license and, if you’ve never been out in the open ocean before, look into purchasing some motion sickness medication, or a seasickness patch.  Asking about the style of boat is also good – most charters have walk around cabins meaning less protection for guests, so dressing in layers is recommended. Be sure to ask about a toilet on board as well.

Best times of the year:

June 15 to September 15, is typically the best time of year, although April, May and early June can sometimes also be rewarding.

Fishing Trends:

2016 should be a great year for 4 year Chinook returning into the local Stamp River system in Port Alberni. The Columbia River has been producing at record levels the past few years and many of the Chinook pass by Ucluelet and Ucluelet. During 2015 halibut fishing started to get good in May and seemed to taper off a bit near the end of September. For the past few years halibut fishing generally lasts well in to September, so this was a little earlier than normal.

The catch limits are posted below.