Fish Processing in Canada

Cats Meow · Posted: Sat May 30, 2009 11:22 am Post subject: Fish Processing in Canada

I am planning 2) two week trips up to the Broughton Archipelago this July/August and was wondering if anyone had some good advice on where I might get my fish processed? Providing I catch any fish of course. I don't plan on keeping all that much but I thought it would be nice to bring home a couple of Salmon for the freezer. I'd like to have a place I could drop my catch and they would do the fileting and then freeze it for transport. Like you'd find at a fishing resort. I plan on bobbing around the Blackfish Sound area and Knight Inlet and Johnstone Strait. One of my kids will be leaving by float plan after the first week and I thought I would give them a box of fish to take with them. Any thoughts?

Doryman · Posted: Sat May 30, 2009 11:55 am Post subject:

There are not many salmon in the Broughtons. The proximate cause is the fish farms in the area, according to Alexandra Morton. You can read more about her in this New York Times article.

Most of the good fishing is on the west coast of Vancouver Island.

Warren

starcrafttom · Posted: Sat May 30, 2009 3:07 pm Post subject:

That’s not really true. My old co-worker from Cadman goes to the Port hardy area every year for a week just to fish. Its wonderful fishing. Don’t believe everything you read. Now maybe deeper into the broughtons on the main land side its not as good but I think a lot had been over dramatized about how bad it is.

The port hardy and down thru the john stone straight to The Campbell river area is one of the top fishing destinations on the west coast. Adam, my friend, comes home every year with several hundred lbs of salmon and halibut every year. Find a Canadian online fishing site and ask questions about guides and processing there.
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Cats Meow · Posted: Sat May 30, 2009 3:39 pm Post subject: Fish Processing in Canada

Thanks guys. I have been watching the reports so far of the Salmon coming down the passage. First reports are promising. I have read the Morton report. Not quite sure what all to make of it yet. The escapment reports of some of the rivers look very promising so far and the prediction is for a good year. The numbers are up. I am undeterred. I'm going fishing!

NewMoon · Posted: Sat May 30, 2009 8:13 pm Post subject:

We've caught some mighty fine salmon, halibut, and ling (and dungies - try the west end of Blunden Harbour) in Queen Charlotte Strait and at the western edge of the Broughtons. Don't know where to suggest for processing, however.

Here's a BC fishing site from which I've learned a thing or two:
http://www.sportfishingbc.com/forum/

rogerbum · Posted: Sun May 31, 2009 12:23 am Post subject:

If you have shore power, bring a fillet knife and a vacuum packer and take care of it yourself. Many ports/marinas will have freezer storage available for a fee (like a couple of $'s/night). If you can fillet the fish yourself, a vacuum packer and a nearby freezer is all you need.

Larry H · Posted: Sun May 31, 2009 1:03 am Post subject:

Here is a link to the Canada fishing regs.

http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/index-eng.htm

Be sure to read the possession limits and restrictions on packaging fish.

Big dave · Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2009 10:39 am Post subject:

I have fished up their for the last 14 years, and couldn't begin to tell you the number of salmon & halibut and bottom fish that I have caught. I hardly bother with salmon fishing in the states.
You will want a downrigger to get the big springs.
I process my own fish, make sure you read the regs, if you are an American there is a certain way it must be done, they make it very clear and easy to read how to do it. You can have your fish processed in Port McNeil or Port Hardy if you want to make the run, some lodges will let you drop off fish and use their freezers for a small fee and if they have room.
Good luck !
Perhaps I will see you up their.
Dave & Ruthi.
Raven Dancer.