Hold On to Your Rods for this Weekend's Kayak Derby

by Gibran White

Offshore salmon fishing remains strong, with limits of chinook and coho coming in daily. It is a long run to the grounds and people wanting to attempt this type of fishing must be prepared with a well-equipped boat of at least 21 feet.  Anyone venturing outside should also be equipped with a GPS, VHF radio, good running engines and knowledge and a respect for the ocean! We recommend that anglers travel with another boat in their party if at all possible as the “highway” is located 14 to 16 miles offshore. All that being said with the colder weather and rain we are starting to receive these fish will be on the move, and by the time this report is posted a lot of these fish on the outside will begin to move in-shore and down the coast for their local rivers.

Jacob Khan with his first tyee

Large schools of Conuma river spring salmon are now pooling up in front of our resort in Moutcha Bay, staging for the run up the river to spawn this fall. Guests are catching lots of fish within a stone’s throw of our resort, with many different techniques being used to produce. Fast trolled Tomic plugs and spoons close to the surface, buzz-bombs and zingers jigged just off the bottom, and cast spoons with a quick retrieve are all producing fish in the early mornings and late evenings.

Don’t forget our Kayak Derby this weekend; September 2nd and 3rd.  Any human-powered craft is eligible to enter and there is still space available.  Have you ever seen a canoe being towed around by a 35 pound chinook?  Join us Labour Day weekend for this unique event.

Bottom fishing remains strong on the outside and anglers should make sure to get out there before the recreational closure on September 9th. With the changing weather patterns,  bottom fishing opportunities are going to begin to become reduced.

**Please check your local regs before fishing the areas of Nootka Sound, as there are many different limit and harvest regulations that apply to the different sub areas that you may be fishing in.

FRESHWATER

The first school of spring salmon has now entered the river and with a little more rain the bottom pools and runs will soon be full of big mature fish. The easiest method for targeting these big brutes in the river is with small spoons and Colorado blades.

Tight Lines, Good Luck, and Safe Fishing,

Gibran White

Onsite manager of: Nootka Marine Adventures