Dan Coulas
Island Outfitters
SALTWATER OVERVIEW – Chinook fishing was PICKING UP over the weekend. Halibut fishing was GOOD with the stronger currents this weekend.
Effective until 23:59 hours Friday, June 12, 2015 in Subareas 19-1 to 19-4 and Subarea 20-5 (those waters near Victoria between Cadboro Pt. to Sheringham Pt.), the daily limit is two (2) chinook salmon per day which may be wild or hatchery marked between 45 cm and 67 cm or hatchery marked greater than 67 cm in length. The minimum size limit in these areas is 45 cm in length.
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SOOKE – The fishing for springs was FAIR this past weekend. Some hatchery springs into the teens were taken and there were some very big wild fish that were caught and had to be released. The springs are scattered all the way west and past Sherringham Point. The salmon restrictions are not in effect west of Sherringham and we heard of a 29 lb spring caught out that way. Bait is now out producing artificial lures when fishing for the springs.
The Sooke Saltwater Series Halibut Derby was held this past weekend. Congratulations go to Harvey Wood who won the derby and $1,800 cash with a 71.06 lb halibut. Second place went to Ryan Chamberland for a 58 lb halibut. Third place went to Matt Waldron for a 56.1 lb halibut. Mike Koff, who won our Island Outfitter’s 19th Annual Just for the Halibut Derby came in 4th with a 56 lb halibut. You can read more about the derby and the Sooke Saltwater Series on their facebook page.
BECHER BAY– Salmon fishing was PICKING UP in East Sooke over the weekend. Most of the fish were coming from the Bedfords and Whirl Bay. There were also some fish coming from the Trap Shack to Beechey Head. Most hatchery springs were running from 7 to 18 lbs in size and there were some larger unclipped fish that had to be released. Some of the salmon were caught deep (120 -160 feet) in even deeper water and others were caught from 50-70 feet on the downrigger.
PEDDER BAY – Chinook salmon fishing was GOOD this past weekend as a new run of fish moved in.. Whirl Bay and Church Rock were unquestionably the hot spots, although those fishing inside Pedder Bay were also picking up salmon. There were several wild fish over 20 lbs caught in Whirl Bay but most were hatchery fish in the 7 – 15 lb size range. A lot of the fish were caught deep, at 180 on the downrigger in 240 feet of water.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was GOOD this past weekend.
VICTORIA – Fishing for winter springs was GOOD off Constance Bank but SPOTTY along the waterfront. Hatchery fish weighing into the high teens were caught at Constance, as well as some bigger unclipped fish that had to be released. The salmon were feeding on needlefish that were schooled on the bank. Needlefish spoons were very effective in getting hook ups. Anglers have not done as well fishing closer to shore but there were a few fish near Brotchie Ledge.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was GOOD this past weekend.
OAK BAY – Salmon fishing was SLOW during the week but BETTERover the weekend. There was a mixture of both wild and hatchery fish in the area. The fish were hitting 3”-4” spoons as most of the needlefish in the area were small.
Halibut – Halibut fishing was GOOD this past week out in Haro Strait and off Discovery Island.
SIDNEY- Salmon fishing was FAIR near Sidney. The Sidney Anglers’ Association held their Spring Derby this past weekend. Larry Dalziel won the derby with an 18.1 lb spring caught near the Powder Wharf on a Sitka Sand Lance spoon. Second place went to Noah Kosick for a 12.9 lb spring caught on Tiny Strip near Sidney Spit. Third place went to Barry Freeman for an 11 lb 10 oz spring caught near Isabella Point on a white squirt.
Notable Catches – Larry Dalziel won the derby with an 18.1 lb spring caught near the Powder Wharf on a Sitka Sand Lance spoon. Second place went to Noah Kosick for a 12.9 lb spring caught on Tiny Strip near Sidney Spit. Third place went to Barry Freeman for an 11 lb 10 oz spring caught near Isabella Point on a white squirt.
FRESHWATER OVERVIEW – Fishing is PICKING UP on most lakes as the water temperatures climb. Trout fishing in the Cowichan River is EXCELLENT. Remember that ALL wild trout (steelhead included) must be released on ALL streams in Region 1. Wild rainbows and cutthroats over 50 cm must be released in Cowichan Lake. Only single barb less hooks are allowed for all fishing on island streams and rivers. Bass fishing is now catch and release only until June 15th.
COWICHAN RIVER – The water level is low. Today it is 0.40 meters near the lake and near Duncan. The trout fishing in the mid and upper river is EXCELLENT. Insect hatches are becoming larger and more frequent. There were some huge mayfly hatches this past week. The rainbows, cutthroats and resident brown trout are actively feeding on these hatches and migrating salmon fry. During the hatch, match the hatch with dry flies for exciting action. Bead head nymphs are the top producer when a hatch isn’t in progress.
TROUT – Trout fishing was GOOD on most lakes in the South Island area this past week. The biggest trout this year have come from Langford Lake.
BASS – Bass fishing is GOOD. At this time of year most of the bass are in the shallows for spawning. Langford Lake, Shawnigan Lake, Prospect Lake and Elk and Beaver Lakes are the best local bass lakes. St. Mary’s Lake on Salt Spring Island is also a great lake for bass fishing. Bass fishing is now catch and release only until June 15th.
Notable Catches – Ryan and Alec weighed in a 2 lb 10 oz Rainbow trout from Fuller Lake on May 24th. If they could contact the store to give us some details it would be appreciated.
FISH TIP OF THE WEEK
For many anglers it is the beginning of fishing season and they are about to take their first trip of the year. Before you go on that long anticipated first trip, go over all your gear in detail. Replace last year’s line with new line, get rid off old leaders and replace them with new ones and clean up anything that’s tarnished. It wouldn’t hurt to do an inventory of all your gear and make sure that you have everything that you need before venturing forth. Every year we hear a sad story of someone out for the first time and hooking a monster, only to lose it to worn tackle that they just didn’t bother to replace. Don’t let that be you.