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Fall fishing season in Campbell River
September - October

Fall Fishing Charters

Peak Coho salmon season, powerful Chum runs, late Chinook, fewer crowds, and spectacular fall colors. Experience world-class fishing at great value!

Peak Coho

Best of the Season

8-15°C

Cooler Temperatures

Fewer Crowds

Uncrowded Waters

Photography

Fall Colors, Bears

Why Fall Fishing is Special

September and October bring Campbell River's most underrated fishing season. Coho salmon reach their absolute peak — aggressive, acrobatic, and in peak fighting condition. These silver bullets are why anglers return to fall fishing year after year.

Fall also brings powerful Chum salmon runs and late-season Chinook. With summer crowds gone and cooler weather setting in, you'll often have productive fishing spots to yourself. Add the spectacular fall colors and black bears fishing along the shorelines, and it's a photographer's dream.

"Fall Coho fishing is my favorite time of year. These fish are in prime condition — bright chrome, hard-fighting, and absolutely relentless. When a Coho hits your line in September, you're in for the fight of your life."

— Captain Jason, Lead Guide

Peak

Coho Season

Fewer

Anglers

Great

Value Rates

Epic

Photography

Fall Target Species

What you can catch during Campbell River's fall fishing season (September-October).

Coho Salmon (Silver) ⭐

Fall is PEAK Coho season! These chrome-bright acrobats are in peak fighting condition. Explosive strikes, aerial displays, and non-stop action. The stars of fall fishing.

  • Peak: September-October
  • Size: 8-15 lbs
  • Best fighting condition

Chum Salmon (Dog)

Fall is peak Chum season. These powerful fish provide explosive strikes and hard runs. Underrated fighters that keep your drag screaming. Excellent smoked or canned.

  • Peak: September-October
  • Size: 10-20 lbs
  • Powerful fighters

Late Chinook Salmon

Late-season Chinook continue their runs into September. Trophy-sized fish preparing for spawning. Still provide powerful fights and impressive catches.

  • Available: Early September
  • Size: 15-35 lbs
  • Still strong fighters

Lingcod

Fall lingcod are actively feeding before winter. Aggressive bottom-dwelling predators provide hard-fighting action near rocky structure and kelp beds.

  • Available: Year-round
  • Size: 10-40+ lbs
  • Aggressive strikes

Rockfish

Multiple rockfish species remain active in fall. Great bonus catches while salmon fishing, and excellent eating. Add variety to your cooler!

  • Available: Year-round
  • Size: 2-15 lbs
  • Delicious white meat

Black Bears (Wildlife)

Fall brings incredible bear viewing! Black bears fish along the shorelines during salmon spawning runs. Spectacular photography opportunities from the safety of our boat.

  • Peak: September-October
  • Safe viewing from boat
  • Amazing photography

Fall Photography Paradise

Fall in Campbell River offers some of the year's most spectacular photography opportunities. The combination of brilliant fall foliage, salmon-hunting black bears, spawning runs, and dramatic coastal scenery creates unforgettable images.

Black bears emerge along the shorelines to fish for spawning salmon. From the safety and comfort of our boat, you can photograph these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. Add eagles diving for fish, sea lions hunting, and the vibrant fall colors, and every trip becomes a photo safari.

Photographer's Tip: Bring a telephoto lens (200-400mm) for bear and wildlife shots, and a polarizing filter to cut water glare. September and October offer incredible light conditions for dramatic coastal photography.

🐻

Black Bears Fishing

🍁

Fall Colors

🦅

Eagle Activity

📸

Epic Shots

What to Wear in Fall

  • Warm Layers Essential

    Mornings can be chilly (5-8°C). Fleece, down vest, or wool mid-layers keep you comfortable.

  • Waterproof Outer Layer

    Fall rain is frequent. Quality rain gear keeps you dry and warm all day.

  • Warm Hat & Gloves

    Head and hand warmth make all the difference. Bring gloves you can fish with.

  • Non-Slip Footwear

    Waterproof boots with good traction. Decks can be wet from rain and spray.

Fall Weather & Conditions

Fall brings cooler temperatures (8-15°C) and increased rainfall. But don't let that deter you — fall fishing can be incredibly comfortable with proper clothing. The cooler weather means fewer bugs, and rain often improves fishing!

Our 27' boat features a heated cabin where you can warm up between fishing action. Coho are most active in cooler conditions, so overcast fall days often produce the best fishing. Plus, you'll have the waters mostly to yourself as summer crowds have gone home.

Fall Advantage: Coho bite better in cooler, overcast conditions! Rain doesn't slow down the fishing — it often improves it. Dress appropriately and enjoy some of the year's best action.

Best Fall Charters

Our recommended fishing charters for peak fall Coho season.

Peak Coho Season

Full Day Charter

$1,680
  • 8 hours prime Coho fishing
  • Chum, Chinook, bottom fish too
  • Heated cabin for comfort
Book Now
Great Value

Half Day Charter

$840
  • 5 hours of fall fishing action
  • Target aggressive Coho
  • Fewer crowds, great fishing
Book Now
Photography Special

Wildlife Combo

$1,680
  • Fishing + black bear viewing
  • Fall colors, eagles, sea lions
  • Photographer's paradise
Book Now

Book Your Fall Coho Charter

Experience Campbell River's peak Coho season! Aggressive chrome-bright silvers, powerful Chum salmon, black bear viewing, fall colors, and uncrowded waters. Fall fishing is unforgettable!