2025 Nootka Sound/Esperanza Inlet Reports

[Hot-Streak]

I would definitely not pull a boat over the Head Bay FSR in a minivan. The campground is good but its a hike down to the docks. There are a decent amount of stairs involved, or a long walk down the road. If you need to bring gear of any significance between the camp site and the boat, you'll probably want to drive it down.

good info about how far the site is from the docks. Cougar creek was an easy walk to the boats.

 

[pescador]

good info about how far the site is from the docks. Cougar creek was an easy walk to the boats.

Dust. Be prepared for lots of dust mid summer. On the road.

 

[Dogbreath]

Dust. Be prepared for lots of dust mid summer. On the road.

Greasy dust-like You Never Saw.

 

[donnie d]

Greasy dust-like You Never Saw.

Mud is much preferred. I did that once when it was dry. Never again.

 

[adbk]

Camped at moutcha bay resort with my dad last year. Power is good, my dad has a pleasureway sprinter van and it powered everything in it no problem. Road to moutcha was fine....but I wouldn't recommend doing the road down to the launch in a minivan, it's steep and can be loose, I can see a minivan having issues with a trailer going up it. I was in a 1500 Ram last year towing our old 17' whaler up it and had some slipping. The stairs down are fine if you're fit. If you're not, it's a slog. My dad has bad knees so we'd shuttle him up and down from the site. Bathrooms and showers are nice and the campground is well kept. Moorage is a must.

 

[Mervillite]

Just got back from a weekend trip to Nootka. Fished friendly cove and wash rock, small spoons were all we used and the bite was on. Several springs and coho both, more hatchery fish than wild fish. Lost one spring around 20lbs, boated 3 in the mid teens for springs. Some of the coho are decently sized for this time of year. Had kids and grandparents out and everyone had a blast, several double headers.

More commercial prawn boats around the inlet than normal for this time of year, usually late season we are down to 2 or 3 boats, there are still 12 or more and traps everywhere. Best to leave your prawn traps at home for a while.

Great start to the season for salmon!