Know the north coast
Get to know the salmon, bottom fish and shellfish that make this coast worth exploring. Choose a group, open a species and find out more.
Species illustrations · not to scale. Use the DFO guide for catch identification.
Salmon
Also known as king or spring salmon. The largest Pacific salmon species.
Black gums and spots on both lobes of the tail help distinguish Chinook from coho.
Salmon grow at sea and return to freshwater to spawn. Their migration links rivers, forests and coastal waters.
DFO identification guide ↗
Salmon
A silver-sided Pacific salmon often called silver salmon.
Look for white gums and spots mainly on the upper lobe of the tail.
Coho begin life in freshwater before moving to sea. Healthy streams matter to the fish encountered on the coast.
DFO identification guide ↗
Bottom fish
A large flatfish found over the seafloor.
Both eyes are on the dark upper side; the underside is pale.
Halibut live close to the bottom and feed on other marine animals. Size and retention rules can change.
DFO identification guide ↗
Bottom fish
A bottom-dwelling predator found around rocky habitat.
A large mouth, mottled body and long dorsal fin make it distinctive. It is not a true cod.
Rocky habitat provides feeding and nesting areas. Treat spawning fish and their habitat with care.
DFO identification guide ↗
Bottom fish
A diverse group of Pacific fish, not one interchangeable species.
Colour and fin patterns vary by species. Use an identification guide and ask Dustin before retaining a fish.
Many rockfish are long-lived. Bringing them up from depth can cause barotrauma; proper release practices and conservation areas matter.
DFO identification guide ↗
Shellfish
A coastal crab that may be part of a trip when conditions and rules allow.
A broad shell with a toothed edge. Sex and size must be checked before retention.
Crabs live on the seafloor and are part of the coastal food web. Trap location, size limits and release rules protect the stock.
DFO identification guide ↗
Shellfish
Large shrimp found in British Columbia waters.
Spot prawns have characteristic pale spots on their bodies.
Shellfish opportunities depend on local openings and conditions. Dustin will confirm what is appropriate for your dates.
DFO identification guide ↗What we can target or keep depends on the area, season and current rules. These introductions are here to help you explore, not to promise a catch or replace current regulations. Dustin will plan the fishing around your dates and the conditions.
Check the current DFO sport fishing guide ↗From Dustin’s Instagram
See Dustin’s latest catches, trips and updates on Instagram.