Salmon runs, limits and closures for Nanaimo · DFO Area 17
Nanaimo sits in DFO Pacific Area 17 on the Strait of Georgia coast. This page covers when salmon run here and the recreational salmon limits and closures in effect. For live wind, waves, tides and an hourly fishing score, see the Nanaimo forecast.
Nanaimo has a well-established winter chinook fishery on the nearby banks and reefs, with resident fish present through the colder months. Summer brings migratory chinook, and coho move through later in the season. Autumn sees returns to the Nanaimo River system, with chum among the late-season fish.
chinook 2 per day in 17-1 to 17-4, 17-8, 17-10 to 17-12 and 17-21, non retention in 17-5 to 17-7, 17-9 and 17-13 to 17-20; chum 2 per day; coho 2 per day; pink 4 per day; sockeye non retention.
Three salmon closure areas are in effect today, including Chemainus River, Departure Bay Finfish Closure and Nanaimo Harbour Finfish Closure. A closure overrides the area-wide limit where they overlap.
See the full Area 17 regulations for the complete limits tables and subarea boundaries. Openings change in-season - always confirm on DFO before fishing.
The full Nanaimo guide covers the setting, hazards and how the water behaves, with the live forecast and fishing score. See which areas are calmest tomorrow or this weekend, or browse fishing by species and all BC locations.