A true gem of British Columbia’s Pacific Rim
Situated on the westerly edge of Barkley Sound, Ucluelet provides unique Vancouver Island fishing experience. Roughly 40 kilometers south of Tofino on the Pacific Rim, Ucluelet is surrounded by a plethora of productive waters for Chinook and Coho salmon fishing.
Ucluelet sees an abundant return of migratory Chinook salmon each year. Off the coast of this thriving community lies a wealth of feeding ground for these Chinooks. Baitfish and squid are attracted to the variety of structures found on Ucluelet’s surrounding fishing areas.
During the late spring, large Chinook salmon begin to show up. Chinook salmon over 30 pounds, are landed regularly through the peak migration months of June to September. Fishing with a variety of natural and artificial baits near shoreline and offshore structures proves to be the most productive methods during these months.
Unique to Ucluelet is the ability to retreat into the waters of Barkley Sound when high winds are present. The shallow, protected waters of Barkley Sound present excellent fishing for both salmon and bottom species such as Halibut, Rockfish and Ling Cod.
For freshwater anglers, Ucluelet is a prime destination for rainbow trout, steelhead, sea-run cutthroat and salmon. Estuary fishing with a fly rod is a lucrative approach to targeting sea-run cutthroat trout, especially near river mouths. This powerful, magnificently spotted species can be found chasing salmon fry upon their emergence, and respond well to a properly-presented fry pattern.
