I live in mill bay and was highly anticipating lots of sockeye fishing off pender, but got fed up with waiting. I trailered the boat up to Browns Bay (just north of campbell river). The launch, as said, has no dock but was fine to use for my 21 foot trophy. It is easier if you have someone back the truck down, and just drive the boat off, but I solo loaded and it was still fine. Just had to block the boat ramp for a bit, but it wasnt busy at all.
There is about 5km of gravel road to drive on, after the highway. It isnt bad, but also isnt fantastic. Take it slow and it is all good. I spent two nights at the dock. Decent priced moorage, and i think they let you launch for free if you pay moorage. They didnt charge me, at least for the boat launch, even though I told them. Not sure if it was a mistake, or the common practice.
I fished in Deep Water bay, just north and across on the quadra side. It is a 5 minute run. Morning bite was best, I got my limit in under an hour. Fishing in about 65-75 feet on the downrigger. Today, a green flasher and a purplish hoochie was outproducing my pink hootchies and red/pink flasher. Yesterday the opposite was true.
Shout if you have more questions.