The pink salmon run in Indian Arm: when to see it and how to fish it

Every second summer, Indian Arm fills with jumping fish. Pink salmon return to the Indian River at the head of the arm in odd-numbered years, and in a good year you see them leaping all the way from Deep Cove to the estuary. The next run arrives in summer 2027.

When to go

Tsleil-Waututh Nation fisheries crews start seeing pinks jumping in Burrard Inlet and Indian Arm in June. By July the fish enter the Indian River in the thousands, and the run peaks through August. Late July to late August gives you the best show on the water.

Where to see them

You’ll see fish jumping along the whole length of the arm, but they concentrate near the head as they wait to move into the river. Run up to the Indian River estuary, cut the engine and listen. The splashes come from every direction.

Where salmon gather, predators follow. Watch for seals, bald eagles and, now and then, killer whales hunting the seals.

Fishing for pinks

Pinks bite small pink lures, spoons and spinners. If you plan to fish:

• Every angler needs a BC tidal waters sport fishing licence, with any salmon conservation stamp the rules require. Buy it online from Fisheries and Oceans Canada before your trip.
• Use barbless hooks for salmon.
• Check the current openings, limits and closures on the DFO website before you go. They change from year to year.
• Stay out of the three Rockfish Conservation Areas in Indian Arm. Fishing for any finfish, pinks included, is banned inside them, and fishery officers patrol the arm during the run and write tickets.

Read our fishing guide for more.

Watch from a distance

The Indian River is the heart of a restoration effort the Tsleil-Waututh Nation leads with federal and provincial partners. Give the estuary space, keep wakes down near the shallows and enjoy the show from the boat.

Book your 2027 salmon run day. Summer weekends go first.