I have fished for sockeye before on the Fraser with gear and had a lot of fun but have since tuned strictly to fly fishing. I heard about the sockeye run in Port Alberni and was wondering If it is possible to fly fish for them from shore with much success?

I haven't heard of anyone trying to fish in that sense. Most of the Sockeye caught in the river tend to be foul hooked. It may be tough to get a bite.

With this said, it is simply an observation. In my 6 years fishing it I haven't seen a flyrod used once.

Cheers,

Leischvost

The areas that are open for retention (Papermill Dam) are NOT conducive to fly gear. And you'd have a damn tough time wiggling in to the madness with that set-up!

That said, you can target them up-river a ways successfully with the fly. Pretty much need a boat though. I've done this several times (C&R Only!) at the confluence with the Sproat. Small pink fuzzies with some tinsel worked well on the 5 weight. Loads of FUN!

Cheers,
Nog