For many Anglers particularly those who are fishing for the first time, the catching and keeping of a fish is a milestone in their lives.

It's something to brag about - something to show and is the direct result of many hours spent on the water; testing, trying and finally having success! 

Those of us who have had the chance to catch a Rivers Inlet “Wannock Chinook” – you’ve surely been impressed with the power, will and determination these fish have. For an Angler to bring one to the boat is no easy feat much less being the person trying to land it in the net!

We at Good Hope certainly appreciate the opportunity to experience these wonderful creatures.  Rivers Inlet Chinook are  different from every other Chinook on the coast. They’re a natural phenomenon we believe has to be celebrated and regardless if they on the line or in the boat.  

Two places on the entire coast of British Columbia produce fish like these and often topping 70 and 80 pounds – the Kalum River; a tributary of the Skeena River and the Wannock River – Rivers Inlet.  Many people have witnessed the incredible average size of these special fish and believe they’re simply more ferocious feeders - this is partly true. Size is actually the result of being older; more genetically resilient fish.  Living 4-7 years compared to more usual 3-4 year Chinook from other river systems.

Given this distinction, Good Hope Cannery encourages our guests who are fishing in the Rivers Inlet Trophy Area *  at the head of Rivers Inlet to make a choice and for the benefit of these fish.  If you’ve caught and kept a Wannock Chinook during your lifetime, chances are it’s the largest Chinook you’ve ever taken and your “Trophy". Consider enjoying Rivers Inlet as a whole, the thrill of experiencing these magical fish and if possible – (pending exhaustion rate and condition) releasing your catch within the Trophy area.

Ted Walkus, Good Hope Cannery Manager also works on the Wannock River enhancement program and has seen first-hand the high survivability of these fish after being released.  “Many fish have survived their experience with anglers – whether intentional or not! I can tell you there would have been some broken hearts and tall tales from the BIG ones I know have gotten away!” “With the short period of time these fish have to get in the river – it’s not expected hooks will rust out. We can tell by small hook marks if they’ve been caught before and sometimes hooks are still intact – evidently not affecting the fish or its primary interest”. We all know what that is!

The opportunity to fish Rivers Inlet is a privilege we share and through conservation, education and a little help from Mother Nature – we’ll continue to experience these fish for decades.

Rivers inlet provides several fishing opportunities including those on the outside waters – targeting multiple runs and species migrating down the coast of BC. Coho, Pink, Chum and Ocean Brite Chinook are all available in these waters and with generous limits in place.

*Trophy area-  the inside waters of Rivers Inlet extending from Stone point towards the fishing boundaries at the head of Rivers Inlet.

Look for more updates on Rivers Inlet and Catch and Release opportunities in the near future!

Tight Lines,

The Good Hope Team