Shore fishing opportunities around Gold River.

Thanks, all good info to help me plan! It's a fine balancing act...keeping the wife happy while getting some fishing done!
One thing about people trying to get you to throw down large @ Moutcha Bay-there is exactly zip all else to do in the area apart from fish and that road in isn't in any way an enjoyable drive; you might see the Elk herd but you're much more likely to end up in the bush/ditch.

Also rental vehicles generally aren't allowed on unpaved roads (it's debatable if the Tahsis road qualifies as paved) -so if you ditch the car you're paying not insurance.
 
Thanks, I'll look into the car rental details. I'm hoping the roads aren't worse than Southern Patagonia where we used to live.... A 100km drive to the nearest supermarket on unmade roads was quite the norm and believe me the trucks wouldn't slow down for anything! And that's not to mention the various river crossings without a bridge😁. Fingers crossed the roads around Gold River will be slightly better. We will only have three days in Gold river and one of those days we are booked on the Uchuck for a trip to Friendly Bay. I'm hoping we can avoid the crowds of the East coast and see a different side to the island. The rest of our trip we are in fairly touristy areas so hopefully we'll get a bit of contrast. Thanks for the heads up though👍
 
Thanks, I'll look into the car rental details. I'm hoping the roads aren't worse than Southern Patagonia where we used to live.... A 100km drive to the nearest supermarket on unmade roads was quite the norm and believe me the trucks wouldn't slow down for anything! And that's not to mention the various river crossings without a bridge😁. Fingers crossed the roads around Gold River will be slightly better. We will only have three days in Gold river and one of those days we are booked on the Uchuck for a trip to Friendly Bay. I'm hoping we can avoid the crowds of the East coast and see a different side to the island. The rest of our trip we are in fairly touristy areas so hopefully we'll get a bit of contrast. Thanks for the heads up though👍
My suggestion would be to book a charter early on in the trip with Jason Storie out of Campbell River who runs small whalers in addition to his larger boats, they're much more affordable and will scratch the itch early on. Doing so will take the pressure and expectation off the rest of the trip while also allowing the opportunity for some additional fishing when possible along your travels.

Trying to avoid tourists during tourist season on one of the most heavily visited areas in the country without a truck for backroads or boat for the water is ambitious to say the least. It doesn't mean there isn't solitude to be had but there's a reason the locals camp, fish, etc during the shoulder seasons!
 
Thanks, I'll look into the car rental details. I'm hoping the roads aren't worse than Southern Patagonia where we used to live.... A 100km drive to the nearest supermarket on unmade roads was quite the norm and believe me the trucks wouldn't slow down for anything! And that's not to mention the various river crossings without a bridge😁. Fingers crossed the roads around Gold River will be slightly better. We will only have three days in Gold river and one of those days we are booked on the Uchuck for a trip to Friendly Bay. I'm hoping we can avoid the crowds of the East coast and see a different side to the island. The rest of our trip we are in fairly touristy areas so hopefully we'll get a bit of contrast. Thanks for the heads up though👍
I know I was one of the ones to warn about the road condition in to Tahsis, and Dogbreath makes a good point about the rental car rules/insurance - but if you're used to driving on the types of roads you describe its not really that bad. It is basically just a logging road and easily done in a 2WD vehicle. The main hazards are loose gravel/rocks, some pretty gnarly hills to climb and descend in terms of % incline (but most of those sections are paved), and some soft shoulders/washouts that could suck you into the ditch if you get to close. Flat tires are common, though I've been over it 4 or 5 times and have yet to have one. I just mentioned it earlier to be clear that it is not just an extension of the highway that goes to Gold River - which is paved all the way.

All that said, if you are going on the Uchuck you will be passing right by Nootka Sound and up to Esperanza, which are two of the main saltwater salmon fishing destinations I and others have been urging you to check out. You'll no doubt see lots of sportfishing boats on the water as you pass - it will probably be painful not to be able to join in! But at least you'll get to see it.
 
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