If you haven’t experienced fishing in the Nitinat coastal area for salmon on the west coast of Vancouver Island, you are missing out. The area has some of the most spectacular scenery in the region, and some great spots to target salmon.
Why should I consider fishing Nitinat?
The coastline where Nitinat Lake flows out into the Pacific ocean holds some great spots for salmon. The Nitinat River located at the head of Nitinat Lake enjoys a healthy run of both Chinook and Coho salmon in the fall. All of these fish must make their way along the coastline and up through Nitinat Narrows. This means it’s not unusual to get large congregations of big fish holding there as they feed and wait for the right time to move up into the lake. These fish school at the entrance to the Nitinat Narrows and also further west near the Klanawa River, and Tsusiat Falls.
How do I access fishing Nitinat?
Traveling to the areas where fishing Nitinat can be productive is not for the faint of heart. It’s a long open ocean exposed run up or down the coastline from either Port Renfrew or Bamfield. We don’t recommended this trip for small boats. Running out of fuel, engine problems or troubles with bad sea conditions can mean help is some distance away. The nearest Coastgaurd post is in Bamfield, at least an hour away. We recommend using a guide service such as ours to access this of area, given our familiarity with the travel distances and local hazards. We strongly warn against trying to run down Nitinat Lake and through the narrows as it is a well known navigational hazard area. Boats have been capsized or swamped attempting this route and only those with experience in crossing this area should even try. Even though fishing Nitinat is well worth it, taking unnecessary risks is not.
What can I expect when fishing Nitinat?
Expect great fishing! But also amazing scenery and wildlife including incredible waterfalls, historic lighthouses, interesting rock formations, feeding Grey and Humpback whales, and maybe even a Tyee salmon. Because Nitinat is further removed from most of the easily accessible fishing grounds you won’t find a crowd. When you book with a guide, anticipate at least an hour of more run up the coast into oncoming open ocean swells so be prepared.
Fishing Nitinat sounds great – when do I book?
The Nitinat area is presently open to recreational fishing only until July 15 and will not reopen until late in the fall. Sou’Wester Sportfishing offers access to fishing Nitinat and the surrounding area from May until it closes July 15th.
Want to join us? Please contact us at 236-638-4825, or via email at souwestersportfish@gmail.com. Visit our homepage at www.souwestersportfishing.ca for more information and https://souwestersportfishing.ca/peak-season-salmon-fishing-charters/ for rates.
Don’t miss out on fishing Nitinat this season! Book with Sou’Wester Sportfishing today and let us take you to and from this amazing and breathtaking area.