All species of salmon can be found in Barkley Sound, as it sits along major migratory path for salmon from Alaska, as well as being connected to extensive streams and rivers that provide excellent spawning grounds. Amphritite Point, near the town of Ucluelet, is popular for chinook salmon in the summer, with Newcomb Channel also providing some earlier spring fishing. Moving east into the sound, Toquart Bay is another popular fishing location. The area is relatively sheltered and can provide some cover from the open ocean. Another sheltered location that is good for trolling is along Sechart Channel. Barkley Sound is also the gateway to Port Alberni, via the Alberni Inlet. There are a number of great fishing locations near the inlet. Try hugging the shore along Junction Passage and into Rainy Bay. Trevor Channel runs from the Alberni Inlet to Cape Beale, providing a number of excellent fishing spots all along the southern shore. Cape Beale is known as a hot spot, especially for moochers and jiggers. The village of Bamfield is also located along this channel. A series of islands (Tzartus Fleming, Diana, Edward King) separate Trevor Channel from the open water of Imperial Eagle Channel. Where Imperial Eagle Channel meets the open Pacific, a cluster of islands (the largest being Effingham) are also great fishing locations. Try trolling around the islands. Barkley Sound is known for its sheltered waters and excellent fishing. According to Tourism Ucluelet, Barkley Sound has the best fishing in the Pacific Northwest. Barkley Sound is home to cod, flounder, halibut and sole, not to mention all species of Pacific salmon, ling cod, and all kinds of shellfish. While West Coast salmon is often the draw, anglers have the chance to catch dozens of other types of fish, or just sit back and enjoy the beauty of the Sound. Local angler Shane Hagen says that year-round, you can catch all types of fish migrating up through different river systems along the coast. “Find the right bait, and you’ll definitely catch something,” he says. Hagen notes that from June through August, sockeye run right up to the Robertson Creek Hatchery. For all species, you’re allowed to keep between two and four per person, depending on the species. Sockeye run between three and ten pounds, he says. In July, the chinook runs begin. These go up to the hatchery as well, and can be from 15 to 60 pounds, “if you’re lucky,” Hagen says. chinook run until October. Anglers will be lucky around this time as well, because the coho are also running, usually between August and October. Hagen suggests that his first choice of bait is anchovy. He finds that the salmon are keen on these, though you can try others as well. “Try Coyote Spoons, or green and white Hoochies,” he says. “For sockeye, I’d go with a pink and red Hoochie. Sockeye seem to like pink and red,” he says. Head for Nahmint Bay and China Creek for sockeye, Hagen suggests. For chinook and coho, try Kirby Point, Cree, or Effingham Island. Also Muir’s Bluff is a good place to try. Later on, for coho or chinook, try Pill Point or Diplock. People fishing in Barkley Sound are going for other types of fish besides salmon. The halibut and ling cod fisheries are very popular. “Anchor up on a high spot, any muddy or sandy area, for halibut between 250 to 300 feet deep. Anchor up, and jig for halibut.” For bait, Hagen says that herring, octopus, or salmon bellies are all good choices. For ling cod, Hagen says that any pinnacle or rocky section can be a good starting point. “The only thing to watch for, though, is the Broken Group Islands, because that area is closed to ling cod fishing. It’s a juvenile breeding ground, and the ling cod are protected from interference there.” Hagen reminds anglers that while Barkley Sound as a whole is sheltered compared to the open ocean, it can still be “weathery.” Anglers really need seaworthy boats and navigation equipment. The latter becomes particularly critical in the fog, and Hagen says that in August and September, “you will get fogged in, without a doubt.” The other important point to note is that Barkley Sound is a working inlet, and there are several commercial vessels passing through the area. Hagen reminds people to watch for logs, and to always read the regulations. There are many closed areas, and there is always something that requires extra checking, whether it be catch quotas or size limits. Beyond the fishing, there is a huge array of options, from hiking to diving, with kayaking being among the most popular activities. The Broken Group Islands, and the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, are kayak-friendly waters that give paddlers a chance to see humpback whales, eagles, sea lions, and bears. The Broken Group Islands Unit is made up of over 100 islands and rocky areas scattered between Loudoun Channel and Imperial Eagle Channel in the middle of Barkley Sound. There are various spots to camp, and experienced kayakers can follow well-travelled kayak routes throughout the area. (Be sure you have guidance equipment, and as always, we recommend hiring a guide or going with a tour group if you’re unfamiliar with the area.) Anglers and tourists will also find no shortage of accommodation options in and around Barkley Sound. The towns of Ucluelet and Port Alberni offer a range of lodging from campgrounds to hotels, as well as mooring for boats. The Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is another option, with campsites on the more rugged side throughout the park. Please be mindful that most of these spots do not offer amenities of any sort, and require campers to pack out everything they pack in. There are seven different campgrounds in this group, most of which are small, and again, unserviced. They are popular, however, so trip-planning can be especially important, and if at all possible, try to avoid peak seasons. Be sure to consult regulations for this area before heading out, closures and restriction changes are ongoing so make sure you have the most up-to-date information prior to your trip.

Daily Quota for Chinook in Barkley Sound is Two

DFO update for Areas 23 and 123: "Effective until October 15, 2015, the daily quota for the tidal recreational fishery for chinook salmon will be two chinook per day, one of which may be greater than 77 cm." Source: http://www-ops2.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fns-sap/index-eng.cfm?Count=26&pg=search_results&ID=all&Year=2015&CFID=16266135&CFTOKEN=92894719

The dulldrums before the bite was on

Off the Wall, Bamfield, BC

The winner of the pool

The 26 pound Spring that won the pool for this trip. Off the Wall, Bamfield, BC.

One great coho!

Just north of Bamfield, BC. One that the seal lions weren't able to snatch off my line!

Sunset while going for Springs

Off the Wall, east of Bamfield.