Salmon runs, limits and closures for Saltspring Island South · DFO Area 18
Saltspring Island South sits in DFO Pacific Area 18 on the Gulf Islands 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 Saltspring Island South forecast.
Chinook hold in the surrounding channels through much of the year, including resident winter fish, and migratory fish move through in summer. Coho arrive later in the season. The mix of deep channel and shallower bay habitat within a short distance supports a longer season than more exposed water.
chinook 2 per day in 18-1 to 18-7 and 18-9 to 18-11, non retention in 18-8; chum 2 per day; coho 2 per day; pink 4 per day; sockeye non retention.
Five salmon closure areas are in effect today, including Southern Resident Killer Whale (SRKW) Recreational Salmon Fishing Closure, Cowichan Bay and Outer Cowichan Bay and others. A closure overrides the area-wide limit where they overlap.
See the full Area 18 regulations for the complete limits tables and subarea boundaries. Openings change in-season - always confirm on DFO before fishing.
The full Saltspring Island South 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.