The Ultimate Guide to Salmon Fishing in Hakai Pass, British Columbia

Salmon fishing in Hakai Pass, British Columbia, is widely regarded as one of the most exciting saltwater fishing experiences in North America. Located along the rugged central coast of BC, Hakai Pass sits directly on one of the most important salmon migration routes in the Pacific Ocean.

Each year, anglers from across Canada, the United States, and around the world travel to these waters in search of powerful Chinook (king) salmon, aggressive coho (silver) salmon, and some of the best halibut and lingcod fishing anywhere on the coast.

Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning for another unforgettable season, this guide will help you understand why Hakai Pass is such a special place to fish and how to prepare for a successful adventure.

Where Is Hakai Pass?

Hakai Pass is located on the central coast of British Columbia, roughly halfway between Vancouver Island and Prince Rupert. The region sits among a maze of islands, channels, kelp beds, and protected bays.

These waters are part of the Hakai Lúxvbálís Conservancy, one of the largest marine protected areas on the British Columbia coast. The combination of ocean currents, underwater structure, and baitfish populations makes this area an incredibly productive fishery.

Because the region is remote and largely undeveloped, most anglers experience Hakai Pass by staying at fishing lodges located directly on the water.

Why Hakai Pass Is One of the Best Salmon Fishing Locations in British Columbia

Several natural factors combine to make Hakai Pass a legendary fishing destination.

A Major Salmon Migration Highway

Pacific salmon travel thousands of miles during their life cycle. On their journey back to spawning rivers throughout British Columbia, Alaska, and the Pacific Northwest, many of these fish pass directly through the waters surrounding Hakai Pass.

This migration corridor brings large numbers of salmon into relatively concentrated areas, creating incredible opportunities for anglers.

Abundant Baitfish

Hakai Pass is rich in herring, anchovies, and other baitfish that attract feeding salmon. When these bait balls gather along kelp edges or current lines, salmon are never far behind.

Ideal Coastal Structure

The region features include:

• Rocky points

• Deep tidal channels

• Kelp forests

• Sheltered bays

• Strong tidal currents

All of these elements combine to create perfect feeding environments for salmon and bottom fish.

Salmon Species Found in Hakai Pass

One of the biggest reasons anglers love fishing in Hakai Pass is the diversity of species available.

Chinook (King) Salmon

Chinook salmon are the largest and most powerful salmon species in the Pacific. These fish are the primary target for many anglers visiting Hakai Pass.

Kings commonly range from 15 to 40 pounds, and every season produces fish well over that size.

Peak season typically runs from June through early August.

Coho (Silver) Salmon

Coho salmon are known for their aggressive strikes and incredible fighting ability. These fish often attack lures near the surface and frequently leap during the fight.

Coho fishing in Hakai Pass usually peaks between late July and September.

Pink and Chum Salmon

While most anglers target Chinook and Coho, pink and chum salmon also move through the region during certain parts of the season.

Bottom Fishing Opportunities

Another major advantage of fishing in Hakai Pass is the opportunity to target bottom fish when salmon fishing slows.

Popular species include:

• Pacific halibut

• Lingcod

• Rockfish

Halibut fishing in particular can be excellent, with fish ranging from 20 pounds to well over 100 pounds.

Many anglers enjoy splitting their fishing day between salmon trolling in the morning and bottom fishing in the afternoon.

Top Fishing Spots in Hakai Pass

Local knowledge plays a huge role in fishing success. While salmon move constantly, several locations consistently produce fish year after year.

Odlum Point

One of the most famous Chinook salmon spots in the region. Strong tidal currents push baitfish along the point, creating ideal feeding conditions for kings.

The Gap

This narrow passage funnels water between islands and often holds large schools of feeding salmon.

Spider Island

The waters surrounding Spider Island are known for kelp beds and bait concentrations that attract both Chinook and Coho.

Barney Bay and Bayley Point

These areas create current breaks where salmon travel close to shore while feeding.

Best Techniques for Catching Salmon in Hakai Pass

Several techniques are commonly used by anglers fishing these waters.

Trolling with Cut-Plug Herring

This classic technique remains one of the most effective ways to catch salmon in Hakai Pass. The natural scent and spinning action of the bait attract feeding fish.

Downrigger Fishing

Downriggers allow anglers to precisely control the depth of their lure or bait. Since salmon often feed at different depths depending on conditions, this technique is extremely effective.

Spoon and Flasher Combinations

Many anglers use spoons paired with flashers to imitate baitfish and create additional attraction underwater.

Successful fishing often involves adjusting depth, speed, and lure selection throughout the day.

The author with a beautiful fish caught trolling cut-plug herring

When Is the Best Time to Fish Hakai Pass?

While salmon can be caught throughout the summer, certain periods tend to produce the best fishing.

Typical peak seasons include:

June – July

Prime Chinook salmon fishing.

Late July – August

Excellent mixed fishing for both Chinook and Coho.

August – September

Peak coho salmon season with aggressive surface feeding.

Weather and migration patterns can vary slightly each year, but these general windows provide consistent opportunities.

How to Prepare for a Salmon Fishing Trip

Fishing in remote coastal waters requires some preparation.

Clothing

Weather conditions can change quickly, so layered clothing is recommended.

Bring:

• Waterproof rain gear

• Insulated layers

• Rubber deck boots

• Warm hats and gloves

Personal Gear

Recommended items include:

• Polarized sunglasses

• Sunscreen

• Camera for photos

• Motion sickness medication if needed

  
  

Fishing License

All anglers must have a British Columbia tidal waters fishing license and follow current fishing regulations.

Fishing Regulations in British Columbia

British Columbia manages its fisheries carefully to ensure healthy salmon populations.

Anglers must follow rules such as:

• Possessing a valid tidal fishing license

• Recording retained salmon on a catch record card

• Following daily catch limits

• Respecting seasonal closures

Regulations can change each year, so reviewing the latest guidelines before your trip is important.

Staying at a Fishing Lodge in Hakai Pass

Because of the remote location, most anglers experience Hakai Pass by staying at fishing lodges located directly on the water.

Lodge packages typically include:

• Comfortable accommodations

• Fishing boats and equipment

• Daily meals

• Dock staff and fishing support

• Fish cleaning and vacuum sealing

This setup allows anglers to maximize fishing time while the lodge handles the logistics.

Here are a few lodge recommendations:

• Joes Salmon Lodge

• Ole’s Fishing Lodge

• The Rivers Inlet Sportsman’s Club

Guided vs. Self-Guided Fishing Trips

Anglers visiting Hakai Pass often choose between guided or self-guided fishing experiences.

Guided Fishing

Guided trips provide expert knowledge of the area and help anglers locate fish quickly.

Benefits include:

• Local fishing expertise

• Professional instruction

• Higher success rates for beginners

  
  

Self-Guided Fishing

Self-guided fishing allows anglers to operate their own boat and fish at their own pace.

Many lodges provide boats equipped with:

• GPS navigation

• Downriggers

• Rods and tackle

• Safety equipment

This option is popular among experienced anglers who enjoy exploring the fishing grounds themselves.

Fleet Fishing/Guided Fishing Fleet

Fleet fishing or guided fishing fleet is where a lead boat guides multiple boats, each with their own crew, coordinating fishing locations for a larger group.

Benefits include:

• Local fishing expertise

• Higher success rates

• Freedom of choice

At Joe’s Salmon Lodge, we find that guided fleet fishing is a great option for getting our self-guided anglers to the best fishing grounds. Our fish master guides multiple boats to one or more fishing locations, improving catch rates for those who are new to fishing in the Hakai Pass.

Wildlife and Scenery

Fishing in Hakai Pass is about more than just the catch.

The surrounding wilderness offers incredible wildlife viewing opportunities including:

• Humpback whales

• Orcas

• Bald eagles

• Sea lions

• Coastal bears

Combined with dramatic coastal scenery, the experience is truly unforgettable.

Booking Your Hakai Pass Fishing Trip

Due to the limited number of lodges and the short fishing season, salmon fishing trips in Hakai Pass are often booked many months in advance.

Most anglers plan their trips during winter or early spring for the upcoming summer season.

Planning ahead ensures the best dates and availability for your fishing adventure.

Final Thoughts

Hakai Pass offers one of the most remarkable salmon fishing experiences anywhere in the world. With abundant fish, breathtaking scenery, and a rich fishing tradition, it’s no surprise that anglers return year after year.

Whether you’re chasing trophy Chinook salmon, battling acrobatic Coho, or dropping bait for halibut or lingcod on the ocean floor, the waters of Hakai Pass provide unforgettable fishing opportunities.

For those who love the ocean, the wilderness, and the thrill of the catch, there are few places quite like it.

Joe’s Salmon Lodge is located in the heart of the Hakai Pass.  With nearly 40 years of experience, we deliver an exceptional experience both on and off the water.

We hope to see you on the water soon.

-Mike

Mike Matthews is the owner and operator of Joe’s Salmon Lodge.  He has over 20 years of experience fishing the Hakai Pass.