Saltwater Fishing from Tahsis

The Village of Tahsis is the gateway to Esparanza Inlet and Nuchatlitz Reefs--the last fishing frontier on the West Coast of Vancouver Island.

Nootka Sound, to the South by only 14 nautical miles, has been a popular fishing location for knowledgeable anglers but the depth of the fishing opportunities on the north side of Nootka Island has not yet been fully explored. The quality Sport fishing for salmon and groundfish (halibut and red snapper) has been a quiet local secret until recently.

Tahsis Village is nestled amongst mountainous peaks at the end of Tahsis Inlet. If you choose to drive from Campbell River to Tahsis you will travel between some of the highest mountains on Vancouver Island at over 2000 meters. You will pass over incredibly beautiful crystal clear streams and creeks and see some of the last old growth rain forest on Vancouver Island. Don't be surprised if you see Black Bear, Black Tail Deer, or Roosevelt Elk on the road.

The boat trip from Tahsis to Nootka Sound or Esparanza Inlet transports you through breathtaking coastal waterways, and provides wildlife viewing opportunities for sea otters, seals, sea lions, whales, eagles and marine birds. If you haven't fallen in love with this area yet, wait 'til you start fishing!

Our fishing season begins in earnest by mid June but salmon and halibut fishing is productive throughout the year.

In the Spring, returning runs of migratory salmon from the cold water depths of the Pacific Ocean travel down the West Coast of Vancouver Island. In early June, Chinook salmon begin to be attracted to our inlets with their abundance of krill, herring, needlefish, anchovies and pilchard.

By early July the smaller Coho salmon follow the same path. With each passing day the Chinook and Coho increase in size and numbers as they feed heavily in anticipation of the fall spawn.

Bait, lure and even fly casting are all viable fishing techniques. If you're the type of angler who prefers to 'fish alone' there are lots of open unshared waterways to fish in solitude.