Is it common to struggle this much when first starting out here? It's incredibly frustrating, especially when I'm bringing my son and trying to keep him interested in fishing here.
It absolutely is frustrating and, yes, it is common. You are in good company!
Consider that you serving an apprenticeship. It takes time to successfully put all the pieces together (salmon species, timing, preferred river structure, reading the water, water conditions, tackle, presentation...) Riblovac had a great suggestion of talking to seasoned anglers. Better yet, go fishing with some if you can. A fishing mentor like that can sharply reduce the learning curve.
Are you new to angling and rivers, or new to angling and rivers in BC? Reason why I ask is that if you have fished much before, you already have a "fish sense" and it's a smoother transition to river salmon in BC. I had a buddy who was a successful fly angler in streams and lakes for trout. I introduced him to drift fishing for coho and it didn't take him long to make the adjustment. Having experience as an angler, particularly in rivers, can really help.
As far as kids, the salmon fishery can be a tough one with crowds, wet/cold weather, wading... How old is your son? Riblovac had another great suggestion of finding fishing opportunities in the spring more suited to kids. I have a lot of spots under my belt that I have taken my kids, and others, to over the years. PM me and we'll talk
