It's All About the Fish!

A highlight for NSWS in 2025 was connecting with the amazing team at Island Fisherman Magazine in the summer to chat about the unique history of fishing in Nootka Sound, where stunning scenery and world class fishing has attracted anglers for many decades, and how it's evolved to remain a successful and sustainable fishery.

If you haven't had a chance to read the Island Fisherman Magazine Publication from July, here it is:

This article features the collaborative effort that maintaining this fishery has inspired and all the important local stakeholders who work in strong partnership and symmetry with one common goal - the fish.

Thank you Island Fisherman Magazine for taking the time to share the special history and old photos of fishing in Nootka Sound, and also the story of shared partnership supported by local fundraising efforts that contribute to successful fisheries for all stakeholders to enjoy. Strong and supportive partnerships with Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation and Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council, the hard working staff at the DFO Conuma Hatchery, NSWS Board and volunteers, generous funding partners, and three local derbies make the habitat restoration and salmon enhancement work in Nootka Sound possible. We are all in this together and here for the fish, and no piece of this intricate and delicate web works without the support and collaboration of the other.

Recreational fishing is a part of our lives and culture out here on the West Coast, and also a large contributor to the important habitat restoration work NSWS is able to accomplish with our partners, that has tremendous positive effects on the local salmon populations and ecosystem health, and also results in large socio-economic benefits for the region.

The annual derbies hosted by Reel Obsession Sport Fishing, Westview Marina, and Nootka Marine Adventures are all critical recreational fishing events for the region contributing significant donations to NSWS that go directly to salmon enhancement and habitat restoration efforts, but also bring anglers and their families to the region to experience the thrill of fishing in Nootka Sound, while supporting all the local businesses that support the industry.

Thank you to all who support this fishery and strive for shared salmon stewardship in Nootka Sound. May we all enjoy the incredible experience of fishing these waters for many generations to come.

It really is all connected, and it is all about the fish!

Tlupana Inlet (Photo credit - Nootka Sound Watershed Society)

Opening photo: Congratulations to Jeff Pollock on winning the 2024 Salmon Enhancement Derby at the beautiful Moutcha Bay Resort (Photo credit - Nootka Marine Adventures)