Kilby Lodge

Salmon Fishing

There are five different species of salmon that you can find in the Fraser and the Harrison river which are : Chinook, Sockeye,Chum, Coho and Pink. There are many ways of catching salmon but the most popular are: fly fishing, spin fishing with a lure and floating with jigs. It is important to note that we only use barbless hooks when it comes to any catch.

Salmon fishing varies depending on the openings as well as which species is allowed to be targeted during that time (Check fishery / government websites for opening dates, licensing and restrictions).

Chinook

Chinook are the largest pacific salmon and they are known by many names such as: chinook, spring or king salmon. They are also known as “blackmouth” due to the black pigment which is along their gum line. You can tell if your salmon catch is a chinook because they will have black spots on the upper half of their bodies and along the tail. There are two types of spring salmon, red and white. Red spring are generally smaller than white spring.

Chinook are an interesting fish to catch because the juveniles (fry) will migrate to the ocean and return to the same location to spawn. However, some chinook stay in the ocean longer which allows them to become larger. Once they are done spawning they die. When spawning, Chinook dig out redds, or gravel nests on stream bottoms where they lay thousands of eggs. Most chinook breed in the Summer and Fall and females can lay between 3,000 and 14,000 eggs in one nest.

Sockeye

Sockeye salmon are also known as : red salmon, kokanee salmon and blueback salmon. Similar to chinook, they migrate to the ocean where they stay anywhere between 2 and 5 years. When they begin to spawn their heads turn green and their bodies turn a bright red. They typically spawn in the Summer or Fall. The Adams river run is a popular activity in mid to late October where you can witness the salmon migrating to the Fraser River, this happens every 4 years.

Chum

In terms of size, chum salmon would be second largest to Chinook, but that doesn't mean they won't make your reel scream. There are many methods of fishing for chum which include: fly fishing, spinners, float fishing and casting lures.

Chum have large teeth which is why they get called 'dog salmon' . They do not stay in freshwater for long, chum migrate to the ocean earlier than other types of salmon. Chum salmon usually spawn when they are between 3-6 years old and females can lay up to 4,000 eggs.

Coho

Coho are popular among fishermen due to the feisty fight they put up. One of the best methods for catching coho is using a spoon. Coho are easily distinguishable from chinook due to their white gums, whereas chinook have black gums.

Coho enter streams for spawning usually from July to November. The females can lay up to 4500 eggs when spawning. Just like all the other pacific salmon species, they die after spawning.

Pink

Pink salmon are a great fish to catch for kids. They are the smallest salmon of all the pacific salmon. Usually fisheries increase limits for pink salmon when they are spawning. This usually happens during odd years, (2019,2021,2023). Pinks are easily distinguishable by the large dark spots on their backs. Male pink salmon can grow a hump on their backs. That is how they get the nickname ‘humpback salmon’. Pink salmon differ from other salmon because they do not spend long periods of time in freshwater. Pinks usually spawn from August to November and females can lay up to 1900 eggs. Much like the octopus, female pink salmon will stay and defend their eggs until they die which is about two weeks.

Salmon facts

• Salmon are ‘anadromous’ which means they live in both fresh and salt water.

• Salmon are considered a ‘key species’ meaning they have very large impacts on their ecosystem

Read more about guided salmon fishing in BC offered by Kilby Lodge.