Top-Rated Nanaimo Winter Fishing | Getter Done

Winter Chinook Fishing Charters in Nanaimo

Ready for some winter fishing action in Nanaimo? Our 8-hour full-day trip is the real deal. We'll hit the water from Brechin boat launch, set some crab traps, and then get after those prized winter Chinook salmon. It's a local favorite for good reason – you get a mix of crabbing and salmon fishing all wrapped up in one awesome day on the water.

What to Expect on the Water

We kick things off with a quick 5-minute boat ride to drop our crab traps. Dungeness crab are the target here, and they're tasty as can be. Once the traps are set, we'll cruise another 15 minutes to reach our fishing grounds. Winter Chinook (also known as Blackmouth) are the main event. We typically spend 4-5 solid hours fishing for these hard-fighting salmon. The winter run might not be as big as the summer kings, but they make up for it with their feisty attitude. Expect a mix of trolling and mooching, depending on what the fish are feeling that day.

Techniques & Tackle Talk

For our winter Chinook, we'll be using a mix of downriggers and weighted lines. Hoochies, spoons, and cut-plug herring are all on the menu – we'll see what's working best that day. Keep an eye on your rod tip; these winter fish can be subtle biters. When it comes to the crabbing, we use collapsible traps baited with fish carcasses or chicken. It's a great way to maximize your day and potentially add some seafood to your catch.

Customer Stories

"Did a half day trip with Brennan on our honeymoon. One of the highlights of our trip for sure. Caught a bunch of fish and crabs even though it was later in the day." - Harvey

"We got her done! Great trip with a very knowledgeable captain. Even lucked out and saw some whales." - Johnny

Species You'll Want to Hook

Chinook Salmon: These are the big dogs of the Pacific salmon world. In winter, we're typically looking at fish in the 8-20 pound range, though bigger ones do show up. Winter Chinook, or "Blackmouth" as we call 'em, are known for their dark gums and aggressive fights. They tend to hang out in deeper water during the colder months, so we'll be working the 80-120 foot depths most days. The best part? Winter Chinooks are often some of the best-eating salmon you'll ever taste – their meat is rich and full of flavor from feeding on herring all winter.

Coho Salmon: While Coho (also called Silver salmon) aren't as common in the dead of winter, we do start seeing them as we get into early spring. These acrobatic fish are a blast to catch, known for their wild jumps and speedy runs. They're typically smaller than Chinook, averaging 6-12 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in fight. Coho meat is a bit lighter in color and flavor compared to Chinook, but it's still top-notch for the grill or smoker.

Dungeness Crab: While not a fish, these tasty crustaceans are a highlight of many trips. We drop our traps at the start of the day and check them on our way back in. Legal-sized Dungeness need to be male and measure at least 6.5 inches across the shell. They're prized for their sweet, tender meat – perfect for crab cakes, crab boils, or just cracked and dipped in butter.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, winter fishing in Nanaimo isn't for the faint of heart – it can be chilly and the weather can be a bit unpredictable. But for serious anglers, it's hard to beat. You've got a shot at some of the best-eating salmon of the year, a chance to fill your crab pot, and way less boat traffic than you'll see in summer. Plus, there's always the possibility of spotting some local wildlife like seals, sea lions, or even whales.

Our 8-hour trip gives you plenty of time to really work the fishing grounds and maximize your chances of success. We provide all the gear you need, so just bring some warm clothes, snacks, and a good attitude. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time chasing salmon, we'll make sure you have a day to remember on the water. Don't let winter pass you by – book your trip now and let's get after those Nanaimo Chinook!