Ucluelet fishing forecast 2026

Columbia River projections above 10 year average for Chinook salmon 

Updated June 12, 2026
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Ucluelet fishing forcast for 2026

The Chinook forecast for Ucluelet is very tied to what happens in the Columbia River. 
The 2026 Columbia River forecast for upriver spring Chinook is 147,300 fish, which is less than the 154,703 that returned to the Columbia River in 2025, but higher than the 10-year average return of 126,248.

 The 2026 fall Chinook forecast is 651,300, and summer Chinook numbers are expected to be higher than in 2025.

The thing to keep in mind is that this is a forecast. Forecasts are great, but numbers can be above or below the forecast.

The trend is going in the right direction and that means chances are good more  Chinook are passing through Ucluleet.
The Columibia River is the largest contributer to Chinook passing through Ucluelet. 

Limits for Chinook to stay the same at 2 per day/4 take home
There was talk that there were going to be closures for some additional areas around Vancouver Island because of the possible "food" shortage for Orca "Killer" Whales. 
Fortunately that didn't materialize. The data shows that Chinook numbers and ocean survival keeps increasing for Chinook despite DFO's efforts to show to the contrary. 
Chinook fishing has been the best and most consistent we have seen to start the season in quite some time. 
The Barkley Sound forecast is strong again and we should see lots of Chinook coming near shore again. 

Coho salmon started showing late May which is much earlier than normal. We have been catching them near shore consistently which is a good sign for the rest of the season. The amount of bait in areas close to shore has increased greatly which is also a large factor in attracting salmon. Bait is small this time of year so use lures accordingly. 


Halibut Size limit increase. 


We have positive news with the halibut size limit getting increased from 102 cm to 112 cm. The carrying limit is still 1.
As we did in 2025 we will be targeting lingcod as much as possible. Lingcod has become the favorite white meat of many on the coast including some of the Salmon Eye guides. 

If you are looking to book fishing packages for 2026 or day trips book your trip today. Available dates are getting tight as well as accommodation.