Looking for Bamfield Trip Advice

[Yyjdennis]

We just got a hitch extension to allow us to trailer our 18' aluminum boat behind our camper. We're thinking of a spring/early summer trip to Bamfield for some salmon fishing. Does anyone have any advice on the best place to camp around there? Centennial Park seems like the most convenient and they have moorage. Any comments?

I've looked at the fishing report threads but they're pretty thin on specifics. Can anyone recommend good fishing spots?

Also, when do the salmon usually start showing up in significant numbers?

Finally, I think we'd want to go out with a guide for one day to learn a bit about the area. Does anyone have any updated recommendations?

Thanks,
Dennis

 

[Dave001]

We just got a hitch extension to allow us to trailer our 18' aluminum boat behind our camper. We're thinking of a spring/early summer trip to Bamfield for some salmon fishing. Does anyone have any advice on the best place to camp around there? Centennial Park seems like the most convenient and they have moorage. Any comments?

I've looked at the fishing report threads but they're pretty thin on specifics. Can anyone recommend good fishing spots?

Also, when do the salmon usually start showing up in significant numbers?

Finally, I think we'd want to go out with a guide for one day to learn a bit about the area. Does anyone have any updated recommendations?

Thanks,
Dennis

Barkley Sound – Salmon University

salmonuniversity.com

 

[baddogg]

Danny Bishop, top notch guide.

Bish 'N Son | Fishing Adventures

 

[trophywife]

for sure centennial park. i recommend booking after july 15 if possible.. hopefully offshore will be open.
june has awesome american hatchery fish. usually some lings can be found still.

 

[BC Coast Pilot]

for sure centennial park. i recommend booking after july 15 if possible.. hopefully offshore will be open.
june has awesome american hatchery fish. usually some lings can be found still.

And not far to go for Halibut!

 

[Yyjdennis]

Thanks everyone. Great info. Another question, what is the best way to drive there with a large rig? Google says the route via Cowichan lake is an hour faster but is the Port Alberni route the better road?

Thanks again.

 

[Thunder21]

Thanks everyone. Great info. Another question, what is the best way to drive there with a large rig? Google says the route via Cowichan lake is an hour faster but is the Port Alberni route the better road?

Thanks again.

The road from Alberni is the better route.

 

[Charleygirl]

Don't shy away from June or July. Some phenomenal salmon fishing can be had at that time, with bonus, hardly any crowds.
Austin and Cree over in the Broken Group will definitely produce. I also love Kirby and Beale at this time of year. You can't go wrong with a glow white hootchy on one side and a green and white "skinny g" type of spoon on the other.
If the seas calm down it's a great time of year to get out for bottom fish!
Love it in "Banjo" late spring and early summer. My favourite time to be there!

 

[bigbruce]

Thanks everyone. Great info. Another question, what is the best way to drive there with a large rig? Google says the route via Cowichan lake is an hour faster but is the Port Alberni route the better road?

Thanks again.

Google doesn’t know the road via Cowichan Lake is a rough forest service road. PA to Bam has been chip sealed. I pulled my 31’ 5th wheel that way last Fall. Do the speed limit and take care approaching the one lane bridges.

 

[sly_karma]

The Guides' Guide series on youtube has an episode showing tips for how to fish Bamfield:

 

[casper5280]

Definitely the Port Alberni way in. We also tow our 30ft 5th wheel in. Like Big Bruce says just watch the bridges approaches. Banfield is a great place just don't tell anyone about it. Lol