Located at the mouth of the Alberni Canal where Barkley Sound begins, Copper Island offers access to some of the world's finest salmon fishing grounds. A superb abundance of fish is virtually guaranteed by the many rivers running into Barkley Sound, and also by the Robertson Creek Fish Hatchery situated at the other end of the Alberni Canal. This hatchery is designed to produce approximately 8,000,000 juvenile Chinook and 1,000,000 juvenile Coho annually.
Opening out to the Pacific Ocean, Barkley Sound rates as a topnotch fishing ground where outstanding catches are assured. Fish are plentiful all year round! All salmon heading for their spawning grounds at the Alberni Canal and all salmon heading for the Robertson Creek Hatchery must pass by Copper Island.
Most people attending ICECREAM trailer their boats to Port Alberni and launch at the Cludesi public marina. There is a small fee for launching and plenty of space to leave your truck and trailer across the street. It is recommended to travel down the inlet early in the morning because of possible wind problems late in the summer afternoons. Pay close attention to the markers as you leave the public dock least you get stuck high and dry as the tide goes out. The inlet is fresh water and will flush out your engine on your return trip home. It is approximately 27 scenic miles from Port Alberni to Copper Island where ICECREAM is held. As always, be careful and watch for objects in the water such as dead heads, logs and other boaters. Make sure that your boat is equipped with all of the proper safety equipment and try not to run after dark. |
