Fishing Reports by Captain Sam Vandervalk
About The Author: Captain
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!
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Chinook (King), Halibut Fishing Forecast Vancouver Island BC 2024 (3/04/2024)
[Ucluelet,BC] Around 200K+ Chinook come through Barkley Sound in 2023 which is over double the normal run size. The runs of Chinook (King) salmon have been increasing here since 2020 and hopes are high for 2024.
[Ucluelet,BC] Around 200K+ Chinook come through Barkley Sound in 2023 which is over double the normal run size. The runs of Chinook (King) salmon have been increasing here since 2020 and hopes are high for 2024.
King (Chinook) Fishing Forecast 2024, salmon halibut best areas in BC Alaska (1/26/2024)
[Ucluelet,BC] Every January we look forward to another year forward for more of that delicious salmon and halibut. This is not my normal forecast.
[Ucluelet,BC] Every January we look forward to another year forward for more of that delicious salmon and halibut. This is not my normal forecast.
Season recap fishing salmon and halibut in Ucluelet BC with Samon Eye Charters (10/22/2023)
[Ucluelet,BC] Overall a good summer with lots of Chinook, Coho and Halibut. Read below for more about the best parts of the summer highlights.
[Ucluelet,BC] Overall a good summer with lots of Chinook, Coho and Halibut. Read below for more about the best parts of the summer highlights.
Sept Halibut fishing report Ucluelet BC (Vancouver Island Canada) (10/05/2023)
[Ucluelet,BC] The halibut, chinook, coho, lingcod fishing during September all had good moments but the halibut and lingcod fishing were the most consistent throughout the month. Chinook fishing was good during the first 10 days like normal.
[Ucluelet,BC] The halibut, chinook, coho, lingcod fishing during September all had good moments but the halibut and lingcod fishing were the most consistent throughout the month. Chinook fishing was good during the first 10 days like normal.
Fishing Report Ucluelet BC 8-31 - Vancouver Island Canada (8/31/2023)
[Ucluelet,BC] The large Chinook fishing has just been simply incredible the past 10 days with many double hookups and crazy fast action. All action is very close to the harbour.
[Ucluelet,BC] The large Chinook fishing has just been simply incredible the past 10 days with many double hookups and crazy fast action. All action is very close to the harbour.
Fishing Report Ucluelet BC August 19, 2023 - Vancouver Island (8/19/2023)
[Ucluelet,BC] Fishing continues to be great in many places as the 150K plus more Chinook come through Ucluelet waters. Great Bear, Beg Island, The Lighthouse, Little Beach, Wya, Barkley Sound, Inside South Bank, Lighthouse Bank and Southwest Corner had all had good bites this past week for both Chinook and Coho.
[Ucluelet,BC] Fishing continues to be great in many places as the 150K plus more Chinook come through Ucluelet waters. Great Bear, Beg Island, The Lighthouse, Little Beach, Wya, Barkley Sound, Inside South Bank, Lighthouse Bank and Southwest Corner had all had good bites this past week for both Chinook and Coho.
Fishing Report Ucluelet BC August 10 - Vancouver Island Canada (8/10/2023)
[Ucluelet,BC] Chinook, Coho and Halibut are being caught almost everywhere. Fishing is just that good and the weather has also been beautiful. August is really a special time in Ucluelet.
[Ucluelet,BC] Chinook, Coho and Halibut are being caught almost everywhere. Fishing is just that good and the weather has also been beautiful. August is really a special time in Ucluelet.
Fishing Report Ucluelet BC, Vancouver Island (7/31/2023)
[Vancouver Island,BC] Halibut fishing has been very good in many spots and Chinook salmon fishing has been good right outside the harbour and up at Long Beach bank. Coho have been in a few spots but and plentiful around Fraser Rock and in a few spots on the inside.
[Vancouver Island,BC] Halibut fishing has been very good in many spots and Chinook salmon fishing has been good right outside the harbour and up at Long Beach bank. Coho have been in a few spots but and plentiful around Fraser Rock and in a few spots on the inside.
Fishing Report Ucluelet BC (Vancouver Island) July 31, 2023 (7/31/2023)
[Vancouver Island,BC] Halibut fishing has been very good in many spots and Chinook salmon fishing has been good right outside the harbour and up at Long Beach bank.
[Vancouver Island,BC] Halibut fishing has been very good in many spots and Chinook salmon fishing has been good right outside the harbour and up at Long Beach bank.
Fishing Report Ucluelet BC (Vancouver Island) June 7, 2023 (6/08/2023)
[Ucluelet,BC] Halibut fishing has been consistent the past couple of weeks. The Salmon Eye guides have been picking up limits on halibut which is 1 per person per day and 2 as the carrying limit. Our fishing guides are traveling about an hour to get the halibut and about 15 minutes or less for the salmon.
[Ucluelet,BC] Halibut fishing has been consistent the past couple of weeks. The Salmon Eye guides have been picking up limits on halibut which is 1 per person per day and 2 as the carrying limit. Our fishing guides are traveling about an hour to get the halibut and about 15 minutes or less for the salmon.
Fishing Report Ucluelet BC (Vancouver Island) July 12, 2022 (7/12/2022)
[Ucluelet,BC] Fishing has continued to be very good for both Chinook and halibut during morning and afternoons. One of the hotspots for salmon has been just outside the harbour at the Red can and the afternoon bites here have been so good its almost been like fishing Big Bank.
[Ucluelet,BC] Fishing has continued to be very good for both Chinook and halibut during morning and afternoons. One of the hotspots for salmon has been just outside the harbour at the Red can and the afternoon bites here have been so good its almost been like fishing Big Bank.
FISHING REPORT UCLUELET August 28th, Ucluelet, BC (8/30/2021)
[Ucluelet,BC] Fishing has been great the last weeks in August. Salmon have been biting all day often best in the afternoon.
[Ucluelet,BC] Fishing has been great the last weeks in August. Salmon have been biting all day often best in the afternoon.
FISHING REPORT UCLUELET August 10th, Ucluelet, BC (8/11/2021)
[Vancouver Island,BC] Chinook are biting plentyful. For halibut, Big Bank has been the go-to. The cannon balls have to be all the way down at the bottom though!
[Vancouver Island,BC] Chinook are biting plentyful. For halibut, Big Bank has been the go-to. The cannon balls have to be all the way down at the bottom though!
FISHING REPORT UCLUELET JULY 8th, BC (7/10/2021)
[Ucluelet,BC] Good to see coho are arriving closer to shore. Live squid fishing is a good time at the moment with the winds. Halibut are biting in many places right now.
[Ucluelet,BC] Good to see coho are arriving closer to shore. Live squid fishing is a good time at the moment with the winds. Halibut are biting in many places right now.
FISHING REPORT JUNE 20, 2021 UCLUELET BC (6/22/2021)
[Ucluelet,BC] On the West Coast of the Island, it finally starts to feel like summer and fishing continues to be good. Chinook fishing has been mostly good in protected waters lately. We are seeing halibut fishing to be good in a few places lately , recently closer in again.
[Ucluelet,BC] On the West Coast of the Island, it finally starts to feel like summer and fishing continues to be good. Chinook fishing has been mostly good in protected waters lately. We are seeing halibut fishing to be good in a few places lately , recently closer in again.
Fishing Report June 15, 2021 Ucluelet, British Columbia (6/15/2021)
[Ucluelet,BC] Fishing has continued to surprise us positively for everyone who has made it out on a charter so far. The chinook are mostly biting around the tide changes. If you want to come out for a charter your best bet would be late June and there are clear skies and blue bird days ahead.
[Ucluelet,BC] Fishing has continued to surprise us positively for everyone who has made it out on a charter so far. The chinook are mostly biting around the tide changes. If you want to come out for a charter your best bet would be late June and there are clear skies and blue bird days ahead.
June 4th Fishing report Ucluelet, BC (6/04/2021)
[Ucluelet,BC] Fishing has been great this beginning of the season, outstanding. The large amounts of baitfish lure in the salmon closer to shore. Halibut have also been biting more offshore though 10-20 miles out.
[Ucluelet,BC] Fishing has been great this beginning of the season, outstanding. The large amounts of baitfish lure in the salmon closer to shore. Halibut have also been biting more offshore though 10-20 miles out.
Fishing Report May 19th Ucluelet, British Columbia (5/19/2021)
[Vancouver Island,BC] We are excited that the beginning of the season has been such a good one and keeps getting better with salmon and halibut around. Although at the moment we are only taking out locals, this will change in not even a weeks time. Soon we will be happy to take out Canadians from every province again to get that unique west coast fishing experience in Ucluelet.
[Vancouver Island,BC] We are excited that the beginning of the season has been such a good one and keeps getting better with salmon and halibut around. Although at the moment we are only taking out locals, this will change in not even a weeks time. Soon we will be happy to take out Canadians from every province again to get that unique west coast fishing experience in Ucluelet.
Fishing Report May 12th British Columbia (5/12/2021)
[Ucluelet,BC] One of the best early-seasons in a while. There will be many happy faces ones the travel restrictions will be lifted. With great weather ahead we are optimistic for local fishing trips.
[Ucluelet,BC] One of the best early-seasons in a while. There will be many happy faces ones the travel restrictions will be lifted. With great weather ahead we are optimistic for local fishing trips.
Fishing Report May 4th British Columbia (5/04/2021)
[Vancouver Island,BC] It has been an outstanding start for the season. Ones things open up again there will be some great fishing to be had on the West coast, here in Ucluelet.
[Vancouver Island,BC] It has been an outstanding start for the season. Ones things open up again there will be some great fishing to be had on the West coast, here in Ucluelet.
Fishing Report April 23rd British Columbia (4/23/2021)
[Vancouver Island,BC] Early April has been good fishing so far with a sunny streak as well, which made it even better to be out on the water. We have been mostly focusing on Salmon and Lingcod but. Offshore is the better option for Halibut at the moment.
[Vancouver Island,BC] Early April has been good fishing so far with a sunny streak as well, which made it even better to be out on the water. We have been mostly focusing on Salmon and Lingcod but. Offshore is the better option for Halibut at the moment.
Fishing Report April 14th British Columbia (4/14/2021)
[Vancouver Island,BC] Salmon fishing has been better than normal for April so far. Our guy Dan has consistently been hitting between 6 to 12 fish per trip close to the harbour. Halibut fishing has been good for some other boats, we have mostly been focussing on salmon though.
[Vancouver Island,BC] Salmon fishing has been better than normal for April so far. Our guy Dan has consistently been hitting between 6 to 12 fish per trip close to the harbour. Halibut fishing has been good for some other boats, we have mostly been focussing on salmon though.
Fishing report April 7th Ucluelet British Columbia (4/08/2021)
[Ucluelet,BC] The Chinook fishing to start April has been good.There have also been a few halibut caught as well in the area.
[Ucluelet,BC] The Chinook fishing to start April has been good.There have also been a few halibut caught as well in the area.
The Forecast for the summer of 2021 is good for Chinook, Coho and Halibut. (2/24/2021)
[Ucluelet,BC] Forecast for summer 2021 for Chinook, Coho and Halibut.
[Ucluelet,BC] Forecast for summer 2021 for Chinook, Coho and Halibut.
Ucluelet, BC Fishing Report: 2020 Recap, February 17, 2021 (2/17/2021)
[Ucluelet,BC] Halibut limits update for February 17, 2021
[Ucluelet,BC] Halibut limits update for February 17, 2021
Ucluelet, BC Fishing Report: 2020 Recap, January 6, 2020 (1/06/2021)
[Ucluelet,BC] We have a great fishing season ahead of us!
[Ucluelet,BC] We have a great fishing season ahead of us!
Ucluelet, BC Fishing Report: August 26, 2020 (8/26/2020)
[Ucluelet,BC] We've still got a great season ahead of us!
[Ucluelet,BC] We've still got a great season ahead of us!
Ucluelet, BC Fishing Report: August 6, 2020 (8/06/2020)
[Ucluelet,BC] Fishing is really heating up this summer!
[Ucluelet,BC] Fishing is really heating up this summer!
Ucluelet, BC Fishing Report: July 21, 2020 (7/21/2020)
[Ucluelet,BC] Great days on the water! Check out how the fishing's going from Ucluelet.
[Ucluelet,BC] Great days on the water! Check out how the fishing's going from Ucluelet.
Ucluelet, BC Fishing Report: July 10, 2020 (7/12/2020)
[Ucluelet,BC] Ucluelet hotspots include Big Bank, Lighthouse bank, and South Bank.
[Ucluelet,BC] Ucluelet hotspots include Big Bank, Lighthouse bank, and South Bank.
Ucluelet, BC Fishing Report: June 24, 2020 (6/24/2020)
[Ucluelet,BC] The fishing and tourism is really starting to pick up!
[Ucluelet,BC] The fishing and tourism is really starting to pick up!
Ucluelet, BC Fishing Report: June 9, 2020 (6/10/2020)
[Vancouver Island,BC] Our fishing trips have really started off for real!
[Vancouver Island,BC] Our fishing trips have really started off for real!
Fishing Report Ucluelet BC Canada April 17, 2020 (4/17/2020)
[Vancouver Island,BC] Fishing has been good during March and April and continues to produce both Chinook salmon and lots of Lingcod. This time of year Lingcod is our white meat and my favourite white meat.
[Vancouver Island,BC] Fishing has been good during March and April and continues to produce both Chinook salmon and lots of Lingcod. This time of year Lingcod is our white meat and my favourite white meat.
Early 2020 Fishing Forecast Ucluelet BC (2/29/2020)
[Vancouver Island,BC] Forecast on fishing Chinook, Coho and Halibut on the west coast of Vancouver Island from Ucluelet BC.
[Vancouver Island,BC] Forecast on fishing Chinook, Coho and Halibut on the west coast of Vancouver Island from Ucluelet BC.
Ucluelet Fishing Report - July 11th, 2019 (7/16/2019)
[Vancouver Island,BC] Report on fishing Chinook, Coho and Halibut on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
[Vancouver Island,BC] Report on fishing Chinook, Coho and Halibut on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
Ucluelet Fishing Report - July 11th, 2019 (7/11/2019)
[Vancouver Island,BC] Report on fishing Chinook, Coho and Halibut on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
[Vancouver Island,BC] Report on fishing Chinook, Coho and Halibut on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
Ucluelet Fishing Report - July 2nd, 2019 (7/02/2019)
[Ucluelet,BC] After slower days in early June things have really picked up!
[Ucluelet,BC] After slower days in early June things have really picked up!
Ucluelet, BC - Fishing Report June 13th, 2019. (6/13/2019)
[Vancouver Island,BC] A slower week for halibut, fishing efforts hindered but less than favourable weather. Specifics on what lours got the fish on.
[Vancouver Island,BC] A slower week for halibut, fishing efforts hindered but less than favourable weather. Specifics on what lours got the fish on.
Ucluelet, BC - June 2019 Fishing Report (6/04/2019)
[Vancouver Island,BC] A slow start to the week. Tips for success fishing Hali & Chinook in the Barkley Sound.
[Vancouver Island,BC] A slow start to the week. Tips for success fishing Hali & Chinook in the Barkley Sound.
Early Summer 2019 Fishing Report (5/21/2019)
[Ucluelet,BC] Gearing up for a good season, the inside scoop on what to expect when fishing the West coast, Summer 2019.
[Ucluelet,BC] Gearing up for a good season, the inside scoop on what to expect when fishing the West coast, Summer 2019.
Fishing Report, Ucluelet, BC September 25th, 2018 (9/25/2018)
[Vancouver Island,BC] Our September fishing was better than expected for Chinook, Coho and Halibut. The fall returning Chinook (Kings) were close to the shore and most days saw fast action.
[Vancouver Island,BC] Our September fishing was better than expected for Chinook, Coho and Halibut. The fall returning Chinook (Kings) were close to the shore and most days saw fast action.
Fishing Report Vancouver Island BC (Ucluelet) (6/14/2018)
[Vancouver Island,BC] Fishing has been very good the past few days and overall good the past couple months. The weather kept us in Barkley Sound for part of the last week but there are Chinook at Swale rock and Effingham. Small 3 in Gibbs and Silver Hordes were working well.
[Vancouver Island,BC] Fishing has been very good the past few days and overall good the past couple months. The weather kept us in Barkley Sound for part of the last week but there are Chinook at Swale rock and Effingham. Small 3 in Gibbs and Silver Hordes were working well.
Fishing Recap 2017: Ucluelet, B.C. (10/18/2017)
[Ucluelet,BC] A fishing recap of the 2017 season for Ucluelet, B.C. on Vancouver Island.
[Ucluelet,BC] A fishing recap of the 2017 season for Ucluelet, B.C. on Vancouver Island.
Fishing Report: Ucluelet, B.C. Sept. 11, 2017 (9/13/2017)
[Ucluelet,BC] Our season is close to being done here at Salmon Eye Charters and we are not taking any more bookings for 2017. Now is a great time to get your spot for 2018 if you haven't already. We turned away many people over the summer and the ones who book early get the best spots.
[Ucluelet,BC] Our season is close to being done here at Salmon Eye Charters and we are not taking any more bookings for 2017. Now is a great time to get your spot for 2018 if you haven't already. We turned away many people over the summer and the ones who book early get the best spots.
Consistent Chinook Salmon Fishing In Close (9/01/2017)
[Ucluelet,BC] The Chinook salmon fishing in close has been consistent the past 25 days and most coming in the 15-25lb range. There have also been a few bites at Outside Lighthouse and Southwest Corner.
[Ucluelet,BC] The Chinook salmon fishing in close has been consistent the past 25 days and most coming in the 15-25lb range. There have also been a few bites at Outside Lighthouse and Southwest Corner.
Hot Chinook Fishing The Past 10 Days (8/26/2017)
[Ucluelet,BC] The Chinook fishing has been quite hot the past 10 days with a couple slower days just recently. The local run of 15-30lb Chinook has been good along close to shore and there have also been some good bites at Outside Lighthouse, Southwest Corner and the Wreck. There are quite a few Coho and smaller Chinook on Big Bank. We expect the inshore fishing will be good through early September.
[Ucluelet,BC] The Chinook fishing has been quite hot the past 10 days with a couple slower days just recently. The local run of 15-30lb Chinook has been good along close to shore and there have also been some good bites at Outside Lighthouse, Southwest Corner and the Wreck. There are quite a few Coho and smaller Chinook on Big Bank. We expect the inshore fishing will be good through early September.
Fishing Report: Ucluelet, B.C. August 16, 2017 (8/16/2017)
[Ucluelet,BC] Chinook has been good along close to shore the past week and should keep going strong. Offshore fish are being caught at the Heisen and the inshore fishery has been pretty consistent for larger Chinook.
[Ucluelet,BC] Chinook has been good along close to shore the past week and should keep going strong. Offshore fish are being caught at the Heisen and the inshore fishery has been pretty consistent for larger Chinook.
Fishing Report: Ucluelet, B.C. August 10, 2017 (8/11/2017)
[Ucluelet,BC] Fishing report for Ucluelet B.C. on the west coast of Vancouver Island for August 10, 2017.
[Ucluelet,BC] Fishing report for Ucluelet B.C. on the west coast of Vancouver Island for August 10, 2017.
Big Bank On Vancouver Island Has Been Good for Chinook and Halibut (8/04/2017)
[Ucluelet,BC] Fishing report for Ucluelet, B.C. on Vancouver Island for August 4, 2017.
[Ucluelet,BC] Fishing report for Ucluelet, B.C. on Vancouver Island for August 4, 2017.
Fishing Report: Ucluelet, B.C. July 17, 2017 (7/18/2017)
[Ucluelet,BC] Fishing Report for Ucluelet, B.C. on July 17, 2017
[Ucluelet,BC] Fishing Report for Ucluelet, B.C. on July 17, 2017