Sam Vandervalk

While Ucluelet's fishing is usually strong, this year was especially spectacular!

Even our most seasoned guides couldn't wait to get out on the water this summer. We were bringing in cooler upon cooler full! This kind of fishing not only makes for good eating, but a whole lot of fun!

Mainly trolling using hutchies, spoons, anchovies, and tomic plugs, we caught our full share of Chinook, Coho, and Halibut. Chinook ranged from 10-30 pounds in May and June, but were up to the 40-45 pound range by July and August. Coho were so plentiful that some days we could ardly get our line down! The kids loved them because they were energetic, often jumping out of the water or doing a tail walk. We usually caught our limit of halibut, and the August raise of the daily limit helped us save travel time.

The weather was good, especially for the west coast of Vancouver Island. While there were some wind and waves, we got our pick of fishing hotspots almost every day. There were very few days this summer that the weather kept us fishing protected waters.

Fish Species: Chinook salmon (king), Coho salmon (silver), Halibut
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Method Used: Trolling
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August 4 with 32 pound Chinook
August 4 with 32 pound Chinook

August 20 with 43 pound Chinook
August 20 with 43 pound Chinook


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Sam Vandervalk

About The Author: Captain Sam Vandervalk

Company: Salmon Eye Charters

Area Reporting: Vancouver Island - Ucluelet, Tofino, Port Alberni BC

Bio: Sam Vandervalk, the owner of Salmon Eye Charters has now guided for 12 years. He grew up around mid-Vancouver Island. You could say that fishing is in the family as his older brother Ray also guides for Salmon Eye Charters. Salmon Eye Charters has grown and is now going to be operating 4 boats mostly in Ucluelet as that is where the fish seem to be the most. Happy customers are made every day here!

877-777-4344
Click Here For Past Fishing Reports by Captain Sam Vandervalk