Chum Fishing & Hatchery Open House

October is Chum season in Nanaimo! We have a large run of these hard fighting salmon entering the Nanaimo river right now. The commercial fleet was hard at it all day yesterday right in front of the Nanaimo estuary. While traditionally underutilized by sport fisherman, Chum salmon are actually one of the most sporting salmon to catch. They are large, very good fighters, easy to catch and great in the smoker. To target them in the salt water use sockeye style hootchies in pink, purple and chartreuse. The key is to first find them by spotting jumpers. Then troll dead slow and shallow 60-20 ft. Also the lower portion of Nanaimo river is open under tidal fishing regulations. So if you don't have a boat it is a great option. Also a big reminder that November 5th is the Annual Nanaimo River salmon hatchery garage sale and spawning days open house. If you have used fishing gear to donate, please drop it off at the hatchery or here at the Chandler. Come out to the sale for deals on used gear,salmon BBQ, kids activities and to watch the salmon spawn. And also to support the good work that a few tireless volunteers do to maintain our wild salmon. Tips up, Steve Vavrik