Originally published in 2013, this 2009 Prince Rupert fishing report was updated in 2026 with additional stories and photographs from the season.
The 2009 season marked a big change for our Prince Rupert fishing trips. We had upgraded to a Seaswirl Striper equipped with the Alaska Package, which included a full glass windshield and hardtop roof.
This was a major upgrade from the boat we used during our 2008 Prince Rupert fishing trip. The larger, deep-V hull handled the wind and waves much better, while the added protection made long days on the water more comfortable. Just as importantly, the boat’s reliability gave us the confidence to venture farther offshore and explore new fishing grounds.
The new Striper would become the foundation for our fishing adventures for years to come.
Two Trips to Prince Rupert
With the new boat, I made two trips to Prince Rupert in 2009, one in late June and another in July. Both turned out to be excellent fishing trips, with different crews and plenty of opportunities to explore.
The first trip was in late June with my grandpa Herb, Neal, and Ian. We took advantage of the Striper’s offshore capabilities to explore more of the fishing grounds around Prince Rupert.
I returned in July with my dad Steve and Brian. Partway through the trip, Travis and Ronda joined us, while Brian headed home. With the crew change, we continued fishing and exploring aboard the Striper.
Salmon, Halibut, and a Big Skate
The fishing was excellent on both trips. We caught plenty of Chinook and coho salmon, along with some good halibut.
One of the notable catches was a 44 lb halibut, and we also brought home limits of smaller chicken halibut.
For tips on processing your catch, see the FishinBC.COM post How to Fillet Salmon and Halibut with Less Waste.
We even hooked into a large skate while fishing at the Halibut Hole, adding another memorable catch to the season.
Beyond the fish themselves, one of the highlights of 2009 was discovering new fishing grounds around Prince Rupert.
Looking back, it was a memorable season. We had two excellent trips, some great catches, and plenty of reasons to look forward to returning the following year. In 2010, we caught our boat-record Chinook during our Prince Rupert fishing trip.
Your Turn
Have you fished around Prince Rupert? Share your favourite catches, trip memories, or Prince Rupert fishing tips in the comments below.