Best Nanaimo Salmon Fishing Charter | Getter Done

Published Date: August 30, 2025
Fishing

Nanaimo, BC
$430 - $1,300 price range
Updated Date: September 1, 2025

Summary

Picture this: You're setting out from Nanaimo for a half-day fishing adventure that packs a lot into 4 hours. As soon as you leave the dock, you'll drop some crab traps - a nice bonus to potentially add to your catch. Then it's off to the nearby inshore grounds where the real action begins. You'll be targeting Chinook and Coho salmon, with chances to hook some lingcod and rockfish too. The best part? You're fishing close to shore, so more of your time is spent with lines in the water. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, the crew at Getter Done Charters has you covered. They provide all the gear and know-how, making this an ideal trip for families or small groups looking to enjoy some time on the water together. Before heading back, you'll check those crab traps - fingers crossed for a tasty addition to your day's haul!

Best Nanaimo Salmon Fishing Charter | Getter Done

Coastal Catches

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Chinook Salmon Catch Nanaimo

Nanaimo's 4-Hour Salmon & Bottom Fish Bonanza

Ready for a quick hit of Pacific Northwest fishing action? Getter Done Charters has you covered with their half-day Nanaimo fishing trip that packs a serious punch. In just four hours, you'll be setting crab pots, trolling for salmon, and jigging for bottom-dwellers – all within a stone's throw of the harbor. It's the perfect sampler platter of what BC's waters have to offer, whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line.

What's On The Menu

As soon as you leave the dock, it's go time. Your guide will have you dropping crab traps before you can say "butter sauce." Then it's off to the local honey holes where Chinook and Coho salmon are known to cruise. No long boat rides here – you'll be fishing in minutes, maximizing your time with lines in the water. Later in the trip, you'll switch gears and target lingcod and rockfish. It's like a fishing buffet, and you get to sample it all. Best part? This trip is newbie-friendly, so bring the whole crew – from grandpa to the little ones.

Rods, Reels, and Rigging

Leave your gear at home, folks. Getter Done Charters has you covered with top-notch equipment that's perfect for Nanaimo's waters. You'll be using a mix of techniques throughout the day. For salmon, expect to do some trolling – that's where you drag lures behind a slow-moving boat. Your guide will set you up with downriggers to get your bait to just the right depth where the big boys are hanging out. When it's time for bottom fish, you'll switch to jigging. This involves dropping a weighted lure to the bottom and giving it some action to entice those lingcod and rockfish. Don't worry if you're new to this – your guide will show you the ropes and have you fishing like a pro in no time.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Chinook Salmon: Also known as King Salmon, these are the heavyweights of the Pacific salmon world. Nanaimo's waters are a prime feeding ground for these brutes, which can top 30 pounds or more. They're known for their powerful runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Spring and early summer are your best bets for landing a trophy Chinook.

Coho Salmon: If Chinooks are the heavyweights, Cohos are the middleweights with an attitude. These silver bullets are fast, feisty, and fond of aerial displays. They typically show up in Nanaimo's waters from mid-summer through fall. Pound for pound, many anglers consider Coho the hardest fighting salmon out there.

Lingcod: Don't let the name fool you – these aren't cod at all, but a species of greenling. With their massive heads and teeth that look like they belong in a horror movie, lingcod are the ambush predators of the rocky bottom. They can grow over 5 feet long and put up one heck of a fight. You'll find them year-round, but winter months often see the biggest specimens.

Yellowtail Rockfish: These orange beauties are a blast to catch and even better to eat. They school up around rocky structure and reefs, making them a perfect target when you're bottom fishing. Yellowtails are curious by nature, often following hooked fish up to the boat – so keep your eyes peeled for double headers!

Pink Salmon: The smallest of Pacific salmon species, but what they lack in size they make up for in numbers. In odd-numbered years, pinks can show up in huge schools, offering non-stop action. They're great for beginners or kids, as they're eager biters and put up a spirited fight on light tackle.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Nanaimo's inshore waters are like a fishy playground, and Getter Done Charters knows how to make the most of it. The variety is unbeatable – one minute you're battling a chrome-bright salmon, the next you're arm-wrestling a toothy lingcod from its rocky lair. And let's not forget about those crab pots you set at the start of the trip. Pulling them up at the end of your fishing time is like opening a Christmas present – you never know what delicious surprises you might find.

The four-hour timeframe is a sweet spot, too. It's long enough to get your fill of fishing action, but short enough that you won't be wiped out for the rest of the day. Perfect for families with kids who might get antsy on longer trips, or for folks who want to squeeze in some fishing alongside other Nanaimo activities.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching for a taste of Nanaimo's legendary fishing without committing to a full day on the water, this trip is your ticket. You'll get a crash course in multiple fishing techniques, a shot at five different species, and maybe even some crab for dinner. Getter Done Charters provides all the gear, know-how, and local insight – all you need to bring is your sense of adventure and maybe a camera to capture your catches. Whether you're a local looking for a quick fishing fix or a visitor wanting to experience the best of BC's waters, this 4-hour trip delivers the goods. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot on the boat and get ready to make some waves (and memories) in Nanaimo!

Learn more about the species

Chinook Salmon

Chinook salmon, also called kings, are the heavyweight champs of the Pacific. These bruisers average 10-50 pounds but can top 100 in rare cases. We target them year-round, with peak season from May to September. Look for kings in deep water near rocky headlands, river mouths, and underwater shelves. They're not called kings for nothing - be ready for an epic battle on heavy tackle. Downriggers, cut-plug herring, and large spoons are go-to methods. Kings are known for sudden, blistering runs that can smoke a reel. Patience is key - let them tire themselves out. The rich, red flesh is prized for its oil content and flavor. Landing a big king is a bucket list catch for many anglers.

Coho Salmon

Coho salmon, or silvers, are a favorite around here for their acrobatic fights and tasty orange-red meat. These sleek fish typically run 8-12 pounds but can reach over 30. You'll find them in coastal waters from July through October as they begin their spawning run. Cohos like to hang around kelp beds, drop-offs, and river mouths. They're aggressive and will hit a variety of lures - try bright spinners or cut-plug herring on cloudy days. When hooked, be ready for aerial displays as they leap and tailwalk across the surface. Fall is prime time when large schools move into rivers. Float fishing with roe or twitching jigs works well in deeper holes. Cohos make for great eating whether grilled, smoked, or baked. Their firm texture and rich flavor is hard to beat.

Lingcod

Lingcod are the bullies of the rocky reefs - all mouth, teeth, and attitude. These aggressive bottom-dwellers can grow over 5 feet long and top 70 pounds, though 10-30 pounders are more common. You'll find them year-round lurking around rocky structure and kelp beds from 30 to 300 feet deep. Lings aren't fast swimmers, but they put up a dogged fight once hooked. Use heavy tackle and braided line to pull them away from their snaggy lairs. Large jigs, live bait, or whole fish work well. A local trick is to "bounce" your offering right in front of their face to trigger a bite. The tasty white meat makes great fish and chips. Just watch those teeth when unhooking - they've been known to chomp fingers!

Pink Salmon

Pink salmon, also called humpbacks, are the smallest Pacific salmon but pack a punch for their size. These silver-sided fish average 4-5 pounds but can reach up to 15 in rare cases. They're abundant in coastal waters and rivers from July to September during their two-year spawning cycle. Pinks are eager biters and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. Look for them in estuaries and near shore, often in large schools. They're not picky eaters - small spoons, spinners, or flies all work well. Locals know to target incoming tides when pinks push into rivers. The meat has a milder flavor than other salmon, making them great for smoking. A fun fish for all skill levels, pinks are a perfect warmup before going after the bigger salmon species.

Yellowtail Rockfish

Yellowtail rockfish are a staple for bottom fishing trips. These golden-tailed fish typically run 2-5 pounds but can reach over 10. You'll find them year-round over rocky reefs and pinnacles from 120-300 feet deep. They often school up, so when you find one, you've found many. Dropper loops with squid strips or small jigs work well. Unlike other rockfish, yellowtails can actually release gas from their swim bladders, so they handle coming up from depth better. The white, flaky meat is mild and versatile - great for fish tacos. A local tip: when you find a school, send down a larger jig to target the bigger fish hanging below the main group. Yellowtails are fun for all ages and make for steady action between salmon bites.

About the 22’ Grady-White

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 225

Ready for a fun day of fishing off Nanaimo? This 4-hour charter packs in plenty of action without the long journey. You'll start by dropping crab traps, then head straight to prime fishing spots close to shore. Most of your time will be spent trying to reel in Chinook and Coho salmon. Later on, you can switch gears and go for lingcod and rockfish too. Don't worry if you're new to fishing - the experienced guide will show you the ropes. It's a great option for families or small groups looking to get out on the water. The charter provides all the gear you need, including bait, tackle, and safety equipment. Before heading back, you'll swing by to check those crab traps and see what you've caught. With room for up to 4 guests, it's the perfect way to spend a half-day enjoying the waters around Nanaimo.

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