2026 Fishing Outlook | First Fish Charters

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2026 Fishing Outlook

Lots of excellent fishing opportunities throughout the year.

Winter Fishing

The winter chinook fishery is an excellent time of year to experience fishing in Vancouver. There is a plentiful number of foraging chinook in the 5-15lb range. This fishery stays open until March 31st. The Dungeness Crab & Spot fishing by trap is excellent at this time of year.

Spring
From April 1st chinook is still plentiful, but is closed for conservation of the upper Fraser River stocks. May 1st opens for Lingcod & rockfish retention off Vancouver Island, requires a full day trip. The prawn fishing will remain strong through to Mid May when the commercial harvest starts. Crabbing is also good through the spring.

Summer
The first retention fishery for salmon in the summer is coho starting in early June and continues until early October. Chinook opens July 15th in limited areas and requires a full day charter. September 1st chinook opens off the mouth of the Fraser River and is the best opportunity to land a Chinook over 20lbs. It is anticipated that there will be a sockeye opening mid August through to mid September. Crabbing slows down early July due to the commercial harvest. Prawn fishing picks up starting mid July a month after the commercial harvest ends.

Fall
Coho & Chum salmon are both available mid October, by then they have made their way into their native rivers to spawn. Chinook fishing transitions from catching mature chinook to targeting feeding Chinook that spend the fall and winter foraging in our local waters. The fishing for spot prawns is really getting good by then. Crab fishing starts pick up by mid November.

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Frequently Asked Questions About First Fish Charters

What kind of fishing charters do you offer?
First Fish Charters offers private saltwater fishing charters focused on year‑round Pacific salmon, with seasonal opportunities for Dungeness crab and B.C. spot prawns. Trips are ideal for tourists, families, and corporate groups looking for a quality local fishing experience in the Vancouver area.

Where do your fishing trips depart from?
Our boat is moored in Sung Cove on Bowen Island, BC. We offer departures from Bowen Island, or Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver. These locations give quick access to productive local salmon and crab grounds, so guests are often fishing within minutes of leaving the dock.

How long are your fishing charters?
You can choose from 5‑hour, 7‑hour, or 9‑hour private charters, all dock to dock. Longer trips provide more time on the grounds and are popular for combining salmon fishing with crab or spot prawn opportunities when in season.

How much do your fishing charters cost?
Pricing depends on trip length and number of guests, with 5‑hour charters starting at $875 for 1 guest and scaling up to $1200 for 6 guests. Seven‑hour and nine‑hour trips are available at higher rates that reflect the added fishing time and flexibility for your group.

See More FAQs

How many people can you take on the boat?
The 30‑foot Boston Whaler 305 Conquest can comfortably take up to six passengers on a private charter. The boat is designed for offshore fishing and provides a stable, comfortable ride for mixed‑experience groups.

What kind of boat will we be fishing from?
You will be fishing from a 30 Foot Boston Whaler 305 Conquest powered by twin 250 HP Mercury Verado outboards. The vessel offers an enclosed cabin with stand‑up head and flushing toilet, heater, and fridge, along with covered space for protection from rain and sun.

Who is the captain and guide?
Your trips are guided by Captain Warren Barker, who has more than 25 years of guiding experience in local Vancouver waters. He also participates in a Department of Fisheries and Oceans stock assessment program, collecting DNA samples from Coho and Chinook salmon to support long‑term fisheries management.

Do you provide all the fishing gear?
All the necessary fishing gear and tackle are provided so guests can focus on enjoying the experience. The boat is fully equipped for salmon trolling and for setting traps for Dungeness crab and B.C. spot prawns when in season.

Can beginners and kids join your trips?
First Fish Charters welcomes beginners as well as seasoned anglers, and trips are suitable for families and mixed‑skill groups. Captain Warren’s experience and patient instruction help new anglers quickly learn the basics and feel comfortable on the water.

What can we catch during the year?
Vancouver’s waters offer a world‑famous year‑round Pacific salmon fishery, with different runs moving through the area in various seasons. Depending on timing, your catch may also include Dungeness crab and succulent B.C. spot prawns as seasonal add‑ons to your salmon trip.

How far is the run to the fishing grounds?
From Horseshoe Bay or Snug Cove, you are typically fishing within minutes of leaving the dock. This short run time maximizes your actual fishing time, especially on 5‑hour and 7‑hour trips.

What should we bring on our charter?
Guests should bring weather‑appropriate clothing, non‑slip footwear, any personal snacks or drinks, and required fishing licences. The boat’s covered and heated spaces help keep everyone comfortable, but layers are recommended due to changing marine conditions.

Are your trips suitable for corporate or special events?
Yes, the private charter format and comfortable 30‑foot boat make these trips popular for corporate outings, client entertainment, and special occasions. The combination of scenery, wildlife, and hands‑on fishing creates a memorable shared experience for groups up to six.

Vancouver’s waters are home to some of the most prolific salmon runs in the world.

With millions of salmon returning to local rivers and streams annually, you can catch salmon in Vancouver any day of the year.

Create lasting memories.

Please get in touch with to book a trip or if you have any questions.

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