Vancouver BC Pink Salmon Fishing

Vancouver Pink Salmon Fishing

The Pink Salmon or "Humpy" is the smallest of the five Pacific Salmon. However don't let their size fool you. These scrappy fish only return in odd numbered years in the Vancouver and Fraser Valley area. Anglers can expect excellent opportunities during the peak migration periods of late August to mid September. Pink Salmon range in size from 4-6 pounds and put up a great battle on both fly-fishing and spin fishing gear. These fish have a reputation to be aggressive biters and provide steady action for anglers of all skill levels.

MISSION VALLEY

Saltwater Fishing from a Boat

The saltwater fishery officially kicks off during the month of August when Pink Salmon become abundant in the local saltwater regions of Vancouver. Boat anglers can pretty much be assured success throughout Howe Sound, Vancouver Harbor, and Indian Arm. The preferred angling method is trolling with down riggers or weighted rods. Pink hootchies trolled behind pink Hot Spot Flashers, gypsy spoons, coyote spoons are a few recommendations for the Vancouver area. Pink Salmon aren't overly picky, as long as your lure is pink you should be able to put a few on the line.

Saltwater Fishing from Shore

There are plenty of opportunities for anglers that are limited to shore access only. Shore anglers have been known to out fish boat anglers on many occasions. There are plenty of easily accessible public beaches in the Vancouver area. Anglers should stay away from the popular swimming beaches. The best time to fish is first thing in the morning. Anglers looking for more secluded beaches are encouraged to grab a map and explore the surrounding areas. The preferred angling methods for shore fishing are spin casting with lures and fly-fishing. The typical spin casting outfit consists of ultra light rods matched with 6-12 pound test line.

The recommended spin casting lures include Crocodile spoons, Buzzbombs, Zingers, Koho spoons, Mepps spinners, and Gibbs Ultra lures...as long as they are pink in color and in the 2 inch range. Fly-fishermen are recommended to use 6-8 weight fly rods with either a sink tip or intermediate "camo" clear fly lines. Sparsely tied pink flies with a little flash and streamer hair in size 4-8 tied work well. Some of our favorite Pink Salmon flies are pink flash flies, pink handle bar, and pink euphasid. IF using non-anodized reels should thoroughly rinse them in freshwater to prevent premature corrosion due to saltwater.

Freshwater Fishing

By the beginning of September, the migration will be in full swing throughout the Fraser River and its tributaries. Pink salmon will be found in the tidal portions of Richmond all the way to the city Hope. During this month, pink salmon can almost be caught anywhere on the Fraser River and through almost every connecting tributary. Although boat access areas are more preferred, there is no shortage of fishing opportunities by foot. Areas such as Brownsville bar in New Westminster, Derby Reach in Fort Langley, and Gill Road in Chilliwack are all great areas on the Fraser River for anglers who do not have access to a boat.

Ultra light spin fishing tackle matched with Crocodile spoons, Koho spoons, Mepps spinners, and Gibbs Ultra lures all pink in color. Pink jigs can also be a very effective when fished in water with slower currents. Fly rods in the 6-8 weight range are recommended. Any fly pink in color tied on hook sizes 4-8 will do the trick. The best place to target pink salmon on the fly is in the calmer sections of the river. Clear sink tips or intermediate full sinking links are recommended in these areas. If fishing in areas where the current is stronger it is recommended that you use sinking tip fly lines in "type 3", and "type 6" sinking rates.

Vancouver BC Pink Salmon Fishing

MISSION VALLEY