Fishing Grounds In Chatham Sound

Chatham Sound...

is the body of water just outside of the Prince Rupert harbour. Its many rocky islands, erratic bottom structure, and the areas huge tides (sometimes as much as a twenty four foot difference between the high and the low) create great back eddies where huge schools of bait fish congregate, making for prime feeding grounds for the many species of game fish of the North Pacific. All five species of Pacific salmon migrate through Chatham Sound in huge numbers, stopping to feed and bulk up for their incredible journeys back to the very rivers that their life began. Chinook, Coho, Chum, Pink, and Sockeye all migrate through Chatham Sound each summer. Chatham Sound also boasts great numbers of Pacific Halibut, and the bottom structure and nutrient rich waters make for ideal conditions to target these popular game fish. The superb bottom structure also supports great habitat for many other bottom game fish such as Ling Cod, and many species of Rock Fish. Prince Rupert truly is a fisherman’s paradise, and has a great reputation as a major sport fishing destination.

Chatham Sound...

is home to a myriad of sea life, and the shoreline is a great place to view wild life of the region. Otters, seals, and sea lions can be seen frolicking in and around the many kelp beds that fringe the secluded beaches, beautiful islands, and jagged outcroppings. Porpoises are almost always in the vicinity of the mouth of the Prince Rupert harbour, as well as on the many fishing hot spots. Many different species of sea birds inhabit the area, feeding on an abundance of bait fish. Bald Eagles are an almost every day sighting on our excursions, as they hunt in the same areas we fish. Black Bears and Grizzlies are sometimes seen wandering a beach in search of shellfish. Secretive Coastal Wolves make an appearance occasionally, usually on the hunt for the many Deer of the region.

Chatham Sound...

is famous for hosting great numbers of migrating Humpback Whales that gorge themselves in these nutrient rich waters over the summer months. These enormous, graceful animals can be seen diving, as their huge tails emerge into the air, then slowly glide delicately back into the ocean. If you are lucky, you will get to view these majestic creatures breach, their entire forty-five ton bodies flying through the air, as you get to see just how enormous they really are. Or maybe you get the opportunity to view them feeding with their vast open mouths as they take in whole schools of krill. Every sighting is different, and will leave you awe struck! Orca or Killer Whales are also a common sighting in Chatham Sound. Large pods are common when the Chinook Salmon are migrating through the area, and smaller pods cruise the area all year. These intelligent animals are amazing hunters, and actually hunt as a group, with each member playing key roles in herding schools of fish in order to maximize their efforts. These efficient hunters will add an extra sense of adventure to any day!