Campbell River is experiencing its best fishing in years.
Neil Cameron / Campbell River Courier Islander, July 8, 2014
That¹s the word from weigh scales, lodges and tackle shops as the extraordinary angling has the city abuzz.
"It¹s fantastic," said Duane Mustard of Painter¹s Lodge. "There are lots of fish and big fish are also coming. We had a 40 -pounder the other day and a couple of others in the high 30s."
Mustard said a key indication for the great fishing is the amount of herring being found in fishing areas and in fish being taken.
"It really speaks of a healthy environment and the fish numbers certainly proves it," he said.
Both main tackle stores in Campbell River agree with Mustard.
"I haven¹t had a chance to get out much, but anecdotally and by all other accounts it¹s probably the best fishing in 18 years," said Murray Whelan of Tyee Marine.
River Sportsman General Manager Dan Drover said this year is even better than last.
"It was great last year, especially in June, so we figured it would be hard to beat, but this year is just amazing," he said.
"We have people coming in one day to buy downriggers and they come in the next day smiling because they limited out."
Both said the new regulation allowing the retention of one wild coho has also added big time to the year so far.
"Last year was kind of a bench mark year," said Whelan. "And this year is proving more consistent, with great fishing at various locations."
