June 2026 Port Hardy Fishing Report

June 2026 Port Hardy Fishing Report - Chinook fishing has started very strong this season, and June should be no different. Like the past three seasons, fishing has been outstanding—easily the best I have seen in my lifetime for quantity of both Chinook and coho. June is early for coho, but even some 4- to 5-pounders are around in decent numbers. Many of the Chinook and coho have been clipped, which is nice to see, and going forward that should only increase with DFO’s announcement of Canada finally clipping 90% of hatchery-released Chinook on the South Coast.

Duval Point on a flood always seems to produce, with Castle Rock and Daphne Point being solid spots to target on the ebb. Barnett Pass and Lizard Point in Port McNeill are great on flood tides, and Flower Island on ebbs. Tides are fairly strong in our area, so they push the bait into kelp beds and bays. Don’t be afraid to look at the chart and do some detective work to find new spots where bait could possibly be pushed—where the bait is, the salmon will follow. For marked-selective Chinook fisheries, check out Fife Pass and Wells Pass, as well as Knight Inlet, for some pretty solid fishing.

Halibut fishing has been the best I’ve seen in the past several years as well. Lots of legal-sized fish out there, and even some larger fish that were missing in quantity the last couple seasons. And you don’t have to go far; most of the typical spots (Taylor Bank, George Bank, backside of Malcolm Island, etc.) haven’t been heavily fished yet and are producing limits in only a few hours around slack tide. When on your way in from fishing, don’t hesitate to stop and check out historic Telegraph Cove. They have rebuilt the restaurant and whale museum after the tragic fire in 2024, and they look better than ever! There’s great food at their restaurant with a beautiful view from the deck area.

Hope everyone stays safe, catches some fish, and shares some great memories this season!