Port Hardy Fishing Locations and North Vancouver Island
In my opinion Port Hardy area offers some of the best multi-species fishing in BC. From Salmon to monster bottom fish like Halibut and Lingcod, it’s an anglers paradise! Each year, when the Salmon begin their return home they make their way down the pacific northwest coast and one of the first points of land they’ll hit is the north tip of Vancouver Island (near Cape Scott) splitting them from running either down the west (outside) or east (inside) of the island. At this intersection of fish it create an incredible fishing opportunity each year.
In this article, I’m highlighting some of the prime tidal fishing spots and timing around this area.
Fisherman's Wharf
The Fisherman’s Wharf has a boat launch and is where most of the fishing charter guides will have their boat or launch from. It’s also right next to the Glen Lyon Inn which is where we love to stay and makes for an easy walking access point.
Port Hardy Fisherman’s Wharf and Bay
Duval Point
Duval point is best fished on a Flood tide as it pushes the fish against the wall of Duval Island. Flood tide comes down the Goletas Channel, so depending on the tide and wind conditions look for the calmer side of Duval Island where the fish and bait can be holding.
Daphne Point
Daphne Point is best fished on the Ebb tide, where the tide is flowing west and down into the Port Hardy Bay direction. From Daphne Point follow the coast line down.
Daphne Point fishing location port hardy
Masterman Island
Just north off Daphne Point is Masterman Island. There is a lot of structure and a good place for bait to hold on the opposite site of the tide current.
Masterman Island fishing location port hardy
Round island
On years when sockeye are more plentiful they usually show up in front of Port Hardy Bay in August. The sockeye will be continue above Masterman Island and down toward Round Island. In water depths roughly 400 to 500 feet between Round Island and Port McNeill this is a great section to target moving salmon.
Gordon & Doyle Islands
Fishing the steep drop offs of the Gordon & Doyle Islands are good sections to target bottom fish like Lingcod & Rockfish. You can even troll for Salmon along these areas as there are plenty of great Kelp beds holding bait. Look for the 100-120 feet deep sections.
Gordon & Doyle Islands fishing locations port hardy
Gordon, Heard & Doyle Islands drone photo
Taylor Bank
Taylor Bank is a popular Halibut location in the middle of Queen Charlotte Strait. Taylor is a massive underwater plateau with depths roughly around 200′. Off the plateau the water drops into 400+ really quickly. Taylor Bank Coordinates: 50°49’40.9″N 127°15’29.3″W
Taylor Bank Port Hardy Fishing Location
Morgan Shoal
Morgan Shoal like Taylor Bank is a popular Halibut location in the middle of Queen Charlotte Strait. The shallowest point on this shoal is roughly 60′ and is a great mountain structure to target not only Halibut but bottom fish like Lingcod and Rockfish. Morgan Shoal Coordinates: 50°47’18.2″N 127°15’15.4″W
Morgan Shoal Port Hardy Fishing Location
Nahwitti Bar
This bar is a sandy section west off Hope Island, this is a prime Halibut fishing area. If you can fish this area on a low wind and tide day and are able to anchor in this area, you should be in for a good Halibut time!
Nahwitti Bar location port hardy
Nahwitti Point
When the salmon are beginning their return back to their spawning grounds, they hit the north tip of Vancouver Island and head down the west (outside) or east (inside) sides. This intersection spot is a fantastic Salmon fishing location particularly in July & August. It’s about a 30 minute boat ride from Port Hardy but worth the gas! You also have quick access to the Nahwitti Bar area for Halibut.
Northern Tip of Vancouver Island – Near Nahwitti bar
Deserters Island
Deserters Island is located in the middle of the Queen Charlotte Strait. This island is also surrounded by a number of islands that provides a bunch of underwater structure for bottom fish and bait fish. Fish the slower sides of these islands of the tide direction.
Best Fishing Times of the Year for Port Hardy
Salmon season starts in late May to early July. Early July until end of August is where the majority (and largest) of Salmon show up. If you’re looking to book a charter mid July to August, be sure to book well in advance as this the “go time”.
If you’re looking for bottom fish like Halibut, Lingcod or Rockfish in combo with Salmon, you’ll want to fish the prime time of early July to August. If you’re only looking to target bottom fish, there are earlier opportunities usually starting in April and this can continue until October. Ideally, bottom fish are best targeted with good wind and tide conditions and April to October is your better time of year.
My Fishing trips to Port Hardy
Below are videos and and articles outlining some of my fishing trips to Port Hardy. The videos below outline a guided trip with Ryan at Fish Harder Charters. It was some of the best Pacific Northwest Fishing I’ve ever had! The fishing Journal was a 4-man trip with a friends boat which has a surprise ending, read that article here.
Surprise ending on this trip
