Fishing Forecast 2025 West Coast Vancouver Island and Ucluelet BC
(updated May 4, 2025)Chinook (King) Fishing
Many people are realizing the west coast of Vancouver Island is the place to be for Chinook (King) salmon. You can read why we believe fishing in British Columbia is way better than Alaska for King salmon.
The forecast in 2025 is very good for salmon.
And we really appreciate how lucky we are to get to fish here.
The Columbia River is one of the large contributing rivers for Ucluelet’s Chinook with salmon passing by from April to August. The majority comes through in June and July. For 2024 Adult fall Chinook return was predicted to be 552,000 fish and actual returns were about 123% of the forecast. (678K) Almost all stocks from tributary rivers had higher returns than 2023.
About a million Chinook return to this river every year. And probably most of the run passes Ucluelet.
The jack return (2 year salmon which give an indication of the next years returns) was also higher than 2023.
The Fraser summer and fall Chinook returns show some promising signs as well. The Harrison River has been rebounding and we are optimistic there will be good returns here which is good for all of BC.
The DFO forecast has WCVI rated as abundant for 2025 which is the first time in a long time.
The forecast for the local Stamp/Robertson run is good and while may not have the 200K from 2 years ago, we are hoping it will be in the 130-150K range which is still extremely good.
Early indications are larger than normal Chinook in the feeding grounds where the Chinook currently are wintering so we will have to see what happens.
Other rivers also contribute to the Chinook runs as well. This is why Ucluelet continues to be a top hotspot for Chinook salmon.
Read about the best time to catch salmon in Ucluelet which is similar to most of BC.
Halibut fishing
Was good in 2024 and we expect the same for 2025. We do have reduced limits of 1 halibut per day and 1 possession smaller than 102 cm. That is largely because during 2024 BC took over the allowable catdh so for 2025 we are making it up. I think there is a good chance that the limit will be increased to 2 per day during August when the July 15 meeting happens with the sports advisory commitee and DFO.Last summer and during previous summers halibut fishing was good close to shore for most of the summer which cuts down run time and also gives more fishing time for Chinook, Coho and Lingcod. This can’t be expected all the time, but its been happening more often the past few years.
Lingcod fishing
Lingcod is the favorite white meat among many avid fisherman. Halibut is good but Lingcod between 5-10 lbs are amazing. They have more flavor and don’t need much added spices or flavor to have an amazing meal. An oaked Chardonay wine, butter and flour and lighly cooked lingcod could be an appetizer or desert. You are allowed 3 lingcod per day and 6 as your carrying (take home) limit.There are more people recognizing this and the best time to come for Lingcod is early season.
Coho (Silver) Salmon
Fishing was good offshore starting in July and is the best late August and early September. There were times the Coho fishing was good in close to shore during July and August but it wasn’t consistent. Most people here have a priority of 1. Chinook 2. Halibut 3 Lingcod and 4 Coho. We generally say Coho are bonus fish and in photos you will still see quite a few of them. They are often mixed in with Chinook and the red meat of Coho is delicious and my second favorite to Chinook salmon.Supporting hatcheries:
We are a big believer in supporting our local Thorton Creek hatchery since they work many hours swimming rivers monitoring habitat and counting fish, raising salmon smolts, and helping other local hatcheries. We were proud to donate money from each package sold as well as help raise support through a Father’s day fishing contest which raised an additional $4000. Ask us about joining the contest.If you are wanting to go fishing let us know and we will do our best to fit you in any open spots.
Check out our fishing packages for the easiest booking to get you fishing, vacuum packing and freezing and staying in brand new cabins.
We are booking now for 2025 for our multi-day packages. You can read about why we think Ucluelet is your best option for booking a salmon fishing trip.
We have parking for trailers if you are wanting to bring your own boat and stay in our accommodation if it is available. If you would like tips on what do do in the area check out www.ucluelet-info.com.
Check out our fishing videos from 2024 and as early as 2009. I think the 2021 video is still my favorite even though it didn't get as many views as our 2023 and 2024 highlight videos.
Here are some pics from 2024 though visit the fishing reports archive for many more photos.
