Island Outfitters
Island Outfitters
Island Outfitters
SALTWATER OVERVIEW – The Chinook fishing was FAIR around the south Island over the last two weeks. Most of the fish have been from 4 to 6 lbs in size, but there have been some larger ones up to 15 lbs caught.
For the latest details on recreational fishery openings and closures in your area: A) Call 1-866-431-FISH or 604-666-2828 (24-hour phone line); B) Visit our web page http://notices.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fns-sap/index-eng.cfm to find applicable fishery notices; or C) Follow our sport fishing Twitter account https://twitter.com/sportfishingbc
SOOKE – The salmon fishing has been FAIR over the last two weeks. Most of the fish were from 6 to 8 lbs in size with the occasional larger one. The best locations to fish for winter springs have been from Secretary Island westward to Muir Creek. Most of the fish are quite close to the bottom in 100 – 140 feet of water.
The Sooke Saltwater Series Boxing Day salmon derby was once again a big success. The derby winner was Emma Goodley who caught a 15.32 lb spring. Second place went to Terry Dobson with a 13.5 lb spring. Third place went to Chris Wilson who caught a 12.04 lb spring. This derby marked the end of the 2017 fishing derby series and the overall winner for the year was Ryan Chamberland. More details about the derbies and the series can be found on their web site at http://www.sookesaltwaterseries.ca
BECHER BAY – Salmon fishing was SLOWER these past two weeks. Anglers have been having their best success from Whirl Bay to the Bedfords. Some springs were also caught in the Bay between Frazer Island and Cheanuh Marina, but not as many anglers are fishing there. Most anglers are fishing close to the bottom in 120 to 160 depths.
PEDDER BAY – Pedder Bay Marina reports GOOD fishing. Both Pedder Bay and Whirl Bay have been productive locations to fish. Most of the fish have been caught close to the bottom in 120 - 160 feet of water. The salmon have been from 4 to 8 lbs in size, with the occasional larger fish.
VICTORIA – Fishing for salmon was FAIR off the waterfront recently. Constance Bank has been the best spot to fish, and anglers were salmon weighing from 4 to 8 lbs, while trolling just off the bottom in 85-140 ft of water. Closer in, some salmon were caught off Clover Point, the Flagpole and Macaulay Point. In those locations the best depths to fish were 120-140 feet.
OAK BAY – Salmon fishing was SLOW in Oak Bay this past week. There were a few salmon up to 13 lbs coming in from the Gap but few from the Flats. The salmon are feeding on needle fish and have been close to the bottom where the feed is located. Most of the anglers have been either bottom bouncing or jigging close to the bottom.
SIDNEY – Salmon fishing was FAIR in the Sidney area. Anglers have had success catching keeper springs up to 10 lbs from the Red Can in Sidney Channel, Coal island and Moses Point. There is bait in the area so the fish should be holding there for awhile. There are still many undersized salmon in the area.
FRESHWATER OVERVIEW – Fishing was FAIR in most lakes for trout and SLOW for bass and steelhead.
COWICHAN RIVER – The water level started rising on Friday and didn’t start to drop until Sunday. Today the water level is 1.2 meters near the lake and near Duncan. There are a few steelhead in the river now but we haven’t heard of anglers having much success. Fishing for trout in the fly only area had been good, but the high water has really put a damper on the fishing.
TROUT – Trout fishing has been FAIR for trout at the local lakes. Shore anglers are catching trout on Powerbait, Gulp Eggs, and worms while fishing close to the bottom. Fly anglers are fishing Wooly Buggers, Leeches and Muddler Minnow patterns on full sink fly lines most of the time to get into the lower water levels. There have been some chironomid hatches though. Trollers are catching trout with worms fished behind Gibbs Gang Trolls and on Gibbs Wedding Bands. 2” Tomic Plugs have also been working well for trout.
BASS – Bass fishing is SLOW. During the day, soft plastics rigged Carolina style work well and crank baits can work well at times. Soft plastics rigged “Texas Style” are also a good choice when fishing drop offs and deeper structure. 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.
FISH TIP OF THE WEEK
When fly fishing the rivers for salmon and steelhead while using a sink tip or full sinking line, keep your leaders short. Anything more than 3 feet allows the fly to float up with the currents and not down near the fish's mouth. And be sure to keep mending your line!
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