"And this is the famous Tyee spot." I was told on a recent trip to Campbell River on Vancouver Island. The town is known for fishing, in particular salmon fishing. I know this partly due to the large sign on the city limits claiming Campbell River is the Salmon capital of the world. However, on the waterfront facing Quadra Island where the Strait of Georgia collides with the mouth of Seymour Narrows I found a sign, Tyee Club. A small dog-walking park and floatplane docks border the gated clubhouse that is home to a piece of British Columbia heritage that predates the arrival of the Europeans.
On that sign was a brief description about the Tyee Club of Campbell River. I was inspired by this. I am on the lookout for interesting items both fascinating, and mundane. To the chagrin of my wife and mother in law walking the dog I lingered over the sign and every tourism sign within the park speaking of the long-established fishery of the illusive Tyee. Why had I not heard about it before now? It cannot be that famous, however many before me, and some rather influential types were already aware. This was the sport of kings, and a few politicians as well. Not the horsy sport of kings, this was a bit fishier.
Tyee Club of Campbell River
In 1924, the Tyee Club of Campbell River was established looking to catch the Tyee - a name in the coastal native tongue meaning, "the chief", which is a Chinook or Spring salmon over 30 pounds. The club's humble beginnings are said to have happened in a local hotel by three men who declared the Tyee as great as the California Tuna and deserving of recognition. By 1925, the club was official with a set of rules, regulations, and a mandate.
- To create interest in this particular species.
- To foster sportsmanship.
- To encourage and sponsor young people to learn to guide and the ethics of true sportsmanship.
I completely approve of the style and method of fishing promoted by the club as it mirrors my outdoor kayaker's ethic of do not harm and leave no trace. To fish for the Chief, you are not allowed to use motors to power your fish boat. You must fish by rowboat. The fishing fleet of rowboats enters the strong eddies and currents of the space of water between Campbell River and Quadra Island in a spot known as the Pool. Once a salmon is hooked and the battle to land it complete, an official of the club will weigh the catch and if it qualifies, the fisher is given status as a standing member of the Tyee Club.
Is this to Become Another Lost Tradition?
Unfortunately, I walked along the Campbell River spit during a howling gale in April, which is the wrong time of year to witness the fishery in action. Although I am not much of an angler, I have a passion for the sea, am a kayaker, and have attempted to fish while kayaking. I would have liked to find a Tyee member to take me Tyee fishing on a warmer day, or at the very least let me row one of these little craft. I looked around but there were no such hardy fisher-folk, only a few stoic dog walkers braving the elements on the jetty that evening. The walkway to the Tyee Club wharf was locked and closed up tight. I would have to return in September, as this became the traditional time to fish the illusive Tyee, though fishing events are held during the summer months as well.
Campbell River is changing as many coastal communities face uncertain times. Resources such as the salmon fishery are dwindling due to over-fishing, environmental changes and the days of the great Tyee may be running short, and there may come a day when all the rowboats return to the clubhouse dock, without the Chief.
David Barnes - Hi I'm Dave. About Dave I live on my beloved Salt Spring Island in the Southern Gulf Islands of British Columbia, Canada with my ...
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